Introduction | Conferences | Previews

Acterna's DTS-330 -- a more powerful, in-depth, and accurate digital stream analysis tool center stage at IBC2004 will be the DTS-330, a digital broadcast test platform that offers multiple combinations of MPEG-2 (DVB and ATSC) transport stream generation, capture, stream creation, and analysis capabilities, as well as the ability to analyze up to seven unique streams simultaneously across as many different interfaces. The DTS-330 supports up to seven different combinations of inputs and outputs, such as QPSK, DVB-T, QAM, ASI, SMTPE-310, DHEI, and full-bandwidth Gigabit Ethernet with both optical and copper interfaces. With the DTS-330 platform, cable providers, broadcast technicians, and equipment manufacturers can enjoy the benefits of a more durable and robust chassis, along with the most up-to-date hardware and a significant increase in computing and processing power.

Acterna will announce additions to the DTS product line:

Video Decode Functionality gives network operators the ability to view all the programs present in the transport stream in real time, to monitor the MPEG stream, and to analyze the raw data/numbers, factors, and parameters of the signaling. This exciting new feature is attractive because it provides actual visual verification of the program (just as if the user were watching TV), and at the same time it performs and presents an accurate analysis of the streams to ensure the best signal is being presented.

Multimedia Home Platform (MHP) is now supported by the DTS-330. MHP is the critical standard that allows operators to make interactive services available and to provide multimedia applications on set-top boxes. Acterna's DTS product line is designed to support the analysis of the object and data carousels going through the MPEG streams while operators -- either terrestrial, cable, telco, or satellite - host multiple services for consumers on one set (such as for users who watch a sports program and on the same screen play interactive games or trivia). Accuracy of testing is critical in ensuring the highest quality even when multiple applications are in use on one TV set.

New Interfaces on the DTS product line allow it to meet more precisely the demands of digital video deployment within the satellite broadcast and terrestrial broadcast industries. The DTS product line now supports both the COFDM and 8VSB modulation called for in the European and North American standards respectively. In addition, Acterna will also launch a new satellite interface to its MPEG product line that will extend QPSK and 8PSK Turbo code support to all DTS interfaces.

MPEG-4 Analysis is now available within the DTS product line, keeping pace with the advancements and changes in the industry. The DTS product line can now test and monitor both MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 streams seamlessly. This support is in both the transport stream layer, as well as in the underlying program and elementary stream layers. In addition, the video quality analysis of MPEG-4 video streams, including the Part 10 (H.264) standards, is also available.
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Acterna, a provider of communications test solutions for telecommunications and cable network operators, today announced that its DTS 200 and DTS 330 remote test solutions for MPEG-2 transport streams have been enhanced with interfaces for Digital Video Broadcasting -- Terrestrial (DVB T) testing and measurement. Acterna's DTS 200 and DTS 330 now enable pinpoint analysis of digital video transport streams transported over terrestrial broadcasts and provide the RF layer measurements that facilitate simple correlation between the physical and MPEG protocol layers.

Acterna's complete suite of broadcast and cable network testing tools and solutions will be displayed at IBC2004 stand 8.375.

By adding DVB T testing functionality to the DTS 200 and DTS 330 systems, Acterna becomes the first provider of MPEG protocol test and measurement solutions to all industries -- including satellite, cable, telco, terrestrial broadcast, and OEMs -- working with the MPEG compression format.

"The broadcast industry is exploring every option available for content producers to maximize today's digital media experience," said Kevin Oliver, vice president of marketing for Acterna's Cable Networks Division. "The new DVB T interface to Acterna's DTS products allows broadcasters in Europe and Asia, as well as Community Antenna Television (CATV) and telecom clients worldwide, to analyze accurately Digital Video (DV) transport streams coming off air, ensuring that those feeds are error-free. The DVB-T interface allows a customer to identify and isolate problems in the distribution and multiplexing chain quickly, saving time, labor, and cost. As a result, our customers can optimize programming on a given frequency while maintaining the highest standards of quality for their broadcast signals."

The DTS 200 allows digital network operators and associated equipment vendors to gain remote visibility into their MPEG streams and perform various test applications for rapid provisioning of networks and easy identification of problems with equipment and content. Acterna's DTS 330 digital broadcast test system offers multiple combinations of MPEG 2 -- both DVB and Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) -- transport stream generation, capture, stream creation, and analysis to meet broadcasters' specific needs. This new test platform also analyzes up to seven unique streams simultaneously across as many different interfaces.
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Acterna wins two Readers' Choice awards

Acterna announced that the company has won two Communications Technology Readers' Choice Awards, an annual program sponsored by the official trade journal of the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE), honoring the industry's most innovative new products.

In the category of Cable Telephony, Acterna's Digital Service Activation Meter (DSAM) 3500 and 3600 were selected for multiple features that include testing cable modem services, digital video, analog video, and PacketCableè-based voice over IP (VoIP). Acterna's TechComplete Closeout Testing Solution, with the ability to not only automate testing on the Acterna Digital Service Activation Meter (DSAM) family of test instruments, but also integrate test results with work orders, won in the program's Operations Support System category.

"The 2004 Readers' Choice Awards is a distinct honor. Communications Technology and its seasoned panel of judges have validated Acterna's continued commitment to deliver test solutions that drive results for our customers," said Kevin Oliver, vice president of marketing for Acterna's Cable Networks Division. "With a competitive field, we are very pleased that our DSAM 3500/3600 was recognized for its ability to introduce ease and efficiency to operators when deploying advanced new services such as VoIP and VoD. We are also pleased that an additional award recognized Acterna's TechComplete Closeout Testing Solution for its ability to deliver automation and integration into the test process, supporting a cable technician's goal to deploy services right the first time."

"Cable-Tec Expo attendees were very impressed with this year's round of Readers' Choice finalists, with a record number of broadband professionals casting votes," said Jerry Gunderson, publisher of Communications Technology. "The competition was stiff, and the winners in each category exemplify the best new technologies our industry has to offer. Communications Technology congratulates all winners and commends the top-notch products that competed as finalists."
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Activa3 presents DigitionSuite in the IBC event

Activa3 will present its newest digital production and archiving system, DigitionSuite, during its third exposition in the IBC event, from September 10 to 14 in Amsterdam. This is a system specially designed for television broadcasters, news agencies and audiovisual archives, which offers a wide range of possibilities regarding digital professional production. It includes video ingest, video editing, complete asset management, archive and play-out.

DigitionSuite is based on integrated standard and open hardware and software, which allows it to freely choose its suppliers. Due to its high-degree of scalability and versatility it is nowadays being used in the production and archive of TV3 -the main television in Catalonia-, as well as in the process of digitalising and managing huge audiovisual archives such as those of Parlament de Catalunya -Catalonia's government-, of Filmoteca de Catalunya -Catalonia's film library-, and of Forum Universal de les Cultures Barcelona 2004.

Activa3, the software and technology trademark of Corporacio Catalana de Radio i Televisio -CCRTV- (Radio and Television Catalan Company), got specialized in providing the most state-of-the-art solutions to broadcasting companies. It has twenty years experience in the development of applications and systems for companies in the broadcast environment, and it stands out from other technology companies as regards to expertise and closeness to radio and TV media from CCRTV.
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"Adtec has the ability to deliver solutions for customers with a diversity of needs," Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Ron Johnson, said. "We will offer hands-on opportunities to experience our scalable, cost-effective, digital television delivery solutions, secure IP distribution and digital ad-insertion solutions."

