BES Expo to showcase latest broadcasting technologies

New Delhi, Jan 31 (UNI) TV on mobile, low cost solution for community radio, Internet Protocol TV, digital radio and content management solutions are among the latest broadcasting prdoducts and services to be showcased at the three-day Broadcasting Engineering Society (BES) Expo 2007, which gets under way here tomorrow.

The 13th edition of BES Expo -- an international conference-cum-exhibition on terrestrial and satellite broadcasting -- attended by over 65 leading exhibitors in broadcasting and telecommunications areas, will be innaugurated by Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi.

Outlining the main features of the exposition, BES President A S Guin told reporters that the theme for this year's event had been chosen as ''Multifaceted Broadcasting - Present and Future'', keeping in view the shift in broadcasting scenario from old conventional to multifaceted structure as aresult of the increasing use IT-related technologies.

''It has helped in improving the quality of broadcast and added new dimensions to programme contents based on interactivity,'' he said, adding that the Expo would not only provide a major show window for the latest technological advancements in the electronic media, but would also provide a glimpse of multiple choices of entertainment available to listeners and viewers.

Of the 65 exhibitors displaying their products in the exposition, he said 15 multi national companies (MNCs) are participating directly, while other MNCs are displaying their products through their Indian agents.

The MNCs participating in the exposition include Nokia, Sony, Chyron - a leading player in broadcast graphics, Xen Data - a brand name in digital video archive solutions, Nexsan Technologies, Ideal Systems - a global broadcast solutions provider and Vertigo (X) Media - a brand of Miranda Technologies Inc.

This Expo is an ideal platform for broadcasters and other related professionals to find out solutions for setting up broadcast infrastructure in the country and it has become relevant in view of the latest initiatives taken by the government in opening up the broadcasting sector to private players.

In addition, UNESCO will showcase low cost technology innovations in community radio, which has received a fresh lease of life with the recent policy directive of the government.

''To help develop the technical understanding, UNESCO is exhibiting unique low cost technology solutions for setting up a Community Radio Station. Suitcase Radio, Hand wound sets (which do not need electricity), Radio Lamps, solar powered FM Transmitters, low priced Disc Recorders, all creatively designed for the Indian environment will also be displayed at the Expo,'' MsJocelyne Josiah, Adviser, UNESCO office in New Delhi, said.

The expo will also consist of interactive panel discussions on issues like ''Mobile TV Anytime and Anywhere'', ''Digital Radio: Emerging Scenario'', ''Role of Broadcasting in Warning and Disaster Management'', ''Digital Media Lifestyle'', ''Content Creation: Cutting Edge Technology'', Interactive Broadcasting'' and ''Broadcasting in India - Challenges Ahead''.

Minister of State for I&B M H Ambareesh wil preside over the function, while I&B Secretary S K Arora, Prasar Bharati Chief Executive Officer Baljit Singh Lalli and Asia Pacific Broadcast Union Secretary General David Astley will be the guests of honour.

Mr Roger Cruumpton, Chief Executive Officer of International Association of Broadcast Equipment Manufacturers, will deliver the keynote address.

UNI