Backchannelmedia

BBC Monitoring Media

Text of editorial analysis by Chris McWhinnie of BBC Monitoring Media Services at the International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam on 13 September 2004

The 2004 International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam was the biggest IBC conference and exhibition yet. Attendance was up 12 per cent on last year at over 40,000.

The main themes of IBC were mobile video, TV and information services. There was clearly a breakthrough of perceived demand for and planning of high-definition TV services. Both systems may be chasing similar portions of radio frequency spectrum and seeking channel allocations.

Mobile services and HD-TV

For mobile services there were video services proposed using a robust mobile version of the DVB-T system (digital terrestrial) and also DAB-based (digital audio broadcasting systems) using DMB-T (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-terrestrial) and other internet streaming solutions. The "one-device" goal seemed a long way off with such a variety of systems, forms of content yet to defined and spectrum uncertainties. One thing did seem to be agreed; a broadcast model was more efficient than a large number of internet streams via radio.

Audience demand and even a willingness to pay was reported for mobile TV, regarded by many as the "killer application" for multimedia entertainment on the move.

There was open controversy over which HD-TV standard should be used in Europe: 720 or 1080, with the European Broadcasting Union having to issue statements that it was still studying the matter and Sony lobbying for the higher-definition format, which is more spectrum-hungry.

Threats to broadcasters

Another controversy was apparent encouragement from Hollywood for European public service and free-to-air broadcasters to adopt the US- style digital flag. This is an embedded measure which would prevent or slow programme material being distributed via peer-to-peer or other file sharing internet systems, thus protecting DVD and redistribution revenue.

Broadcasters' share of leisure time was discussed at the show. With internet entertainment, newspapers via the net, personalised services, downloaded audio and video and games, the slice of our time which is devoted to sitting down to consume conventional media appears to be reducing, particularly amongst the young.

Developed-world domination

The show was dominated by American, European, Asian and Far Eastern manufacturers, satellite and service providers and delegates. There was little evidence of participation from the developing world, where broadcasters said they were finding it difficult to catch up or else had to cope with digital media developments for which they are ill-equipped or under-funded in terms of infrastructure or trained personnel.

Products of note

The technical products of note at the IBC were Nokia's 7700 handheld TV/DVB-H receiver, a pre-production wireless device for internet radio from Reciva of the UK, an electronic programme guide for digital audio broadcasting (DAB), the Penpal-HD - a tiny signal generator for high-definition TV test patterns - and still-smaller flyaway satellite news gathering uplinks, notably from SWE-DISH.

In the area of TV and film production, the hits were more cost- effective HD cameras, LED set lights, whole racks of video equipment replaced by a laptop and a new portable bright teleprompter for use outdoors.

Radio

Digital Radio Mondiale, a replacement for AM on shortwave and maybe longwave and mediumwave, launched a new consumer AM, FM, SW/ DRM USB computer add-on receiver but warned of crippling interference from power line internet. The American equivalent, HD- Radio, which is similar to but not compatible with DRM, had clearly targeted the domestic AM and FM market, offering an upgrade path and back-compatibility with existing stations, using the same AM/FM channels and maintaining largely the same coverage areas.

There were many of the latest Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radios available to try, Holland having recently reactivated DAB radio but with the UK still clearly the only market where DAB had taken off in a significant way.

Satellite providers were clearly in demand. The needs of HD-TV, multichannel digital and a growth in thematic channels, including delivering programmes for ethnic groups or diaspora, have taken the push for bandwidth into the sky for direct-to-home or reception via cable.

Technical background

The show allowed hands-on practical experience of the latest or forthcoming products for the industry and consumer. Many staff on the stands were technical and could explain the techniques and ergonomics of their products and systems. The conference sessions were similarly technical or technically-informed, and that appeared to match the needs of the audience.

Digital, multi-channel and interactive TV were taken more for granted as being part of the broadcast landscape and new themes emerged on producing, charging and copyright protecting content for many devices, often mobile or around a home. Finally, many companies seemed particularly pleased with the results from the IBC this year and with the volume of sales and the calibre and range of visitors and exhibitors.