Adtec will introduce the edje-3100 and edje-3200 multiplexers designed for digital television and IP backhaul applications.

The edje-3100 and the edje-3200 include two QPSK receivers with CACI interface for descrambling and routing ASI and DVB-S feeds, and output ASI and IP concurrently.

The 3100, designed for the international market, also includes two DVB-T receivers. The 3200, designed for use in the United States, is equipped with two 8VSB receivers for processing ATSC signals and also includes SMPTE 310M inputs and outputs. Both models output multiplexed ASI and IP streams over a Gigabit Ethernet interface.

All models on Adtec's multiplexer product line have the ability to route MPEG transport streams over a GIGE interface for digital television applications.

Adtec will also exhibit digital ad-insertion solutions including Digital into Analog (DIA), Digital into Digital (DID) and Digital into Transport (DIT).

DIT as a solution is new for Adtec, although Adtec helped author the SCTE 30 and SCTE 35 standards, defining the splicing of transport streams nearly four years ago.

Adtec will introduce the DPI-1200 Digital into Transport (DIT) Ad server, designed to simultaneously insert up to twelve programs into a digital cable or digital television service.

Adtec will demonstrate the Traffic and Billing Gateway Server (TBGS) at IBC.

"The TBGS allows seamless integration with a variety of popular analog and digital ad insertion systems," Cable and Broadcast Sales Manager, Scott Pierce said. "The real value of the TBGS is that it facilitates easy distribution and management of commercial content via a Wide Area Network."

Adtec will debut its second generation edje-PDP digital video player and network appliance designed to fit inside the Pioneer's fourth generation PureVision Plasma displays.

Adtec will also introduce the Soloist 3 Digital Media Server, a product combining the functions of a digital video recorder, player, switcher and server in one device.

"The product offers users powerful features including multiple-layer with multiple-region text and graphic overlays, advanced video scaling and broadcast time delay (time shifting)," President, KevinAncelin, said. "The innovative two slot design allows for implementation of one of each encoder and decoder module or two of an encoder or decoder, providing flexibility in a system configuration."
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Video Systems will demonstrate new desktop video products and six new converters that have never been seen at IBC. Additionally, AJA will show its full line of desktop video products for the Mac and professional broadcast quality video converters.

New Products at IBC2004:

Desktop Video Products:

Kona 2 The new dual rate HD/SD 133 MHz PCI-X capture card, Kona 2 supports uncompressed 10 bit SDI, HD-SDI, and dual link 4:4:4 HD at both 10 and 12 bits. Kona 2 has eight channel AES audio, HD/SD component analog video output, and Broadcast Quality HD/SD hardware up/down-conversion. Kona 2 also features AJA's new Qrez hardware codec, which provides excellent quality at a 4:1 compression ratio. Kona 2's extensive hardware support means these functions are always active and they significantly reduce the host CPU load - allowing more RT Effects power. Offering features and capabilities at unprecedented prices, Kona 2 is the highest quality and most flexible HD/SD video capture solution available for editing on the Power Mac G5.

K Box A rack mountable 1RU enclosure, which supports all of Kona 2's I/O connectors, K Box has the added functions of both XLR and BNC AES connections and 2 channel RCA style analog audio monitoring. K Box easily fits in a studio facility rack or sits on top of a desktop editing setup.

Converters:

RH10UC The RH10UC is a 10-bit SD to HD up-converter. Using motion-adaptive de-interlacing and high quality digital scalers, the RH10UC provides excellent Broadcast quality HD video from SD sources. Output HD video is selectable between 720p and 1080I formats. 4:3 to 16:9 aspect ratio conversion is selectable between 4:3 pillarbox, 14:9 crop, 16:9 anamorphic, and 16:9 zoom. Input SD ITU Rec. 601 color space is converted to ITU Rec. 709. The RH10UC passes 8 channel embedded audio with a compensating delay. Additionally, the RH10UC can operate as a stand-alone HD or SD Frame Synchronizer. The RH10UC is compatible with AJA's FR1 or FR2 frames.

RH10DA The RH10DA is a multi-standard Dual Rate 1x8 SDI/HD-SDI Distribution Amplifier. The input is re-clocked and equalized to 100/300 meters (HD/SD) of coax cable. The RH10DA automatically configures to 143, 177, 270, 360mb, or 1.485gb SDI inputs. The re-clock function can be by-passed with an on-board jumper.

R10CE The R10CE is a SDI distribution amplifier and universal monitoring D/A converter. The R10CE provides four equalized and re-clocked SDI outputs along with fouranalog monitoring outputs. The four analog outputs can be configured to a widevariety of formats including NTSC/PAL, YC (S-Video), YPbPr (SMPTE, EBU-N10), Betacam or RGB. A PLL jitter filter/memory reduces the effects of SD jitter on theanalog outputs. The R10CE fits the AJA R-Series Rack Mount Frames, and is compatible with other standard racks.

HD10DA The HD10DA is a miniature, low-cost 1x6 SD/HD (dual-rate) re-clocking distribution amplifier. featuring six separately buffered HD-SDI outputs, the HD10DA provides automatic input cable re-clocking and equalization to 125 meters.
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ATG Broadcast, one of Europe's broadcast system integrators, has upgraded the BBC's Newsround Digital studio and relocated it from Studio 2 at Television Centre to the East Tower. Located within the Children's Post Production Village on the first floor, the new studio will produce content for digital transmission on The CBBC Channel.

The expanded Newsround Digital facility comprises a single-camera studio with a sound and vision control room, voiceover booth and apparatus room. A new Custom Consoles desk in the control room houses a Snell & Wilcox Switchpack vision mixer, Yamaha digital audio mixer, Pro-Bel routing and Trilogy Orator talkback. The desk itself is 4 metres in width; beech-veneered with a hard-wearing Marmoleum worksurface, it was designed specifically to suit the studio dimensions.

ATG Broadcast engineer Scott Adams comments:

"The contract was completed within a very tight timescale, just five weeks from start to mid-August completion, including the design of purpose-built furniture. The result gives BBC Newsround Digital substantially improved technical resources within its own specially designed space."
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Executives from BBC Broadcast Limited, a commercial subsidiary of the BBC, will present a masterclass at IBC 2004 in Amsterdam on Friday, 10 September on the design and build of the Broadcast Centre, the most technologically advanced playout facility in Europe. The session, titled, "Into a Tapeless Wonderland - The Design Behind the Largest Migration Project in TV History" will be chaired by Brad Dick, the editorial director of Broadcast Engineering.

Chris Howe, Head of Technology, and Ian Wimsett, Technology Manager, will co-present a 90 minute session detailing the technology architecture in the building, reasons for building the Broadcast Centre, new ways of working for BBC Broadcast staff and the complex project of migrating 51 channels and interactive streams from Television Centre to the Broadcast Centre.

Chris Howe, Head of Technology, says," I have been involved in this project from day one, and evaluated technology across the industry to make this vision a reality. I look forward to sharing the story behind the building and our approach to systems design with the rest of the industry."

Details of the session are: WHO: Chris Howe, BBC Broadcast Head of Technology and Ian Wimsett, BBC Broadcast Technology Manager WHAT: IBC Masterclass: "Into a Tapeless Wonderland" WHEN: 10 September | 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Room L, RAI Exhibition and Congress Centre, Amsterdam
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BBC Technology, provider of products and services to media-driven organisations, will showcase its portfolio, including the Colledia products, media communications, internet solutions, and consulting services, at this year's IBC conference. Enabling broadcasters to create, manage, distribute and archive content, the booth demonstrations encapsulate the company's philosophy of Media Lifecycle Management.

As part of BBC Technology's product strategy to work with best-of-breed applications for customers, the company will also be demonstrating how it is integrating Quantel, Avid, Apple's Final Cut Pro and Window's Media Player into Colledia Workflow.

BBC Technology will also be participating in a number of conference sessions at IBC: Martin Farrimond will be presenting ‘Content To Mobiles - Who is Supplying, Buying and Regulating It?' on Friday 11 September, 11.30am - 1.00pm in Conference Room L. In addition, BBC Technology's senior consultants will be presenting a series of half hour training seminars focusing on key issues facing the broadcasting industry today; these will take place in the IBC Training Zone - Hall 7 - on Friday 11 September from 1.00pm.
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Belden CDT has introduced three NanoSkew UTP cables for video display (only – non-broadcast quality video) aimed at IP and KVM applications.

The NanoSkew Brilliance VideoTwist UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pairs) cables, to be launched on to the European market at IBC 2004, are a more efficient solution than the established bundled coax as they distribute component RGB video as well as providing for premise LAN wiring which eliminates the requirement for two separate cables.

Component RGB video systems transmit each part of a video signal through separate cables ie: one for red, one for green and one for blue. Transmissions require each signal to arrive simultaneously for a clearer, sharper video image.

The UTP cables feature different twist lengths for each pair. This difference causes a signal delay from pair to pair known as skew. The resultant skew limits overall transmission distance with current cabling restricted to distances of 328 to 600 feet.

NanoSkew Brilliance VideoTwist UTP cables, which meet with applicable TIA/EIA standards, can extend video transmission distances out to 1300 feet and beyond dependant on the equipment parameters. In addition the cables lead to better pixel alignment, reduced ghosting and vertical shading bands as well as offering reliable performance levels for Ethernet installations and blade edge computing / KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse) applications.

UTP cables are stressed during installation with unbonded pairs often experiencing gaps that affect performance. Belden CDT solution offers Installable Performance as a result of its bonded pair construction that offers precise conductor to conductor spacing.
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BeldenCDT has come up with the perfect solution to bulky, heavy cabling for outside broadcast vehicles in the form of Brilliance Digitruck179DT Lightweight.

This new lightweight RG179 Type 75 ohm coaxial cable lightens the truck's load, lessens the amount of space needed and improves both air flow and gas mileage.

Brilliance Digitruck 179DT Lightweight weighs 7.25 pounds per 1000 feet of coax which is 60 per cent less than standard Mini RG-59/U type cables. In addition the new product takes up only 40 per cent of the space freeing up valuable space within fully loaded broadcast vans.

Designed for use in analog, SDI, HD video and AES/EBU digital audio transmissions, DigiTruck has a guaranteed return loss (RL) minimum of 21dB and is sweep tested to 3 GHz and mimics the performance of BeldenCDT's popular precision video cables that provide 6dB of RL headroom against SMPTE 292M specifications.

This new coax also features a highly crush-resistant, foamed high density polyethylene dielectric to maximise cable durability - a vital prerequisite for broadcast trucks. A versatile shield, consisting of a lightly bonded Duobond® tape, can either be left bonded to simplify termination with one-piece connectors or be removed for use with multi-piece designs.
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BigBand Networks, will be showcasing its portfolio of solutions, announcing new customer wins and outlining its plans for the European market. Its advanced solutions enable broadband network operators to converge the delivery of video, voice and data services over a unified network platform sourcing content from any location and delivering it via any access method.

BigBand, whose solutions serve tens of millions of subscribers in North America, Europe and Asia, will for the first time, showcase triple play service solution demonstrations that incorporate its BMR (Broadband Multimedia-Service Router) and BME (Broadband Multimedia-Service Edge) video service platforms together with the Cuda CMTS system gained from the recent acquisition of the ADC IP Cable division.

Live demonstrations will highlight how by deploying BigBand solutions to meet today's requirements, broadband network operators of all sizes will be investing in a flexible infrastructure that is uniquely capable of supporting their transition to an integrated multiservice delivery architecture enabling new services and efficiencies.
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Broadcast Technology selected for Iraq media network project

Broadcast Technology to announce that it has been chosen by Harris Corporation to supply equipment for the Iraqi Media Network Project.

The IMN project, on behalf of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) currently governing Iraq, is developing an existing but antiquated media network into a modern media organisation for the Iraqi people. The Iraqi Media Network (IMN) program includes equipment, operation, training, and provisioning of programming for two national radio and television networks and a national newspaper with operating locations in Baghdad and more than 30 other locations throughout the country. Harris Corporation's Broadcast Communications Division is currently constructing studios, satellite distribution network and transmitter sites for installation throughout Iraq.

Broadcast Technology Showman 5000 analogue TV demodulators will be used across the country at transmission sites to provide monitoring capabilities.
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Broadcast Technology announces a new multichannel MPEG audio decoder designed for large-scale audio applications. The DTAD 3000 provides simultaneous decoding of up to four stereo sound channels from MPEG1 & 2, Layer 2 & 3, sources. Two different DVB-ASI input configurations (either dual input or loopthrough) and two different output options (either quad analogue stereo pair outputs or quad AES/EBU) are available. The dual DVB-ASI interface enables the DTAD 3000 to be deployed in redundancy architectures alongside other Broadcast Technology 3000 series modules. A single-slot hot-swappable unit, the DTAD 3000 can be controlled via DARTnet within the 3000 series modular rack or externally via RS-232.

Broadcast Technology's International Sales Manager, Martin Altham, comments: "The DTAD 3000 is ideal for broadcast monitoring, cable-head-ends and other pay TV applications where decoding of multiple audio and radio channels is required. It combines the high quality, power-efficiency and compactness that have made the 3000 series a natural choice for systems builders worldwide."
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Following a several-year absence and a flurry of acquisitions, C-COR Incorporated (Nasdaq: CCBL) returns next month as an exhibitor at the 2004 IBC Exhibition in Amsterdam (September 11 -14, Hall 4, Stand 348), showcasing the advanced network transport and software solutions that have propelled the Company into a top-tier industry vendor with a global customer base.

The spotlight this year will be on the first-ever demonstration in Europe of C-COR's modular software applications under its flagship ISM(Integrated Services Management) system, the industry's most comprehensive OSS (Operations Support System) solution with network, workforce, subscriber, and service assurance management capabilities. Complementing its software showcase, C-COR will also have on display its end-to-end digital video transport delivery systems with live demonstrations of the latest enhancements to its DV6000 Universal Digital Fiber Optic Transport System and CHP Max5000 converged, high-density headend platform.One-Stop OSS
In a powerful consolidation of industry-leading OSS offerings, C-COR and its recent acquisitions, Alopa Networks and Stargus, will feature at IBC the superior value and benefit of their combined solution for management of the network infrastructure, subscribers, workforce, and services in the emerging digital environment. Specifically, C-COR will demonstrate four modular software applications under its ISM umbrella system:

Network Service Manager (NSM): a revolutionary solution to fault management issues inside the HFC network. This indispensable application is a customer-centric solution focused on proactively solving network and service management problems. NSM integrates the best-in-class standards-based network management technology with customer care and billing data sources to give operators a vehicle to proactively monitor the health of their network infrastructure and prioritize alarm resolutions by the number of customer(s) impacted. By using the thresholds and alarms that are defined for each specific device in the network, NSM is able to pinpoint potential failure point, by location and device, within the network allowing network maintenance personnel to quickly locate and rectify these potential failures before they become major outages.

