SMPTE conferences always have an interesting mix of technologies on show, reports Steve Ahern.
As media converges and delivers content across multiple platforms, the cross over of technology is evident. Most companies supplying audio equipment now also supply equipment for video, lighting, capture, editing software and delivery across all mediums. This makes adherence to standards even more important now as ever. In various sessions and discussions on the exhibition floor, the important role of SMPTE in setting and updating standards was mentioned more than once.
Several presenters spoke about delivery across multiple platforms, from satellite, through mobile and fibre, to the good old broadcast transmitter, with examples of where transmission or streaming can come unstuck if all the feeds are not configured properly.
Etere‘s Fabio Gattari explained his company’s simplified ‘visual radio‘ equipment, thst doesn’t require the complexity of lots of tv equipment in a radio studio to produce efficient video streams for radio broadcasters, all of which are standardised to the required delivery platforms.
On the exhibition floor, Paul Dengate (main picture) was there at the newly expanded On Air Solutions company, which has now merged with Sonifex. On Air Solutions supplies a range of audio and radio technical solutions and also has camera and video systems available that can be integrated across various media.
Ai Media, a Chatswood based captioning, translation and speech to speech company that I mentioned in an earlier MetExpo article displayed its range of offerings, including its Lexi text system and its range of encoders and displays for broadcast.
Riedel Communications, a German company with offices in Rosebury, Sydney provides live production tools for media, sports and entertainment. Its hardware and software solutions span from distributed video and audio networks over intercom and replay solutions to WAN and MPLS applications, with three business units to support broadcaster needs: Product Division, Managed Technology Division and Networks Division.
Radius Windshields demonstrated a wide range of products, including the new Mini-ALTO range. The company also sells mic flags for station branding.
AWV Group is a broadcast technology distributor, with areas of expertise including Broadcast, RF, IT and AV technologies with brands such as Inovonics, Krone and RFS Antennas among the many brands it carries. With a presence spanning five time zones, from the East Pacific Islands to Western Australia and beyond, the company provides comprehensive channel solutions for customers, vendors, and partners across Australia and New Zealand.
A special service division within the company provides Engineered Solutions, Systems Installation/Integration, Project Management , Critical System Maintenance and Support Services.
Chris Dredge who is now the Country and Sales Manager for Live U explained the service his company offers to broadcasters in the Pacific, providing streaing services and connectivity. It is an important provider for the Pacifika tv service. Built on pioneering IP-video innovation, the LiveU EcoSystem adds efficiency and shortens workflows across the video production chain. Enriching live storytelling and producing more for less.
TAFE NSW displayed a podcast studio, with control through a phone apps and laptop, well as a full tv broadcast mixing and streaming facility. See more about TAFE in this related report.
Broadcast solutions and media production technology provider Grass Valley offers hardware and software media production solutions across the world. Its integrated platform brings together hardware, software-driven agility, and seamless third-party collaboration. Techtel in Artarmon supplies Grass Valley solutions in Australia
AV Group Technologies distributes broadcast and media technology solutions across the Asia-Pacific region. With a strong presence in New South Wales, the company has built a reputation for providing high-quality, cost-effective products and exceptional support. Clientele include television stations, multi-channel playout companies, outside broadcast teams, production houses, telecommunications providers, and educational institutions.
A full list of SMPTE MetExpo exhibitors can be found here.
Reporting: Steve Ahern