Open Source Software provides users with the source code. It helps prevent vendor lock-in, it permits changes to it directly and it is often free as well. Free Open Source Software (FOSS) is now popular in the IT world, but how relevant is it for the media industry? Can you really use Open Source Software to produce and distribute programmes? 

Today, Free Open Source Software is gaining interest among AV industry professionals too. For editing, exchange and play-out purposes, broadcasters currently need to be able to make comparisons between Open Source products and assess their pros and cons. In response to this growing interest, the EBU has organised a specific seminar on Free Open Source Software for media professionals from 1-2 October in Geneva. The aim of the seminar is to inform broadcasters on how these products progress and on the benefits and drawbacks of the various tools available.

Through this seminar, the EBU wishes to demystify Open Source Software and understand what it means for the media industry, get exposed to its basic characteristics - license types, cost, quality, support - and assess the practical impact of this software on operations. Professionals well-experienced in integrating Open Source Software in broadcast and audio production will give their views on where it is currently applicable in media production. What projects are they using Open Source Software for, and why? 

If you are interested in learning more about what Free Open Source Software means for the media industry and would like to gain information on the upcoming training, come to visit us at the EBU Village (10.411) at IBC 2007 or click here.