Service Activation Manager (SAM) (formerly, Alopa's MetaServ Provisioning System): a fully integrated, end-to-end provisioning and IP management solution. SAM is the industry's only end-to-end OSS product that automates the entire subscriber lifecycle--from equipment qualification through customer support--and integrates all layers of the IT infrastructure, including billing, order entry, customer–care, and network management. In addition, its framework deploys high speed data, Internet telephony, multimedia, home networks, and more in one robust, highly scalable platform.

CableEdge (formerly, the Stargus product line): a service assurance management solution that includes network optimization, subscriber usage reporting, abuse control, performance management, and capacity planning. CableEdge allows broadband operators to take control of cable's last mile by reducing operating costs and revenue leakage, enabling new revenue-generating services such as VoIP, and improving customer satisfaction. The system is currently in use managing over 5 million DOCSIS devices worldwide.

Mobile Workforce Manager (MWM): a suite of field service management tools that takes advantage of the latest advances in handheld PCs, wireless communications, and a suite of work force management software applications to maximize the potential of the operator's mobile workforce. MWM includes automated scheduling, routing, and workflow management tools combined with real-time communications between the operations center, back-office systems and the mobile workforce. MWM is available to broadband service providers as either a stand-alone system or as a hosted application service offering.
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Hyperex - HD/SD: New, award winning character generator platform, the new HyperX accepts both HD and SD video cards allowing real-time 2D & 3D playout of standard definition 4:3 or 16:9 graphics, or multi-format 4:3 or 16:9 high definition graphics.

Clyps HD: New real-time, HD clip server with uncompressed HD video and key, in and out. The Clyps HD has up to 1.3 TB of storage enabling up to 180 minutes of lower third animations or 60 minutes of full frame video.

C-Mix HD: New award winning, layering mixer with simultaneous SD and HD outputs. C-Mix HD includes 4 SD video and key inputs, plus a background layer, an SD mixer and an HD upconverter.

Advanced Lyric: Latest version of Chyron's premier broadcast software. New Lyric features include dramatically improved 3D rendering and effects and multi-channel back-to-back clips.

Lyricstore: Chyron and Proximity Corporation have developed integrated connectivity between Proximity‚s Xenostore product and Chyron's Lyric software to search, transfer, convert and manage lyric graphical assets, as well as integrate Lyric software into graphics operations with legacy equipment from Adobe, Avid, Chyron, Discreet, Grass Valley, Leitch, Omneon, Pinnacle, Quantel, Sundance and others.
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da Vinci Systems announced that Imagica, one of Japan's high-end post-production facilities, is using da Vinci's 2K Plus color enhancement system for commercials, music videos, and 24p HD film projects finished at the Tokyo-based facility.

"24p HD is the ideal mastering format for film, DVD releases, archiving, and even HD presentations or screenings, and da Vinci's 2K Plus gives me powerful grading capabilities while working with this very versatile format," said Imagica Post-Production Consultant Mitsuhiro Takano. "Working in a digital intermediate environment is becoming increasingly popular here in Japan, and the 2K Plus' power windows and Kilovectors give me the tools I need to help filmmakers make their visions a reality. I can use multiple power windows on a single scene and the 2K Plus' Kilovectors to make just the right adjustments to lighting and color balance."

Takano has been working with da Vinci color correction and enhancement systems since 1994. Imagica currently has nine da Vinci systems including the Classic, Renaissance, DUI, 2K, and 2K Plus, which Takano and others at the facility use in conjunction with Cintel C-Reality, Sony Vialta, Ursa Diamond, and Cintel Turbo 3 telecines and a Thomson Spirit datacine.

The 2K Plus is an extension of da Vinci's Emmy award-winning 2K product, a real-time color enhancement system with support for multiple standards and resolutions. In addition to improvements in the primary and secondary color correction feature set, the 2K Plus provides increased flexibility through an enhanced key bus, improved gamma curve adjustment, and dedicated Kilovector key outputs.
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DayPort, will premiere the first video content management solution developed from the ground up at the International Broadcaster Conference in Amsterdam from September 10-14. DayPort’s core technology enables the integration of broadcast opportunities while customizing assets within the same organizations. DayPort services are customizable for each country and language. Stop by booth 4.155 to experience this cutting edge technology for yourself.

"Europe has traditionally been ahead of the rest of the world in the implementation of new broadcast technology solutions. While the recognition that DAM is a key requirement in today’s broadcast world, many people fail to realize that Asset Management has been around for many years in one form or another. So why reinvent the wheel?" said Andy Ioannou, DayPort vice president of new business development. "DayPort has simply looked at what has worked for many years and adapted it for broadcast. In addition, other content delivery mechanisms, including video streaming and progressive download are still in their infancy stages."

As broadcasters throughout the world are looking to do more with the same resources and increase revenue from enhanced and expanded services through a wide variety of platforms, DayPort technology has the ability to deliver low cost, automated and totally integrated solutions. These are ideally suited to the new requirements and at the same time address the new challenges and needs brought about by new broadcast technologies. Disillusioned with the scattergun approach of conventional broadcasting, advertisers worldwide are now looking at alternative vehicles to get their message to the consumer. DayPort Enterprise Solutions for delivery of content over IP systems has the unique ability to integrate advertising content with graphic and video content consistently achieving high response figures.
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Six Digital Rapids StreamZ server units are now in daily use at Starz, the largest provider of premium movie services in the United States with approximately 164 million pay units. Starz offerings include the Starz Super PakR, with up to 13 digital movie channels and more than 750 movies per month, Starz On DemandR, the only on-demand pay TV subscription service available on cable, satellite, and broadband platforms, and a suite of advanced video offerings.

Starz has recently announced the immediate availability of the first premium subscription movie service - STARZ! Ticket on Real Movies, which offers major, recently released motion pictures delivered over high-speed broadband connections to PCs.

Says James Porter, Executive Director, Post Production and Broadcast Operation at Starz: "In order to make this happen, we needed a solution that provided the best encode quality for Real 10, as well as a suite of tools that would meet the needs of a traditional broadcast facility. When saw a demonstration of the Digital Rapids StreamZ we knew we had found the solution. The quality of the video encoding was the best we had seen - in fact, it is fabulous - and the features of the StreamEnterprise software, such as RS422 control with frame accurate VTR control, audio controls, video proc amp controls, and graphics overlay, were features our production facility had to have.

"At Starz, StreamZ is used for many projects: to create media files for internal approvals on projects, provide media files for video promotion and download on our Starz web sites (such as for Starz!Ticket), as well as other marketing web initiatives that require video and audio encodes.

"A bonus in having the Digital Rapids unit is that we require high quality encoding not only for Real but for Windows Media as well, and Digital Rapids gives us this."
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e-mediavision.com is showing POINT at IBC 2004

POINT now features a holographic video screen version for use in broadcast, AV and corporate presentations, and a touch screen laptop version for sports training applications. New for IBC 2004 is an additional selection of POINT graphics tools including a recording system for easy playback on air.

