UHD SPAIN REINFORCES ITS PRESENCE AT IBC 2024 WITH THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN ULTRA-HIGH DEFINITION AND 5G

• UHD Spain, the association that leads the promotion of Ultra High Definition in Spain, has had an outstanding participation in the 2024 edition of the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC), which took place in Amsterdam.
• This technology fair, one of the most important in the world in the creation, management and distribution of audiovisual content, has been the stage where several members of the association have shown their innovations.
• Xavier Redón, Vpte. of UHD Spain, participated in a round table organized by the UHD World Association (UWA), where opportunities and challenges of UHD content were discussed.

At IBC 2024, UHD Spain has had the participation of 19 members. A total of 14 have been present as exhibitors: Ateme, Agile Content, Canon, Cellnex Telecom, Dolby, Fraunhofer IIS, Gsertel, Rohde & Schwarz, Sapec, Synamedia, Tedial, TRedess, TVU Networks and Video-MOS. In addition, representatives of ADM, Cires21, COITT, Medina Media and RTVE attended the fair. The association thus continues its work of international projection, consolidating its position as a benchmark for Ultra High Definition (UHD) in Europe and contributing to the advancement of the television of the future worldwide.

Innovations in production technology, 5G Broadcast and more

Agile Content introduced its innovative TV-as-a-Service (TVaaS) platform, an end-to-end solution for pay-TV that spans from content management to video delivery. This platform incorporates AI-powered automatic speech recognition (ASR) technologies, enabling real-time closed captioning generation, thus improving accessibility and user experience. In addition, the company showcased its Agile CDN Director tool, designed specifically to combat piracy, an increasingly relevant concern in online content distribution.

Ateme, recognized as one of the leading companies in the technology ecosystem, has exhibited at IBC 2024 its latest innovations in both hybrid and cloud workflows. It has especially highlighted its Gen7 STREAM encoding engine, a technology capable of delivering low latency transmission. In addition, the company highlighted its advances in dynamic ad insertion, including AI-driven free-to-air ad-supported TV (FAST) solutions. These developments are complemented by its advanced audio and video solutions, designed to provide the highest quality audiovisual experience.

Canon also had a prominent space, where it showcased its latest advances in imaging technology, highlighting the EOS R1, EOS R5 Mark II and EOS C400 cameras. Its range of film and television products, including PTZ cameras and virtual reality solutions, gave attendees a glimpse of upcoming trends in audiovisual production.

Transformations in the audiovisual experience

Dolby was again the protagonist with its demonstrations of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, this time focused on live sporting events, highlighting how their technologies transform the experience of viewers. It also presented Dolby AC-4 Audio, which enables personalized audio experiences, and Dolby Hybrik, an innovative solution for media processing in the cloud, with capabilities powered by Artificial Intelligence.

Fraunhofer IIS presented at IBC 2024 its range of tools and products for MPEG-H Audio, a system that spans the entire transmission chain and offers the possibility of creating personalized and immersive audio experiences. This system, which will become mandatory for the future TV 3.0 standard in Brazil, allows viewers to adjust elements such as dialogue level and audio descriptions. This significantly improves accessibility, since, for example, the voice can be highlighted over other sounds in the scene or descriptions can be added for the visually impaired. In addition, Europe’s largest applied research organization showcased Allinga Voice, an AI-based speech synthesis technology designed to facilitate the production of digital content.

For its part, TVU Networks showcased its cloud and IP remote production solutions, highlighting operational efficiency and sustainability by reducing CO2 emissions. In addition, it showed how Artificial Intelligence can improve live event coverage, offering new capabilities in news production.

Video-MOS introduced an optimized version of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) engine designed for video quality of experience (QoE) measurement. This new version promises to deliver more accurate and detailed analytics, enabling video service providers to identify and resolve quality issues more efficiently. In addition, Video Mos technology will help improve end-user satisfaction by ensuring a superior viewing experience.

Security and new technologies in broadcasting

Cellnex Telecom contributed its vision on the future of DAB+ radio, participating in a special session where they addressed the latest innovations and the impact of this technology on the broadcasting industry.

Gsertel focused on its monitoring and measurement technology for radio (FM and DAB/DAB+) and TV standards, including its innovative 5G Broadcast solution. Attendees were able to learn about these technologies first-hand, with demonstrations at their booth.

Rohde & Schwarz focused on solutions for a modern and secure broadcast infrastructure, with special attention on operational efficiency and cyber security. During the event, it presented its automated playout environment Gallium and StreamMaster, optimized to run on the latest versions of Windows and Linux.

TRedess offered its latest optimized solutions for TV broadcasters and network operators, highlighting its TV and DAB+ Gap Filler transmitters and solutions. It was therefore a great opportunity to learn about their latest innovations in the broadcasting field.

Advances in video transport and content management

Sapec presented its latest video transport solutions, including its renowned SIVAC-ONE solution for encoding and decoding UHD video signals, and other technologies compatible with the SMPTE 2110 IP standard, which will enable greater flexibility in content production.

Tedial highlighted its SmartWork content management platform, introducing new codeless collaboration features designed to offer customers greater flexibility and self-sufficiency in their workflows.

Synamedia will also showcase its advances in video processing through Artificial Intelligence for live sports, as well as ad insertion solutions and CDN technologies. They will also highlight its forensic watermarking system, key in the fight against piracy.

Roundtable discussion with the UHD World Association (UWA)

Xavier Redón, Vice President of UHD Spain and Product Manager of Cellnex, attended the round table “Embrace UHD, Embrace the Future”, organized by the UHD World Association (UWA) and Informa Tech. This focused on the opportunities and challenges of UHD content production and monetization.

Participants included: Vincent Zhang, Secretary General of UWA; Jiao Yang, Peter Xu, Lyu Chao and Liquiang Zhao, also representing UWA; Andrew Dunne of BBC; Gavin Ho of Insight TV; Andy Quested of ITU; Thierry Fautier of Your Media Transformation; Benjamin Schwarz of Ultra HD Forum; Chris Lennon of Ross Video; Cristiano Benzi of Eutelsat; Lennart Sohst of SES-PS; Stephane Ledreau of Nagra; Yasser Syed of Comcast; Elena Panova of A1 Bulgary; Christian Bovie of SKY Germany; Fernando Garcia of The Channel Store; Maria Rua and Dan Simmons of Omdia; and Ricardo Medina of Medina Media.

Redón intervened in the debate and mentioned that in Spain there is a great interest in Ultra High Definition and that test broadcasts and regular UHD broadcasts are highly valued by viewers.

This roundtable of media, technology and broadcast industry leaders also addressed how UWA has contributed to the creation of a comprehensive ecosystem that connects all segments of the value chain, from content producers to device and chip manufacturers.

About UHD Spain

UHD Spain is a non-profit association created on January 26, 2021 to promote Ultra High Definition (UHD) in Spain. Currently there are already 37 associate members: ADM, Agile Content, Ametic, Ateme, Atresmedia, Axión, Canal Sur, Canon, CCMA, Cellnex, Cires21, COITT, Dolby, Epam, Fenitel, Forta, Fraunhofer, Grup Mediapro, Gsertel, Henneo, Hispasat, Hurí, Lavinia, Medina Media, Rohde & Schwarz, RTVE, Sapec, Synamedia, Tedial, Telecom CLM, Televés, TRedess, TVU Networks, UPM, Uteca, Vestel and Video-MOS.