BY DR AMAL PUNCHIHEWA

The media industry is going through swift changes , challenging all stakeholders to stay in pace with such changes . As the Asia-Pacific region pursues digital transformation at an accelerated pace , it is critical for the media and broadcast industries to evolve alongside such dramatic shifts , which are happening on a global scale too .

Emerging technologies are converging services that the ICT , broadcasting and media industries offer . They are offering users and audiences a wide range of options and value-added services . At the same time , service providers need to be conscious of the practical potential of recovering the return on their investments .

One of the key technology areas that is strongly influencing broadcast operation is the use of IP , especially in media production and live coverage . During the ConnecTechAsia2018 Summit , the BroadcastMedia Track is focusing on the innovations and challenges within the broadcasting and media

industry — including the opportunities and challenges posed by IP .

Over the past 25 years , organisations such as DVB and ATSC have provided the necessary specifications for the transition from analogue to digital TV . Although APAC lags behind , the analogue switchoff ( ASO ) is already completed in many parts of the world . Having HD and 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) already specified , audiences can look forward to hearing about the future roadmap for broadcast media technology .

High dynamic range ( HDR ) video and immersive audio technologies from the cinema , are now coming to the home . A presentation at the ConnecTechAsia2018 Summit is addressing how these next-generation technologies enable powerful new personalised TV experiences , and provide amazing realism that audiences have not seen , heard or felt before .

Another session is covering an overview of the technology landscape and state of research in the field of artificial intelligence ( AI ), machine

learning , neuronal networks and cloud computing . It is important to understand the architecture and data model required to apply these new technologies to the production and management of professional media . The presentation is highlighting the expected value for media operations and media businesses with case studies from early implementations and tests by leading broadcasters and media organisations , the risks and best practices to take into account when planning to use AI for media .

The evolution to 5G is only part of the story , as traditional telcos transition to digital players . They are broadening their offerings by adding content assets and / or partnering with content providers . This transition comes with its own challenges however , as network upgrades need to be carefully managed as demand for streaming content onto mobile devices grows . The question of where the content comes from needs to be looked as telcos launch their own over-the-top ( OTT ) services to try to differentiate and stay competitive .

Augmented reality ( AR ) and virtual reality ( VR ) creators , developers and marketers are working to incorporate a new reality into their stories and their content . Content creators are no longer bound to a linear flow , which is transcending the way we approach storytelling . The media industry is exploring new ways to create , distribute , consume , monetise and industrialise the next reality of content .

Reaching the right audience at the right time is paramount to survival . Target advertising and branded content strategies enhance engagement , while discussions on emerging platforms and branded storytelling to big data , programmatic and AI are expected to be highlights this year .

Dr Amal Punchihewa is a lecturer at the IEEE Broadcast Technology Society ( BTS ), and is a former director of technology and innovation at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union ( ABU ).