IBC show preview

A look ahead at the events and products at this year's edition of IBC.

IBC is with us again and the exhibition is pulling out all the stops to make sure attendance rises after last year's slight year on year decline.

A new element added to the show this year is Connected World, where the IPTV, Mobile and Digital Signage Zones will be brought together under one roof in Hall 9. Connected World will showcase the many opportunities being created for the electronic media industry by IP, broadband and mobile distribution.

At the heart of Hall 9, the Connected World Hub will stage a series of free-admission seminars, presentations and business briefings to help visitors understand the implications and opportunities of the Connected World. The Demo Stage @ The Hub will host demonstrations that illustrate how content is and will be managed, distributed and consumed across diverse consumer electronic devices.

Other things to see at IBC are the New Technology Campus (NTC), which attracts researchers from the world's foremost companies and academic institutions.

Previous shows have hosted the delivery of the world's first live-by-satellite and fibre-optic international broadcasts. Last year saw demonstrations of virtual objects; context-aware and adaptive content and stereoscopic 3D technology.

The IBC Big Screen is another highlight of the exhibition. This purpose-built auditorium is used by exhibitors to demonstrate the latest developments and innovations in cinema and broadcast technology.

Returning after its successful debut last year is the Production Village, which features training sessions that cover a wide range of shooting issues. The Production Village allows IBC's attendees to interact with new technology and gain hands-on experience with the very latest cameras.

The IBC Conference is split into four main streams this year: technology advancements; content creation & innovation; the business of broadcasting; and added value. Key topics that will feature across all four streams are: sports broadcasting; stereo 3D; public service broadcasting and how to monetise content.

Saturday 11 September will feature four conference sessions dedicated to sports. The role of stereoscopic 3D within sports broadcasting is a subject that will feature prominently throughout the day.