IBC 2018 Report: Audio-Over-IP at the Crossroads of Next Generation Audio

In my previous report on IBC 2018, I addressed some key technology trends from the IBC show in Amsterdam (September 13-18, 2018), in the perspective of audio technology, content production, and distribution. Of course, on the backbone of all the tremendous changes that are currently happening in the media business, broadcast, and professional production, the topic of audio-over-IP (AoIP) and the ongoing transition to fully IP-enabled operations in all platforms - traditional linear television, radio (digital, hybrid, virtual, etc.), and new over-the-top and on-demand streaming services - is front and center.

Wisdom Audio will demonstrate the benefits of Line Source loudspeaker design and the superior clarity and dynamics of its Sage Cinema series at CEDIA 2018. For the San Diego presentations, the designer and manufacturer of loudspeaker systems will partner with Home Theater Environment (HTE), Trinnov, Kaleidescape, Sony, and Seymour Screen, in what promises to be the ultimate home-theater experience at the show.

On 15th May 2018, the EU-funded ORPHEUS consortium presented their results at a workshop in Munich, Germany. The event served to summarize how the ORPHEUS project has created a full set of tools and applications for object-based media innovations, including demonstrations of a future-proof radio service, perfecting the complete workflow for object-based audio and IP-based delivery, and demonstrating object-based broadcasting innovations including foreground/ background control, language selection, immersive sound, and enhanced program services.

Alcons Audio was at the recent Integrated Systems Europe 2017 show with another impressive installation of its Pro-Ribbon Immersive Experience. With partners Astro Spatial Audio (ASA), Barco Residential, Trinnov, and DreamScreen, the best possible immersive audio experience was presented, for both Residential as well as Live Production applications. Visitors could experience Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D and DTS:X content, as well as ASA 3D material using that company’s SARA II Premium Rendering Engine.

An established annual tradition for more than 30 years, the prestigious European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) Awards, featuring more than 20 products in different audio categories, have been announced. Harman, Bluesound, Bowers & Wilkins, Chord, ELAC, Hegel, Marantz, Naim Audio, Pro-Ject, Sonos, Canton, DALI, Denon, Monitor Audio, Panasonic, Trinnov and Yamaha among the winners in Hi-Fi, mobile and home-theater categories. Winners for 2016-2017 will receive the awards at IFA Berlin 2016.