POINT is a touch screen system that allows operators to draw onto a TV picture in real time, giving immediacy and extra content to any broadcast and has recently been seen at Euro 2004 and Sky cricket broadcasts.

Applications include Sport (football, baseball, soccer, cricket, tennis, basketball and more), News, Weather, Conferences, Training and Corporate presentations.

POINT is ideally suited to live productions due to its ease of operation. The control surface is a touch sensitive LCD (or Plasma for in-shot use) screen or holographic screen with a simple graphical interface allowing fast and error free operation. In a live situation waiting for things to happen is not an option, so the tools in POINT operate instantly, enabling the presenter to concentrate on the commentary or presentation. The touch screen allows the user to instantly draw freehand, place animated arrows, and even recall previously saved graphics and animations. It is easy to freehand draw by simply touching and moving a finger across the screen.
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One of the most rigorous components of creating interactive TV content is ensuring that it will be viewable on a multitude of different set top boxes (STBs). At IBC2004, attendees are invited to learn about how Ensequence helps ensure the success of interactive programs and commercials by offering their customers the unique opportunity to book time in their STB testing facilities. The London- and Portland-based facilities allow customers to conduct their own quality assurance testing on multiple STB platforms prior to sending their interactive content to operators for distribution.

"Usage of our interactive testing facilities helps facilitate passage through intensive testing phases and enables the rapid deployment of interactive TV applications," said Ben Collins, deployment and integration architect at Ensequence.

Six broadcast head ends -- providing the highest level of testing possible -- complement Ensequence's STB testing facilities in Portland. For creatives delivering content to operators, the testing facilities provide an advantage because customers have the opportunity to test functionality and view their content the same way that viewers will.

"The testing centers are part of the Ensequence drive to enable the rapid, successful, and simple deployment of interactive TV applications," said John Holland, Ensequence's United Kingdom sales and marketing director. "This follows the recent launch of the Ensequence Developer Program, which dramatically lowers the entry costs for producers wishing to create interactive television content."
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Espial, Myrio and nCUBE to demonstrate end-to-end IPTV solution at IBC

What: The Espial-Myrio-nCUBE demonstration combines the core components of an end-to-end Internet Protocol (IP) television solution with the Espial Escape browser software, enabling Web browsing and Internet on TV, the Myrio IP Video Platform, which provides the essential software platform for the management and delivery of IP video applications, and nCUBE's n4x video server, which serves content on demand to IP video subscribers. The solution enables the delivery of advanced video services including: IP video set up and menu applications, Video on Demand (VOD), network personal video recorder (nPVR), and Web portals that enable full-fledged Internet email, Web browsing and chat capabilities. See how the combined solutions are a complete no-risk offering with modular architectures allowing component selection that is completely customizable, enabling new revenue opportunities and competitive advantages for broadband service providers.

Who: Espial, Myrio and nCUBE Executives: Roger Shanafelt, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Myrio Tom Siegel, Vice President of Sales, Espial Ken Pike, General Manager, EMEA, nCUBE

Where: IBC 2004 in Amsterdam , The Espial Meeting Room B22
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Fast Forward Video, (FFV), a recognized innovator of digital video recorder (DVR) technology for professional broadcast, industrial video, presentation, and military applications, announced that Australia's G.D.B. International, a Canberra-based firm specializing in providing multimedia and video solutions to consumer/broadcast markets, has signed on as an FFV distributor for the whole of Australia. Through its extensive professional video dealer network, G.D.B. International will provide sales and support of FFV products, as well as direct consultation in specialized projects.

FFV was one of the first companies to bring digital computer technology to the video industry by applying random-access disk storage to a video device. The company's cost-effective DVR solutions, including the award-winning OMEGA Decka DVR, ultra-compact Recona DVR board, and DigiDeck Digital Video Recordera provide high-performance technology and rugged, reliable operation for sporting events, security and remote monitoring, and other remote and mobile broadcast applications.

"G.D.B. International consists of three separate divisions that include consumer video products, broadcast and professional products, and security and surveillance equipment, and FFV's digital video recording technologies are very valuable in the latter two of these market sectors," continued Bridge. "We look forward to introducing the company's products to new users throughout Australia."
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At IBC2004, Fast Forward Video (FFV), a recognized innovator of digital video recorder (DVR) technology for industrial video, presentation, military, and professional broadcast applications, will debut its new ultra-compact, board-level Outrider DVR. The Outrider, measuring only 4.69 in.x 2.21 in., is designed for OEM applications and is ideal for high-resolution recording for surveillance, law enforcement, emergency first responders, and portable broadcast systems.

The Outrider DVR is available with two Compact Flash slots, providing easy removal and transfer of recorded video. It is also available with a 2.5 in. IDE hard drive and has a USB 2.0 port for file transfer.

The Outrider is designed with the same leading-edge digital video technology that has established Fast Forward Video's reputation as a leader in the broadcast industry. The Outrider DVR is powered by four AA batteries or via a DC power source.

Featuring video capture and playback at 60 frames per second, the Outrider offers a resolution greater than 550 lines at 4:1 compression, user-selectable compression ratios ranging from 4:1 to 20:1, and recording times averaging from 4 to 20 minutes per gigabyte. The GPI control panel's options include record; seek or scan forward/backward; single-frame forward/reverse; delete clips; and play/pause.

The Outrider also features a time/date stamp and character display, time-lapse recording, NTSC/PAL compatibility, composite and Y/C inputs and outputs, pre-event record, and loop record of PC-viewable or secure video files. External control is available via two external triggers or with optional machine control software.
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Fusion reveal added-value solutions for pay TV services at IBC 2004

At this year's IBC, Fusion Digital Technology are showcasing to Pay TV operators how to create additional revenue streams through their supplementary product range including an innovative Portable Personal Video Recorder (pPVR) and highly versatile, world-first Broadband Videophone.

The pPVR is a portable media centre, allowing users to access both audio and video content whilst on the move, and the ability to store such content on its internal Hard Disk Drive without the need to interface with a PC. In addition to the conventional USB port route, content can be transferred by direct connection to an audio or composite / S-VHS video source using the unit's inbuilt MPEG encoder, and by direct digital connection to a dedicated Digifusion set top box or Digital Video recorder. This allows a plethora of new revenue streams for broadcasters and cable operators by offering a library of music and videos to their customers on a per-download basis.

The cost-effective broadband Videophone developed by Fusion and new technology partner RedCom, is the first of its kind to utilise the new compression standard H.264, enabling high quality video calls, as well as increased audio call quality, over existing broadband networks. With a plug-in wireless option, the Videophone can be attached to any TV set in a wireless broadband-enabled home, offering excellent flexibility and ease of use.

Broadband represents a high value growth industry however, analysts predict that future revenue growth will be fuelled via additional added value services such as video telephony rather than access costs. The usage of such services is expected to rise dramatically in the next 3 years, with UK's BT already having committed to convert its whole national network to being Internet Protocol-based by 2009, fully supporting VoiP. The Videophone therefore presents an ideal solution for broadband operators and ISPs across the globe seeking innovative offerings to stimulate consumer demand, creating additional revenue streams. The unit's secure billing and ability to interface with telecoms networks allows seamless access to mobile and landline networks.

FVRT200 Digital Video Recorder

Ian Ward, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Fusion commented, "Most Pay TV operators and ISPs are continually looking for ways to drive revenue and reduce churn. In addition to our comprehensive range of PVR and dual-decode set top boxes, we're offering IBC's visitors the opportunity to learn how our supplementary products really can help achieve these objectives."
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Gefen to premiere new products at IBC

Gefen delivers audio/video connectivity solutions that augment computer and
video systems.

