IBC 2013 – Audio Report – Bonus Content

The International Broadcasting Convention (IBC)—September 12–17, 2013 in Amsterdam—was an exciting event, even from the audio perspective.
Of course, no one can expect to visit the largest annual gathering of the worldwide broadcast industry— the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas, NV, may be larger, but is much less international—and not notice the digital cinema and television market is experiencing one of the most important transitions of all times. The markets are moving to IP and IT systems-based infrastructures, and production is moving to high-quality and high-resolution levels. And, large-size sensor cameras are providing results above the standard 35-mm film emulsion production values.
Also, thanks to developments in advanced compression technology, including High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), the entire industry is moving toward Ultra High Definition Television (UHDTV) in 4K.
Obviously, audio has to keep pace with the huge increase in digital production, especially with the rising number of people purchasing affordable digital cameras. During IBC 2013, it became clear that all the relevant broadcast associations and consortiums want 4K to be the new production standard. The broadcasting industry is aiming even higher to 8K and is supported by Japanese television NHK’s initiatives. Also, 8K, like 4K, already have International Telecommunication Union (ITU) standards and the Ultra-High Definition (UHD) formats are complemented with 22.2 multichannel audio and spacialization.
Read the full report in PDF, here.