With a lot of coverage around product launches, technologies and esports, I thought I’d shift focus to some of the other highlights at IBC this year.
We have been witness to many impressive launches last month, having just come back from IBC and the Cannes Corporate TV and Media awards.
But everything pales in comparison to what we witnessed on home ground, with the UAE having successfully sent its first national, Hazzaa AlMansoori, to space on September 25 – a momentous occasion that has catapulted this tiny country into an elite league of nations.
This, however, is only one part of a 100-year vision the country and its leadership nurtures to eventually build a knowledge-based economy, with a Mars mission and more. And they have backed this with a lot of strategic planning, phased financial investment, partnerships and other elements necessary to take this vision forward.
We also witnessed some exceptional moments at IBC this year, with more satellite operators either entering the IP and streaming space through partnerships or creating technologies that allow them to straddle both worlds.
The focus on IP, 4K/6K/8K camera technologies, HDR and new offerings within the OTT space continued to remain strong, although there was a lot of discussion on the need for standards.
With a lot of coverage around product launches, technologies and esports, I thought I’d shift focus to some of the other highlights at IBC this year.
Diversity, for instance, has been spotlighted at various events globally – a theme that BroadcastPro has also been running with this year, making every effort to bring exceptional women in the region to the fore. As part of that, we bring you an interview with La Liga’s new MENA head, Maite Ventura.
For the first time, IBC also chose to reward some exceptional projects that bring the broadcast community together. The 4K 4Charity run, for instance – a regular fixture since 2014 at IBC, NAB and SMPTE – invites the industry to come together for a 4km run, with all proceeds going to non-profits that support increased diversity and inclusion initiatives.
While we have hosted several golf tournaments for the industry, these have been relatively exclusive. Perhaps a run would be more inclusive and offer the perfect opportunity to soak up some sun and get to know each other better. Let us know if the idea appeals to you.
