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ABU @ INTERBEE 2018

by Cheong Chee Keong & Haji Daud Haji Zakaria of Radio Television Brunei

8K Broadcast & Video Productions

The latest broadcasting technologies were on display at Inter BEE 2018, a major international exhibition held in Chiba, Japan, from 14 to 16 November.

First held in 1965, the International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition (Inter BEE) brings together the latest innovations relating to the content business from Japan and overseas. It is staged by the Association of Commercial Broadcasters in Japan.

The 2018 exhibition featured 2,054 booths from 1,152 companies and organisations, and attracted a record high of more than 40 thousand visitors. Since 2009, the ABU’s partnership with Inter BEE has enabled selected ABU members to attend the exhibition each year with sponsorship from Inter BEE.

The latest video, broadcasting, communications, audio, lighting, and media business innovations were all showcased under one roof. The trade show focused on an interesting mix of known technologies including 4K/8K satellite broadcasting, 4K/8K production systems and 12G SDI systems.

Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, plans to launch the world’s first 8K channel in December. With 8K now a reality for consumers in Japan, and NHK continuing its efforts to roll out 8K production units that can be deployed around Japan in preparation for the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, this year’s Inter BEE encouraged a number of manufacturers to display 8K broadcast and production systems.

Some big names including Sony, Panasonic, Ikegami, Astro Design and AJA rolled out their respective 8K capable production components, displaying a comprehensive range of high quality and robust professional 8K products.

8K technology was on display throughout the exhibition, from 8K cameras and displays to 8K being sent over IP via a 5G phone network, indicating a future for 8K reality.

Inter BEE says its aim is to hold a comprehensive annual media communication and entertainment event with an emphasis on content, production, transmission and reception.

Its purpose is to deliver industry information to targets while considering markets in Japan and overseas in response to the needs of professionals. At the same time it aims to provide opportunities for exchanging information and creating business links between exhibitors and visitors.

Inter BEE 2019 is due to be held at the same venue on 13-15 November.