Global industry prepares for Cabsat 2013 with latest products and technologies

When the doors of the Dubai World Trade Centre open on Tuesday 12 March visitors will experience for three days at the biggest media technology event ever staged in the Middle East and Africa, covering everything from core technology to cutting edge techniques.

Data over satellite in the MENA region is set to grow at an amazing two and a half times the global average, with Ka-band satellites taking up much of the load and new launches planned by Yahsat, Spacecom, Eutelsat, SES and more.

To help broadcasters and production companies take advantage of the two-way data paths available using Ka-band satellites, ideal for journalists on the move as well as broadcast contributions, systems integrator Megahertz is using CABSAT to launch a new strategic partnership with Canadian dish specialist C-Com.

Asset management, file-based infrastructure and automated workflows form one of this year's hot topics. "Increasingly, we are seeing broadcasters and facilities worldwide move to digital file-based workflows, and many regional broadcasters are actively looking for partners able to support them through this change process," said Tim Felstead, newly appointed head of sales and marketing at systems integrator ATG Broadcast.

Harris also has a long history of launching key new products at CABSAT. This year it will be focussing on Versio, its unique "channel in a box" product which combines proven elements from its standalone automation, graphics and server systems. Consultancy Marquis Broadcast will be showing version 3 of its Project Parking, which provides secure storage and simple management for networks of Avid editors.

Production is also at the forefront this year, with a whole range of cameras on show from low-cost camcorders right up to top-end digital cinematography systems and special-purpose devices like the Phantom high speed camera, capable of recording 1000 frames a second or more for ultra-slow motion replay.

Polecam is a popular choice, particularly among camera operators who want to be able to offer that very unique angle. Being shown at CABSAT - by local distributor Argosy - is the PSP+ starter kit, which includes a range of electronically controlled remote head mounts for popular cameras on a carbon fibre tube system that reaches up to a staggering 8 metres. The whole system packs up into the boot of a car, is light enough to carry to remote locations, and can be set up in moments.

Audio is also a highlight at CABSAT. Among the exhibits will be a new launch from professional mixer specialist Calrec, which adds up to eight automatic microphone mixers to a standard Calrec digital desk, in a free upgrade.

Exhibiting at CABSAT for the first time is IPTV company Exterity. Its regional sales director Eleuterio Fernandes said of the event "The Middle East represents a dynamic and thriving market, and we are proud to be forging a local presence."

Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President, DWTC, organiser of CABSAT said: "These examples are just a flavour of what industry visitors can expect to see and experience from more than 840 exhibitors from 54 countries. CABSAT continues to bring the best of the world's broadcast and digital media sectors to the Middle East and Africa."

In addition to the latest technologies on display this year, CABSAT Academy brings together the two sides of the show into one expanded and multi-stream knowledge exchange platform and features a mixture of free-to-attend sessions. The dedicated Broadcast and GVF-organised Satellite Conference streams: CABSAT Broadcast Conference and the Global VSAT Forum (GVF) Menasat @ CABSAT Summit, are complemented by special workshops, vendor presentations and interactive tutorials.

Join all the exhibitors and conference delegates at CABSAT 2013, from 12 - 14 March in halls 1 - 8 of the Dubai World Trade Centre. The exhibition is strictly for trade and business only, and visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry.