Dated: 11 June 2009
BroadcastAsia, the region’s most comprehensive digital multimedia and entertainment technology exhibition and conference, returns to the Singapore Expo on 16 –19 June 2009. This year’s event will feature 647 exhibiting companies, 85 per cent of which are from overseas, and will see more than 60 new companies to the show. It will serve as a stage for international companies from across the globe to reach out to partners and customers from the Asia Pacific region.
“In spite of the current global economic downturn, businesses are still looking towards Asia to drive the new wave of growth in the broadcast and media sectors. BroadcastAsia remains the must-attend event for companies to source, purchase, network and foster collaborations between international, regional and local players, to leverage on each others’ strengths and seize new business opportunities,” said Mr Stephen Tan, Chief Executive of the show’s organiser, Singapore Exhibition Services (SES).
BroadcastAsia, currently in its 14th year, has grown to encompass a broader spectrum of media beyond the traditional television and Internet outlets. With the shifts in media consumption patterns and the increasing demands for more interactive and mobile content, services and applications, this year’s showcase of technologies will reflect the increasing convergence of media across the entire landscape.
“BroadcastAsia has become one of the leading shows of its kind by spotlighting industry innovation and fostering collaborations by bringing together the world’s broadcast technology players in a single place. It also reinforces Singapore’s aspirations to be at the leading edge of digital technology through an environment that promotes experimentation and test-bedding,“ said Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer, Media Development Authority of Singapore.
Featured for the first time at BroadcastAsia2009 is Digital Signage, a form of converging media that makes use of electronic displays installed in public retail, hospitality, transportation and entertainment spaces to captivate consumers. Digital Signage is altering outdoor advertising and is set to be a strong growth segment in Asia as the region’s affluent consumer population swells.
One of the highlights on the showfloor this year will be Panasonic Systems Asia Pacific's regional launch of 3D in Full High Definition (HD) technology. Its mini theatre showcase will feature a dramatic 10-minute 3D movie, shot in Full HD with Panasonic’s most advanced P2HD AVC-Intra cameras. The setup will include a 5.1 surround sound system, a silver screen measuring 2.7 by 1.5 metres, and will use two Full HD DLP projectors that allows for images to literally jump off the screen. In addition, viewers will be able to experience a fourth dimension with surprise extra sensory effects during the movie. Panasonic will also demonstrate live 3D broadcasting, capturing the action in its studio on the showfloor, and projecting it in real time on its theatre screen. Previously a prohibitive process, the affordable prices of the equipment is poised to drive 3D content development and make 3D entertainment more accessible to consumers.
Singapore at the Heart of New Asia Media
The Singapore Pavilion, led by the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA), continues to be the anchor pavilion at BroadcastAsia2009. The 1,200 sqm Pavilion will house 50 Singapore companies showcasing leading-edge digital media technologies, applications and services as well as some of the latest commercially viable projects supported by MDA.
“The Singapore Pavilion showcases local companies and projects at the forefront of the digital broadcasting wave. It also provides a glimpse beyond traditional television into a world of interactive, rich-media experiences,” added Dr Chia.
This year’s Pavilion features innovations that will transform the way users engage with the media for information and entertainment. An exciting development is Wish Singapore, an outdoor digital video display capable of receiving real-time content, such as videos, pictures and graphics, uploaded by people using their mobile phones and the Internet. Developed and operated by PGK Media in co-operation with IDM R&D Program Office hosted under the MDA, the technology will make its public debut at the National Day Parade as a giant floating digital wall on the waters of Marina Bay, making it a world’s first and the largest ever built in Singapore. During the National Day celebrations, this immersive digital canvas will display Singaporeans’ wishes and dedications from all around the world and in real-time.
Discussions are underway for Wish Singapore to support the 2010 Youth Olympic Games
in Singapore and the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.
Also exhibiting at the Pavilion is a Traffic Information System jointly developed by MediaCorp and iSET Media, a subsidiary of iSET in Korea. The System will, in the near future, provide updated, real-time traffic information as well as supporting services including Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) details, locations of restaurants and parking lot availability, through to an integrated street map system incorporating GPS and dynamic navigation capabilities. The Traffic Information System accepts static traffic data from the Land Transport Authority and MediaCorp's TrafficWatch before transmitting the live information via the Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) network to motorists. MediaCorp and iSET Media are now looking to develop an in-vehicle receiver for commercial use.
