CONTEXT
The International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) is the leading conference for professionals involved in content creation, management and delivery. Despite the difficult economic times, this year’s event drew more than 45,000 visitors and 1,200 exhibitors from 130 countries.

Along with our colleagues from the European Broadcasting Union, Eurovision had exhibition space at this year’s event. In addition to meeting with customers and strategic partners, Eurovision’s main thrust at IBC was announcing three important developments to our worldwide network.

1. Our move to DVB-S2 (Digital Video Broadcasting – Satellite – Second Generation)
DVB-S2 is an enhanced specification replacing the DVB-S standard. The new system allows transmission of one or more MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 audio video streams. The DVB-S2 standard, already in use for the past three years for HDTV, is now being extended to SD transmissions, as well. Starting in March 2009,
Eurovision began gradually moving to a full DVB-S2 network over Asia, the Americas and Europe.

2. Extension of the Eurovision Fibre to Asia
In April 2009 we extended our FiNE fibre network into the Asia Pacific area. We are offering the full range of services associated with DTM technology, and we now link Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore. In
addition, we have added a leg joining Sydney from Singapore.

3. Eurovision’s Additional Satellite Capacity
As of July 2009, Eurovision is now leasing capacity on Intelsat 805, which increases our capacity over the Americas. In addition, Eurovision is leasing 18 MHz space on W2A Circular C-band transponders over Africa and building an MPEG4 4:2:0 multiplexer with six services of 8 Mbps to allow us to distribute multilateral feeds and fixed services over Africa.

Eurovision used this satellite for the Confederations Cup last June in South Africa, carrying HD signals from Johannesburg to Europe. As the Confederations Cup is widely seen as a dress rehearsal for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, we were especially keen to make sure the satellite performed to the highest possible standard.

“Probably the largest technological show on the planet, IBC has become the ‘must be’ place for anybody and everybody working the audio-visual industry.

“Ranging from the new self-adhesive flat cables to brand new 45-ton OB Vans or the SNG-equipped Mini Cooper, the spectrum of services and products on show covered anything related to radio, TV, movies, workflow management, new set top box models, specialized recruitment and satellite services.

“We were situated close to the very interesting EBU Technical Department’s demonstration station and that helped drive traffic from customers and commercial partners as well as emerging companies looking to gain access to a worldwide network.

“IBC truly is a very intense exhibition with exceptional opportunities for making new contacts and promoting new developments, as we did this year. And now that IBC 2009 is closed, I can’t wait for the 2010 edition to open!’’

— Georges Bery, Eurovision Technical Sales Engineer