About the

ABU Digital Broadcasting Symposium

The ABU Digital Broadcasting Symposium was launched in 2005.  From modest beginnings, DBS has become one of the region’s leading events for the broadcasting industry.  Held annually in Kuala Lumpur, and organised by the ABU, it attracted more than 1,000 participants pre-Covid-19.

Comprising a conference, an exhibition, masterclasses and workshops, the symposium is designed to provide broadcasters with the information needed to make the right decisions in the rapidly-changing digital age.

When DBS began in 2005, many Asian broadcasters had not yet gone digital. Many have now made the transition, or are in the process of doing so. At the same time, an ever-growing range of digital technologies is becoming available, offering exciting new opportunities – and challenging decisions – for broadcasters. DBS aims to help them stay ahead of the curve.

2021 | Inspire, Engage & Enhance

2022 | Evolving Media Workflows

Held on 5-8 April, DBS2021 with the theme “Inspire, Engage and Enhance” addressed the ongoing challenges through expert advice, sharing experiences and inspirational stories from fellow broadcasters.  It was held virtually for the first time.

This is the 18^th edition in this series hosted virtually on 21-24 March 2022 and this year the symposium is presented with the theme “Evolving Media Workflows”, aims to address current issues and challenges in the media and broadcasting industries amid a global pandemic in online technologies and remote broadcast operations and management.

2019 | Digital Transition & Transformation

2020 | Collaborate & Innovate

Held on 4-7 March, the symposium carried forward the idea of going digital while focusing on achieving Analogue Switch-Off (ASO) and the transformation of internal workflows and operations. WorldDAB was the Principle Sponsor.

Held on 2-5 March, the 2020 symposium aimed to address the ongoing challenges and to help find effective solutions for the broadcasters to remain relevant and take informed decisions.  MCMC was the Silver Sponsor.

2017 | Digitise, Digitalise & Dominate

2018 | Enhancing Multiplatform Content

Held on 6-9 March, the symposium emphasised the importance of embracing digital technologies and solutions focussing on IP based production systems and workflows and Cybersecurity. WorldDAB was the Principle Sponsor.

Held on 5-8 March, the 2018 symposium focussed on the importance of broadcasters embracing new changes and addressing technologies and techniques essential to developing appropriate and engaging content required to target the changing behaviour and demand of audiences. WorldDAB was the Principle Sponsor.

2015 | Enabling Change Smartly

2016 | Innovating Digital Connections

Held on 3-6 March, the 2015 Symposium explored the exciting prospects for the broadcasting industry to go forward with new services, especially in the converging world. WorldDAB was the Principle Sponsor.

Held on 29 February – 3 March, the symposium addressed the issue of the connected environment and the growing use of connected devices which was providing a huge challenge for the broadcasters. WorldDAB was the Principle Sponsor.

2013 | Next-Gen Media Space and the Connected World

2014 | Embracing Technological Innovations

Held on 5-8 March, the 2013 Symposium explored the exciting aspects of enabling the broadcasting industry to go forward with new services, more so in the connected world.  DRM was the Principal Sponsor.

Held on 4-7 March, the 2014 symposium explored all the existing prospects available for the broadcasting industry to go forward with new services, especially in the converging world.  WorldDAB was the Principle Sponsor.

2011 | Adding the 3rd Dimension

2012 | Decision Time for Stakeholders

The 2011 DBS held on 8-11 March addressed 3DTV, the Hybrid TV Platform and the emergence of surround sound and “small video” services delivered by digital radio.  Broadcast Australia was the Principal Sponsor.

DBS 2012 held on 6-9 March aimed to equip broadcasters and industry stakeholders to make informed decisions on implementation of digitalisation.  The Principal Sponsor was Broadcast Australia.

2009 | Towards Higher Definition in Radio & Television

2010 | Leveraging the Digital Advantage

DBS 2009 was held on 10-13 March and addressed the delivery of higher quality digital services and content creation for higher definition radio and television.  Broadcast Australia was the Principal Sponsor.

The 2010 DBS held on 9-11 March addressed the digital advantage that can be employed by broadcasters to consolidate their present operations and to plan for the future, taking account of economic uncertainties.  Broadcast Australia was the Principal Sponsor.

2007 | Path to Implementation

The DTV Symposium 2007 held on 26-29 March was structured to provide the necessary know-how from broadcasters who have begun DTV services to share their experiences and exchange views in order to assist in clearing up any existing doubts on when and how to launch digital television.

2008 | Progression to Digital & Mobile Services

The 2008 ABU DBS was held on 10-13 March and was devoted to helping broadcasters select the most appropriate system for going digital and developing a viable business plan.  The Major Sponsors were Broadcast Australia, Harris, Kordia and Sony.

2005 | Challenges for the Broadcaster

The first symposium was held on 3-6 October 2005.  It offered guidance for broadcasters as they prepared to embark on the digital transition. Samsung was the Principal Sponsor.

2006 | Completing the Transition

Dedicated solely to digital radio, the ABU Digital Radio Convention on 14-17 August 2006 was aimed at helping broadcasters in the Asia-Pacific region to go digital as smoothly and as cost-effectively as possible. Harris was the Principal Sponsor.