At IBC, newly engineered products that cater to digital video and, most
recently, high definition television (HDTV) displays, will premier. These
include:

2:8 HDTV Distribution Amplifier that can switch between two sources
1:2 HDMI Splitter that sends one video source to two displays
HDMI Switchers that connect multiple sources to one display
Long distance extenders that enable DVI or HDMI displays to remain connected
and functioning hundreds of meters from the source
Digital video and computer component extenders that enable remote operation
and control using CAT-5 cables
Fiber optic-based computer component extenders for USB and Firewire devices
A revolutionary digital video extender that uses CAT-5 cable to send HDTV up
to 50 meters from the source
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When one high definition video display isn't sufficient, Gefen's ex-tend-it HDMI Splitter outputs two video signals from a single video input. An effective solution for supplying two displays with high definition data in multiple resolutions up to 1080p, Gefen's HDMI Splitter works with video sources and displays that utilize DVI (digital video interface) or HDMI (high definition multimedia interface) to connect to each other with cable.

For more complex applications such as video walls, Gefen's 2:8 HDTV Distribution Amplifier sends the same high definition video source to eight displays at the same time. An added-value feature of this unit is its ability to accept two source inputs and switch between them. When both inputs are connected, the 2:8 HDTV DA can automatically switch to the other input when the first one ends. Another bonus is its ability to support display extension up to 100 meters from the source. Long distance extension would require the use of an appropriate extension product, such as Gefen's DVI Repeater, HDTV Extender or the DVI or HDMI-1000 HD Extender plus fiber optic cables, available in varied lengths from Gefen.
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Harris Corporation's Broadcast Communications Division, a provider of innovative digital solutions for both radio and television, will demonstrate its latest offerings in network access, automation, digital transmission technology, studios, and systems at IBC 2004.

For Television, on display will be the latest developments in its Atlas(tm) family of analogue and digital transmitters, updates to NetVX(tm), the revolutionary one-box networking solution, and more upgrades to the Harris Resource Suite (hrs), which is broadcasting's first ingest-to-air workflow automation system.

For Radio, customers will be able to see developments to Synchrony, Harris's second generation DVB-T single frequency network (SFN) and D-MOVIN, a DAB module for video insertion, designed to broadcast Korean T-DMB video services for mobile or handheld terminals, inside a DAB transmission system.
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Huge Systems, a storage solutions provider for the content creation, broadcast and delivery arenas, will make its IBC debut next month. The California based manufacturer has received accolades for its line of optimized MediaVault RAID storage arrays. At the IBC expo, Huge Systems will demo the MediaVault U-320R Max and U320RX Dual Max RAID storage arrays. Huge Systems will be located in Hall 7, booth 701. If you cover storage in any form for your publication or outlet, I urge you to give consideration to Huge Systems - the company's price vs. performance ratio is unmatched by any manufacturer.

The company recently announced the retention of German based Psiber, for the countries of Germany and Austria, and Polar Graphics for the United Kingdom and Ireland. Several new additions to Huge Systems' global network of distributors will be announced at IBC.

The MediaVault U-320R Max and U320RX Dual Max RAID disk arrays bring broadcast quality performance and reliability to the desktop and are designed to give the boutique to mid level studio professional the same competitive edge in performance, versatility and scalable capacity that was, up until now, largely enjoyed by the higher end production community. The U320R and U320RX are specifically designed to address the performance and capacity requirements of SD (Standard Definition) and HD (High Definition) production work, and have set new benchmarks in performance and capacity vs. price since their debut in North America earlier in 2004.
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At IBC i3 micro will be unveiling: 1) Our next-generation IP set-top box - with support for Windows Media 9, MPEG 4 and dual-stream video processing. Pls see enclosed picture. 2) Two major European customer wins. 3) Launch of a new version of i3 Centre system management software for building TV portals - with support for new hardware platforms 4) Advanced integrated access devices for ADSL networks - with added functionality and support for ADSL2+

i3 micro provides a full range of CPEs (Customer Premise Equipment) for both VoIP and IP-TV. In the Nordic market, TELIA-SONERA and recently TELE2 have chosen our equipment for their service launches.

i3 continues to lead the broadband IP media industry with new products and features that set the standard for integrated "Triple Play". All our products will be on display in our booth (Hall 4, booth 264) including a TV-over-ADSL2+ demo with dual-stream from a single set-top box.
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i3 micro technology (i3), a provider of Voice-over-IP (VoIP) and IP-TV products and solutions, will demonstrate its Vood IAD 423 and Mood 300 set top box using the increasingly deployed ADSL2+ technology. The demonstration during the IBC tradeshow will deliver Internet access and telephony, plus dual-stream IP-TV from a single set top box for the cost of one unit.

The new ADSL2+ standard, capable of 24 Mbps downstream, extends more bandwidth to more households – opening new markets for IP-based Triple Play services. Used in combination, i3's new IAD 423 and new Mood 300 set top box are market-ready products targeted for homes subscribing to ADSL, ADSL2 or ADSL2+ services. The IAD 423 has a built-in ADSL modem and the Mood 300 set top box has built-in decoding hardware, capable of processing two standard definition MPEG-2 streams simultaneously.

Like all i3 micro products, the IAD 423 and Mood 300 are multi-vendor compatible and managed by the award-winning i3 Centre provisioning system, which with the release of version 4 can now be installed on selected Sun and HP servers. i3's integrated CPE management solution is designed to lower the total cost of ownership for operators.
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IBC will also see the winner of the 2004 Peter Wayne Award, the eagerly sought after recognition of leadership in design and innovation, announced at a special gala evening reception. Inaugurated in 1990, the award, in memory of a former deputy chairman of the IABM, attracts entries from around the world and is judged by a panel of internationally renowned experts. The recipient(s) of the Tom McGann Training Bursary, designed to foster future broadcasting talent, will also be announced.

Established in 1976, the IABM exists to foster the interests of broadcast equipment manufacturers and suppliers of broadcast-related services. In so doing, it endeavours to strengthen its members' ability to support their customers. The IABM's activities include liaising with radio and television programme originators and broadcasters on engineering, operational, political, commercial and training issues, determining and sustaining technical standards, advising members on relevant changes in legislation and encouraging innovative product design.
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Native language support is now available across the range of IBIS applications enabling integration of Arabic, Chinese and Cyrillic in news, playout and channel management.
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Inscriber will be showcasing several new solutions, including worldwide product launches, for the television broadcast, post-production and digital signage industry at IBC 2004. Inscriber solutions are showing at stand number 211 in hall 7.

Inscriber's Inca Station is making its worldwide debut at IBC. Inscriber Inca Station is a new multi-layer branding and insertion solution that incorporates the latest in graphic developments to maximize viewer impact and retention. Inca Station is specifically designed for Master Control, Satellite Uplink, Mobile Broadcast Centers and Small Station Automation. Inca Station streamlines on-air branding by introducing an innovative layout editor that allows production designers to easily create a professional, custom layout that is used for multi-layer insertion of graphics, promotional clips, moving backgrounds, emergency programming, local news and advertising. Bugs, clocks, crawls, logos, graphics, clips, video and animations can now be seamlessly combined into presentations that are as simple or complex as necessary for brand promotion.

