EBU Technical Review : No. 272 (Summer 1997)
The EBU's activities in production technology
The EBU's activities in production technology are hardly as well known as its work, for example, in transmission or distribution: its leadership in the field of production technology is not as well established. It is nevertheless an authority in these matters. When industry puts forward new systems, the EBU's opinions and recommendations are awaited far beyond the reaches of the broadcasting world. Yet its role is more that of a guide than an instigator.
The difficulties in standardizing the technologies used for production arise not only from the large number of players involved in the "contents industry" (broadcasters themselves, production companies and various other facilities houses), but also from the very nature of production, which has to meet a great variety of needs. In television alone the scope is vast. There is a world of difference between producing news, game shows or cultural programmes, as they each create correspondingly different technical demands. Another important factor in the standardization process is of course the great variety of technical tools and accessories now available to filter, process, correct, manipulate and rig the audio or video signals.
In this multi-faceted world, the EBU has concentrated on (i) the requirements of programme exchanges (the structure of the signals on films and magnetic tapes, the design of interfaces, the identification of recordings) and (ii) information exchanges about equipment (measuring techniques, lists of requirements). These are the problem areas where EBU Members regularly have to find solutions if they want to play an active part in the network of co-operation they have set up. This is also where problems have to be solved if members want to be able to continue making exchanges within an association of privileged partners. The EBU/SMPTE task force on packetized television is a typical example of such an involvement, aimed at ensuring that order prevails.
Nevertheless, the EBU has not refused all involvement in other production sectors. Even if it cannot directly steer the developments, it can at least light the way, thanks to its general overview of the situation.
Co-operation can also serve as a catalyst for action. The diversity of experience in various member organizations and various countries should enable us to understand better the evolution of technology and, if possible, to provide advice on the use of new equipment. Forums are needed at which EBU Members can meet to discuss these subjects. The idea is taking shape. However, without waiting for it to be put actually into practice, seminars have already been held to translate the developments of specialists into a language that is accessible to all engineers. Several of the articles in this issue have been drawn from this context.
The subject matter of these articles shows just how dynamic the world of production is. What is more, it has considerable social and economic importance for Europe. Figures published in 1996 show that the contents industry in Europe, with a turnover of more than ECU 150 billion, employed 2 million people – which more than compares with the telecommunications industry (ECU 120 billion; 1,250,000 people) and the computer industry (less than ECU 100 billion; under 700,000 people). Maintaining the EBU's position in this field is therefore more than just keeping a tool in good working order, albeit in the service of the leading creative light of the broadcasting industry. The EBU is also an active member of a key European industry which is sure to become a strategic and job-creating sector in this dawning information society.
Jean-Jacques Peters
Head of Production Technology
EBU Technical Department.
European Broadcasting Union
