Dubai: More than 900 exhibitors from over 60 countries are expected to take part in the 20th edition of Cabsat 2014, the biggest broadcast, digital media and satellite event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA).
The event runs from March 11-13 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
In 2013, more than 850 participants from 57 countries took part. About 13,000 visitors are expected to take part compared to 12,269 in 2013.
A raft of leading international providers — including specialists of ‘anytime, anywhere’ video or digital content via purpose-built platforms, also known as over-the-top (OTT) — will present customised solutions ready-made for the regional market.
“This year’s show will be cranked by full of new features, contents for the whole content creation and management and distribution of premium entertainment,” Andrew Pert, exhibition director of Cabsat, told Gulf News.
According to a research firm Frost & Sullivan, the pay TV market in the region will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 60 per cent by 2020 and there will be 545 million consumer-connected devices during the period.
Big focus
Pert said the big focus will be on the multi-screen video content distribution.
According to industry experts, Middle East and North Africa’s media and broadcast market is expected to be worth more than $2 billion by the end of this year.
Mark Sanger, Editor of the Oscar-nominated Hollywood hit ‘Gravity’ will discuss with Tom Cordiner, Vice-President of international sales at Avid, about what it takes to become a blockbuster editor.
“With an assortment of the world’s most innovative providers exhibiting from tailored turn-key pods, the Content Delivery Hub — a new exhibitor and content zone focused on multi-screen content creation — represents an exciting addition to the Cabsat portfolio and is a key enabler in the strategic long-term growth plans we have laid out for the show,” Trixie LohMirmad, Senior Vice-President, Exhibitions and Events Department, DWTC, the show organiser, said in a statement.
Content Delivery Hub
She said live demonstrations will be held at the open air theatre and next year the Content Delivery Hub is likely to be developed into a stand-alone exhibition zone with live interactive features, content, training, competitions and educational programmes.
“The three-day event has long been a highlight of our exhibition calendar, both as visitors and when taking a stand. It provides an opportunity for us to catch up with new and existing customers, showcase our new services and stay at the forefront of our sector by taking in all the event has to offer,” said Awaes Jaswal, CEO of ViewSat, an international provider of broadcast services for television and radio channels.
Sony Professional is taking part for the 18th consecutive year and is showcasing the company’s ‘Beyond Definition’ vision through a wide array of cameras, professional monitors and live 4K production workflow solutions.