Inscriber Inca AutoCG HD' Responding to the increasing interest of HD to European industry, Inscriber's Inca AutoCG HD is making its worldwide debut at IBC. Inscriber Inca AutoCG HD empowers operators to remotely control rich HD Inscriber graphics using the flexible Direct Control application or under the command of Newsroom Automation Systems. Broadcast environments need more sophisticated graphics solutions with less operator involvement. As new stories develop within the news vendor, tagged layouts are filled with the corresponding graphics and text for presentation to air. Inca AutoCG HD allows a low cost player platform to be integrated in the signal path for easy play-out of template intensive programming like news or special events without tying up a character generator with rudimentary automation control.
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IBC 2004 will see Inmedia launch new solutions designed to ease market entry for new players and create stronger delivery platforms for existing broadcasters and channel owners. A highlight of the Inmedia stand (1:239) will be live, hands-on demonstrations that will include a new development in playout and content delivery.

Designed to target niche audiences in individual countries or regions with increased efficiency, the innovation complements Inmedia's Customer Controlled Playout solution, that allows channel owners to control programme scheduling and ingest from their own premises over a VPN connection.

"Our entire philosophy is based on combining our understanding of content management and video distribution, which together provide our customers with more efficient solutions. At IBC we will raise the bar yet again with innovative transmission and playout services designed to further enhance our co-located broadcast centre," says Nick Thompson, CEO of Inmedia.

Inmedia comes to IBC 2004 following an exciting year that saw the company acquired in a leveraged buyout in April 2004 by the existing management and The Carlyle Group, a global private equity firm. 2004 has been eventful in many ways. The company has established itself as the leading independent provider of transmission and playout services for the UK and European digital TV market. It has grown its position in the distribution of programmes and channels to European cable head-ends, as well as further afield with the launch of Nigeria's first DTH platform, by focusing on services that enable broadcasters and channel owners to increase revenue and maximise investment.
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Irdeto Access' content protection solution for IP, Irdeto PIright, is designed to provide the highest levels of protection possible against the theft of premium video content deployed over DSL and FTTH infrastructures. Irdeto PIright utilizes real-time encryption, pre-encryption, copy protection, and rights management technologies in order to provide end-to-end security for premium video content. Content is securely distributed across any IP network, and transactions are enabled through secure payment features.

At IBC2004, the company will unveil a new important component of Irdeto PIright: the Irdeto secure software client. Utilizing the bi-directional nature of DSL and fibre networks, the Irdeto secure software client offers the superior security for which Irdeto Access is known but without the need for a smart card.

Irdeto will provide a demonstration of the Irdeto PIright solution featuring the secure software client. In addition it will feature the integration of Irdeto PIright with solutions from the company's partners, e.g., Minerva Networks' IP television solution, Kasenna's patented on-demand video delivery platform, and Amino's AmiNET digital set-top boxes, as used by Roseville, Calif.-based SureWest Communications for simultaneous deployment of video over DSL and FTTH.

Irdeto Epsilon Card with Irdeto FlexiFlash Irdeto Access is proud to announce the industry's most advanced smart card technology, the Irdeto Epsilon Card. Building on the success of the company's Version 2 and Delta Cards, which today secure the revenue of more than 120 operators worldwide, the Epsilon Card incorporates the latest advanced security features and is a key part of delivering Irdeto Access' security strategy of delivering a new smart card every 12 to 18 months. This strategy limits the impact of piracy by mixing card types within the network as subscribers are added, and it saves the operator money by reducing the number of cards that need to be swapped in case of a security breach.

The Epsilon Card offers the revolutionary new Irdeto FlexiFlash technology, which can securely and efficiently update key software code over the air, allowing for a quicker and more effective response to piracy, as well as the rapid delivery of new features. FlexiFlash will offer the operator the option of software-based solutions in response to piracy, saving the substantial operational costs associated with card swaps while providing subscribers with a seamless viewing experience.

Irdeto Conditional Access for Mobile Devices Irdeto Access will also host a presentation of the first ever conditional access system (CAS) for mobile applications, engineered for SK Telecom's TU Media service. This service enables subscribers to enjoy multichannel, multimedia broadcasting at any place, any time via personalized mobile or vehicle devices. Irdeto Access' new CAS for mobile applications protects and secures this content, and allows consumers a choice of devices such as PDAs, mobile phones, and in-vehicle systems on which to receive it. Unique to the solution is Irdeto Access' Dual Key Hierarchy Protection, a technique that reduces conditional access-related bandwidth consumption significantly while also improving security integrity. Irdeto Access will show the actual mobile devices that will be used by SKT's TU Media service.

Embedded Solutions: Smart Chip and Irdeto Chip On Board (ICOB) The unique, brand-new Smart Chip and Irdeto Chip On Board solutions will debut at Irdeto Access' IBC2004 stand.

Smart Chip, developed by Irdeto Access, is an embedded access-control solution for any operator wishing to deploy large numbers of low-cost set-top boxes (STBs) with a single-tier subscription service. It enables both enforced collection of subscriber access fees, and in the case of free-to-air services, geographical restriction of content distribution in order to comply with content licensing agreements. The smart chip solution costs much less than traditional CA systems but is easily upgradeable to full conditional access at a later date through the addition of a smart card.

ICOB offers niche content providers the opportunity to distribute Common Interface Conditional Access Modules (CI-CAMs) with an embedded Irdeto Access smart card inside. The CI-CAMs will work in any compliant STB and are ideal for allowing an auto-expiring "free-trial" viewing period as well as a normal subscription. When the free trial expires, an Irdeto Access smart card can be introduced into the CI-CAM to extend the subscription. The all-in-one solution makes for a convenient and attractive purchase proposition for consumers.
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Irdeto Access will demonstrate its HDTV conditional access solutions together with its partners. HDTV is reaching significant market penetration in the United States, Japan, Korea, and Brazil. While HDTV is in an earlier stage of development in Europe, deployments are beginning to accelerate with the HDTV broadcast of Euro1080, which started in May 2004. Irdeto Access plays a pivotal role in the European HDTV arena and several other HDTV markets worldwide.

Irdeto M-Crypt: Conditional Access for Small to Medium Operators With more than 80 customers worldwide, Irdeto M-Crypt is the industry's preferred solution for the quick, efficient, and cost-effective launch of secure digital television services for up to 100,000 subscribers. The basic package runs on a standard PC, is DVB compliant, and includes a compact subscriber management system at no additional cost. Add-on modules provide scheduling and EPG applications. It can be installed within days and requires minimal maintenance while still offering the highest degree of security. Growth can be achieved through a seamless upgrade to Irdeto Access' CA system for large operators, Irdeto PIsys, using the same STBs and smart cards already deployed.
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Kreatel Communications AB, a provider of IP set-top box solutions, is demonstrating its reliable, leading-edge IP set top boxes and software at IBC2004. The product range enables telecom operators and broadband service providers to reach further with TV-centric services over IP.

Kreatel is showing its new IP-based set-top platform, the Kreatel IP-STB 1700, which support advanced video codecs for low bit rate video such as Microsoft Windows Media 9 and H.264/MPEG4 AVC. Through an integrated digital signal processor (DSP) and software codecs it helps telecom operators to make better use of limited bandwidth and reach more consumers.

Kreatel will also demonstrate its combined IP set-top box and DVB-T receiver, the Kreatel IP-STB 1520. Since the launch in May 2004, the product has yielded much interest for its ability to combine compelling IP services with free-to-air digital terrestrial TV channels.

