NAB Highlights TV Distribution Revolution
NAB, the world's biggest electronic media convention is spotlighting the distribution revolution as broadcasters embrace broadband, from internet protocol television to podcasting. With the switch to digital and high definition no longer making headline the new forms of distribution are now attracting attention, an in particular Internet Protocol Television IPTV.
Broadband is now high on the programme agenda, with Kevin Corbett of Intel delivering on Winning in the internet broadcast era and Jeremy Allaire, founder of Brightcove on Internet TV—What the new world of ubiquitous home broadband means for broadcasters. Microsoft's Phil Corman speaks on Next generation television. NAB sponsor Accenture has a session on IPTV: realising the potential of television over the internet.
INTEROPERABILITY ISSUES
Conference first day of the conference saw the MPEG Industry Forum and the Internet Streaming Media Alliance looking at issues of interoperability of open standards for future video services.
There is still much confusion about converged communications. Representatives of the broadcast, telecommunications and information technology communities almost inevitably see the future new landcape only from their perspective, rather than from consumer viewpoint.
VIDEO-ON-DEMAND
In keeping with the technology, a video channel is piped around Vegas hotels with daily highlights given as five-minute video downloads or ‘podcasts.’
NAB represents over 8,000 free local radio and television stations across the United States. Their annual show brings together 1,400 exhibitors and attracts 100,000 media professionals from over 130 countries.