2011 Hot Topics
Connected TV & Devices
With the rapid introduction of internet connected devices, a battle is breaking out for the attention and wallets of the TV viewer. The battleground surrounds the primary TV screen which is seen as a hub for a connected home environment encompassing games consoles, smartphones, PCs and tablets with considerable implications for broadcasters and content owners. How can they reach out to audiences across multiple screens? How will viewers navigate their way around the myriad of web TV content? And who is controlling the content and search apps that are multiplying across our screens? There is only one place to find out.
3D@IBC
Doubts remain about the viability of stereoscopic 3D but that hasn’t stopped the industry’s global momentum toward the creation and distribution of 3D content from IMAX to cinema screens to television and increasingly to hand held devices. If anything, the need to keep abreast of rapidly evolving technology and for education about what works and crucially, what does not, in 3D is more compelling than ever. IBC2011 promises the most in-depth spotlight on 3D for anyone working in film, broadcast and media as it becomes both a technical and business reality. Are you ready for 3D?
Sports
This year may be relatively light on major sports activity but the whole sector is building up a head of steam in preparation for 2012. London’s hosting of the Olympics and Paralympics will take centre stage, and there are significant sports events in Delhi (The South Asian Games), the US (golf’s Ryder Cup) and the UEFA European Football Championship. Live sports broadcasts rely on technological innovation as broadcasters seek to exceed the expectations of a public which desires a 24/7 video experience and ever richer analysis of the action. There is no better place than IBC to learn at first hand from the key suppliers, broadcasters and sports bodies how these plans are unfolding.
Advertising: New Funding Models for Broadcasting
Traditional TV advertising models are in crisis as media fragments across multiple platforms taking an audience increasingly at home with nonlinear viewing with them. Has the recession permanently dented revenues or does the connected TV present a chance to reformulate the relationship with the consumer? Will product placement, targeted ads or multi-screen advertising deliver life-saving revenues to commercial broadcasters? Or is it inevitable that free TV will need to be replaced by some form of payment model? IBC brings together senior executives from the world’s broadcasters to debate this vital issue.
Next Generation Workflows
Diminishing budgets require businesses to look for ways to save money using technology. The time and cost saving potential of solid state acquisition and tapeless delivery have slowly but surely been realised by producers concerned about changing workflows and a loss of precious content. The next step could be taking more of the production process into the cloud. But how mature is the technology? Does it yet have practical value? If so how do you get the best out of hosting data remotely and what are the risks? IBC is the only forum where you will find the answers.
See the Conference Programme for full details of the streams and sessions for 2011.