All set-top boxes are running the Kreatel TV Software, a robust multi-application software platform based on open standards. The single software strategy bring the benefits of reduced maintenance and operation costs for operators, while its open interfaces and software development kits make it possible for any third party to develop applications for all hardware versions. Third party applications already developed on the platform include games, chat client, mail client, web radio and customized portals.
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A major product announcement scheduled for IBC 2004 in September, Leader's new LV5750 ultra-compact HD-SDI/SD-SDI digital video waveform monitor offers on-location production crews full studio-quality broadcast signal measurement. It provides all the key features and user-friendly ergonomics of the multiple-award-winning LV5700A in just a quarter of the front-to-back chassis size.

Ideal for HD/SD field operation and space-efficient edit suites, the LV5750 enables camera crews and directors to make accurate adjustments of colour balance while shooting instead of losing time and money in extensive post-production colour-correction. The unit is 12 V DC powered and can be attached to a camera tripod to double as a high quality quality 6.5 inch XGA TFT viewfinder.
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RTBF has a long track record of technical excellence and is actively studying the prospects of both HD acquisition and postproduction with the eventual aim of direct-to-home 16:9 digital HD transmission.

Etienne Bastin, senior engineer at RTBF, comments:

"The LV5700A was selected following intensive pre-purchase evaluation. It is is used to check the timing precision of equipment by measuring optical chroma dispersion. The instrument is operationally intuitive and efficient with controls which can be learnt quickly and easily.

"A key reason for the choice was the high resolution 6.5 inch 1024 x 768 pixel XGA TFT screen. This allows rapid overview of four simultaneous display modes, switchable to full-screen zoom mode for maximum measurement accuracy.

Paul Vos, managing director of elQuip BV, adds:

"Introduced in 2003, the LV5700A is already used by HD broadcast equipment manufacturers and systems integrators. It is one of several innovative products that have made Leader the natural choice for broadcast-quality HD signal analysis. Leader's patented equivalent-cable-length measurement allows the robustness of a digital signal line to be checked quickly and easily, a feature of particular importance in HD-SDI systems where cable length and layout are more critical than for SD."

RTFB is confident that the LV5700A will serve all operational needs as the network moves forward from SD into HD programme acquisition and distribution.

Leader's LV5700A is equipped with analogue NTSC/PAL composite and 525/625 component I/O. Two composite inputs and one switched output are provided. When operated in component mode, the LV5700A can display Y/Pb/Pr levels as RGB. Analogue monitoring functions include picture, waveform and vector displays.

The LV5700A's analogue processing option makes it one of the most powerful dual-mode broadcast signal analysers on the market. Measuring just 215 x 133 x 448 mm WHD, the instrument can handle a wide range of HD-SDI video formats and both SD-SDI systems. Analytical capabilities include transmission error detection, gamut error detection, data dump display and voice control packet analysis. Video sampling rate can be switched automatically between 74.25 and 74.25/1.001 MHz in HD mode or to 13.5 MHz SD. An optional Eye Pattern Module displays the eye pattern on screen.
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elQuip, Master Distributor Europe for Leader, celebrates Leader Electronics Corporation's half-century this year with a competition open to all IBC2004 visitors. The elQuip Broadcast Industry Genius (B.I.G.) Award 2004 will be presented to the contestant who most accurately completes a 12-question quiz testing visitors' knowledge of broadcast engineering from 1954 to today. elQuip Managing Director Paul Vos:

"Leader has won no less than 11 awards for its SD and HD broadcast test equipment over the past three years. We felt it was time to create an award of our own, encouraging the broadcast industry's awareness of its own rich technical heritage.

"In case more than one contestant gets all the questions correct, we have included a tie-breaker by asking participants to predict the official total of IBC2004 visitors. Appropriate to IBC's location, the elQuip B.I.G. Award will be based on a 3/4 litre decorated Amsterdam bierpul.

"Independently of the elQuip BIG 2004 Award, all visitors to Leader's IBC stand celebrating their personal 50th birthday during 2004 will receive a gift designed to enhance their business skills. Bring your passport or ID card!"
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Leitch Technology Corporation (TSX:LTV), along with its recently acquired company, Videotek, will demonstrate how the company is uniquely capable of meeting the needs of customers using a full range of products to provide the experience of an Integrated Content Environment a streamlined workflow for the production, processing, transmission, management, measurement and storage of content.

With an extensive range of HD solutions throughout transmission, master control, editing, test and measurement Leitch empowers broadcasters to store, process, edit and route in both standard and high-definition formats. Transitioning facilities to high definition is now simple using the flexible, future-proof platforms from Leitch.

Post Production Editors and Producers can experience the award-winning VelocityHD non-linear editing system alongside the latest VelocityQ(tm) SD multi-stream system in the Content Production area. Also making an instant impact will be Leitch‚s NewsNet(tm), from the new Nexio server platform. NewsNet is the fastest and most efficient system for news editing making content available only three seconds after ingest, to all nodes, all the time and with no restrictions. NewsNet demonstrates enhanced newsroom workflow with exceptional security, flexibility and openness. Key to NEXIO's scalability is MediaNet(tm), a fully integrated content management application.

In Content Processing Leitch will demonstrate the completely re-engineered 6800+modular processing platform including HD and Fibre Optic and the exclusive NEO modular platform for speciality products including HD. For colour correction Leitch will display the Videotek DL-850HD HD/SD Legalizer.
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Today over 93 per cent of European web users can instantly view Flash video content. Macromedia invites you to meet the people charged with changing the face of video on the Web at IBC, 10-14th September.

With an increased demand on high-resolution, low-bandwidth rich interactive content, Macromedia has introduced technologies and features in its products to meet the needs of the design, broadcast and corporate communities.

Chris Hock, Product Manager and Greg Stern, VP Developer Relations would like to meet with you and demonstrate the power of Flash video and discuss the next generation of video content for the web.
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At IBC2004, the International Broadcasters Convention, Microsoft Corp. is highlighting a range of new broadcast technologies and delivery solutions built for the Microsoft TV Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), Windows Media 9 Series and Windows CE platforms.

Microsoft announced significant progress in its IPTV-based initiatives, unveiling the first set-top boxes to support its IPTV platform from Thomson. In addition, Microsoft's Mobile and Embedded Devices Division announced eight additional original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that will use Windows CE to power their IP set-top boxes.

Microsoft's Windows Digital Media Division announced that leading product vendors will demonstrate end-to-end, high-definition (HD) encoding and playback solutions using Microsoft Windows Media 9 Series, showcasing real-time software- and hardware-based HD encoding solutions, as well as Microsoft's gaining momentum in standards development organisations.

Microsoft Booths at IBC 2004:
Microsoft has two booths at IBC2004 highlighting a variety of partners, customers and solutions such as the BBC, Canopus Co. Ltd., Harmonic Inc., SeaChange International Inc., Sonic Solutions, TANDBERG Television and Thomson. Video production solutions and partners will be demonstrated in Hall 7 in Booth 821, while IPTV solutions and partners will be located in Hall 1 in Booth 548.
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At IBC 2004, Mindhouse is unveiling Mindset, its flagship cross-platform content and workflow management solution, demonstrating how it is helping global clients such as CNN to cost-effectively manage the deployment of interactive television services across EMEA.

Addressing the proprietary nature of end-to-end systems used throughout the iTV application