The world is witnessing a tremendous interest in wireless broadband technologies. There is a variety of standards for both fixed and mobile, some of which promise to deliver high speed access to broadband services anytime and anywhere.
But how can these new wireless broadband technologies benefit broadcasters? That is the central question of a workshop EBU TECHNICAL is organising on 24 November 2008.
Workshop topics
The workshop will explore existing and emerging broadband wireless access (BWA) technologies, some of which may be able to provide new opportunities for broadcasters in the future. There are many open questions.
What for example are the service requirements for broadcast applications in terms of capacity, coverage and QoS? And how similar or different are wireless broadband technologies from the more traditional broadband platforms, such as cable, DSL and FTTH? What importance does mobility have as a service requirement?
Also it is unclear what the limitations are and how can they be overcome. Here a distinguish should be made between those technologies readily avaialble and ones further down the road.
Technical audience
The workshop will explore how wireless broadband systems could be used by broadcasters, for instance in program making and contribution and for content distribution and delivery. The event is primarily intended for technical managers and other technical experts who have to stay informed about the relevant new technology trends.
Another important objective is to identify those areas where a more focused activity of the EBU community is required. Last but not least, the organisors hope that this workshop will facilitate a closer co-operation between broadcasters, BWA providers and industry.