Mideast broadcasting sector prepares for digital boom

As the demand for higher quality digital broadcasting services gains momentum in the Mena region, broadcasters must be equipped to embrace the digital boom, according to Jamal Al Sharif, Executive Director, Dubai Studio City.

He will be emphasising on this point and other subjects affecting the industry as the keynote speaker at this year's CABSAT Mena 2010 Broadcasting Conference.

The free-to-attend conference runs alongside CABSAT Mena 2010, the region's leading international satellite communication and digital media event, taking place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 2 to 4.

"With the economic recovery in sight, the Middle East broadcasting industry is now looking at new technologies to drive the move to a fully-integrated digital broadcasting platform," said Al Sharif. "The Middle East is embracing the move to enhance digital broadcasting, which will ultimately produce savings for broadcasters in terms of reduced operational costs and make services more competitive by enhancing the consumer experience."

Other key speakers at this year's CABSAT Mena 2010 Broadcasting Conference include Sharad Sadhu, Director, Technical Department, Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union; Jonathan Crofts, Managing Business Consultant, Sony Professional; Carl Furgusson, Vice-President, Product Management, Tandberg Television, part of the Ericsson Group; and Steve Oetegenn, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Verimatrix.

The topics discussed will offer delegates high-level of information and real-life experiences in digital HDTV, enhanced digital radio and file-based production, both from within the Mena region and other parts of the world. The tracks provide a great insight into the Mena digital media industry and equip companies with the tools needed to capitalise on the huge growth potential in the region.

Running alongside the CABSAT Mena exhibition is Satellite Mena, the definitive international satellite event for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Satellite Mena also provides a dedicated knowledge exchange platform through this year's GVF Menasat Summit 2010, entitled 'The Mena Communications Knowledge Exchange: Development Dynamics in the Broadband Satellite and Hybrid Wireless Applications Market'.

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