The possibilities of interactive television will also be showcased. MediaCorp, Skycom Satellite Systems and Zentek Technology Singapore will demonstrate an open standard, end-to-end interactive television system that will allow viewers to play games, vote and carry out other interactive services. MediaCorp and Zentek are developing a set of interactive TV applications based on Multimedia Home Platform (MHP), the recommended interactive TV middleware standard for Singapore, ASEAN and Europe. The range of interactive TV applications under development include an Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) as well as information services for news, government and children.
These interactive TV applications are being trialled on MediaCorp's digital terrestrial TV transmission network (DVB-T) using high definition MHP MPEG-4 terrestrial set top boxes (STB) developed by Skycom Satellite Systems. In addition to developing these STBs for interactive TV applications and services, Skycom is looking to extend the STB capabilities to support DVB-T2 (the second generation of DVB-T), which will provide spectrum efficiencies of up to 50% as compared to DVB-T. These efficiencies will enable, for example, the future roll out of multichannel HDTV or innovative datacasting services.
Visitors will be able to view these new technologies at the Singapore Pavilion located at 8G4-05, Singapore Expo Hall 8. A list of the participating companies can be found in the attached Annex.
Regional Conferences
Held alongside BroadcastAsia2009 is the BroadcastAsia 2009 International Conference, featuring a line-up of prominent industry speakers and professionals discussing the future of broadcasting. Delegates will learn how forced reassessment and changes in the industry brought about by the downturn can be beneficial in the long run through more efficient and greener solutions.
A highlight of this year’s conference is the participation of Scott Goodstein, External Online Director of United States President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. Mr Goodstein will speak on how he effectively used interactive digital media such as mobile broadcasting and social networking communities to engage Obama’s voters. He will also demonstrate how industry players can bank on new media applications and create add-on opportunities to generate additional revenue streams for their broadcasting businesses.
CG Overdrive –Asia’s unparalleled computer graphics (CG) event dedicated to CG professionals, enthusiasts, students, producers, vendors and buyers, returns for its fourth edition at BroadcastAsia. The conference and its new segment of Professional Tracks –introduced to impart advanced skill sets to professional artists - promises a stellar line-up of speakers from internationally renowned studios such as Codemasters, Double Negative, FZD School of Design, Lucasfilm Animation Company Singapore B.V., Pixar Animation Studios and Rune Entertainment. Testament to the strong growth of the local CG industry, there will be nine CG schools participating in the exhibition this year to recruit students that will fill the additional 10,000 jobs that is projected to be created by 2015. Organised by Visual Communication Order (VCO) with strategic partner SES, CG Overdrive also allows job seekers to meet the various leading studios on the lookout for
talent at the event’s recruitment zone.
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Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA)
Formed in 2003, the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) plays a vital role in transforming Singapore into a Trusted Global Capital for New Asia Media. MDA spearheads initiatives that promote industry growth in film, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animation and Interactive Digital Media. At the same time, in ensuring clear and consistent regulatory policies and guidelines, MDA helps to foster a pro-business environment for industry players and increase media choices for consumers. For more information, visit www.mda.gov.sg and www.smf.sg.
About Singapore Exhibition Services
Set up in 1976, Singapore Exhibition Services (SES) has established itself as one of the most innovative and respected exhibition and conference organisers in Asia. A pioneer in the Singapore exhibition industry, SES events have served as important platforms for companies aiming to forge new business contacts in Asia. With a portfolio of international tradeshows already serving the Communications, Engineering, Machinery and Lifestyle industries, SES continues to develop new events to meet market needs. SES events consistently attract a high level of overseas participation with foreign exhibitors accounting for almost 80% of the show floor. SES is a member of Allworld Exhibitions Alliance, a global network with over 50 offices worldwide. For more information, please visit www.sesallworld.com.
About BroadcastAsia
BroadcastAsia, themed “Digital: The Journey Forward”, offers the latest in digital and interactive media, addressing the value chain of content creation, management, and distribution. www.Broadcast-Asia.com
BroadcastAsia2009 At A Glance
Date: 16 - 19 June 2008
Venue: Singapore Expo
Opening Hours: 16 - 18 June, 10.30am to 6pm
19 June, 10.30am to 4pm
Admission: Business and trade professionals only
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