Latest news with #EBU
Broadcast Pro
2 days ago
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Lawo to unveil cutting-edge broadcast innovations at IBC 2025
Future-ready infrastructure management, software-defined workflows and virtual DSP engines will be on display at IBC. At this year's International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam, taking place from September 12 to 15, Lawo is reaffirming its status as a major player in IP-native broadcast infrastructure and media production solutions. The company will be showcasing a suite of next-generation technologies focused on software-defined workflows, cloud-ready architecture and flexible deployment models, enabling broadcasters to create agile, scalable and highly efficient production environments. Key highlights include the European debut of Lawo's implementation of the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) Dynamic Media Facility (DMF) initiative. This dynamic installation leverages a generic server cluster and Lawo's HOME Apps, with setup changes triggered via buzzer-style buttons, offering an interactive demonstration of agile media infrastructure and VSM workflow control. Lawo is also launching HOME 4.0, a major upgrade to its IP-native management platform. This latest version introduces architectural refinements and a simplified licensing model through HOME Passes, which are required only for actively managed devices or apps. While the platform itself is free, broadcasters can choose between perpetual licenses or flexible subscription options, allowing infrastructure to grow alongside operational needs. New Lawo devices will include the necessary passes, and existing users have access to a streamlined upgrade path. The .edge platform has also received a significant update with system software v3.2, offering 11 selectable firmware images and enhanced processing features such as JPEG-XS encoding, SDI<>IP conversion, frame synchronization, and UHD Gearboxing. With the highest 3G port density per rack unit in the industry, .edge now supports advanced multiviewer functionality through the HOME Multiviewer app, optimising video feeds with intelligent resolution scaling. In a move toward greater accessibility, Lawo has introduced Lawo Workspaces—HTML5-native, browser-based user interfaces for the HOME ecosystem. This innovation allows users to operate professional broadcast tools from any modern device, including laptops, tablets, smartphones or AR headsets. Security is fully handled by the HOME framework, making these interfaces suitable for distributed or hybrid production environments. Lawo also announced the official release of the HOME Power Core app, a virtualised version of its DSP engine for radio broadcasting. Designed to run on standard servers, the app mirrors the capabilities of the hardware Power Core unit and supports a wide range of protocols including RAVENNA/AES67, ST2110 and future additions like Dante, NDI and SRT. Available in multiple instance sizes, the app provides flexible deployment options for radio workflows, talk shows, and live webcasts, with seamless integration into Lawo's mixing consoles and stageboxes. Further demonstrating its commitment to continuous innovation, Lawo emphasised that its HOME Apps are updated almost monthly. These microservice-based tools are optimised for increasingly powerful servers and high-throughput network fabrics, supporting up to 400Gbps connections. Software enhancements to Lawo's mc² audio consoles are also being revealed at IBC. Version 12.2.0 introduces tighter integration with VSM through the HOME API, improved display management with customisable Mini Displays, and a new standard 7-Band EQ module featuring three dynamic bands. Operators also benefit from enhanced control via fader user buttons for faster access to banks and layers. Meanwhile, the new Radio 8.2 software release brings significant improvements for radio broadcasters, including support for 96kHz processing through the XL License and updated compressor functionality with both automatic and manual modes. Enhancements to Lawo's VisTool software include faster configuration options, improved touch response, and better visual feedback, all of which contribute to a more ergonomic and efficient studio environment. With its extensive portfolio of software and hardware innovations on display, Lawo is offering IBC visitors a comprehensive look at the future of media infrastructure and production—designed to meet the evolving needs of broadcasters around the world. Stand 8.B90
STV News
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Fire destroys main stage of Tomorrowland festival days before opening
Video footage shows fire engulfing the Orbyz main stage of Tomorrowland 2025 A huge fire engulfed the main stage of Belgium's Tomorrowland two days before the electronic music festival was due to open. Video footage shared on social media shows flames tearing across the stage as plumes of thick black smoke rise into the air, while fireworks can also be seen and heard going off in the distance. It is unclear how the fire started at the festival site, in the town of Boom, north of Brussels, where an estimated 200,000 people were due to gather this weekend. No festival-goers were on site at the time of the fire, but about 1,000 staff members were present and have now been evacuated, Belgian broadcaster VRT reported. 'Due to a serious incident and fire on the Tomorrowland Mainstage, our beloved Mainstage has been severely damaged,' festival organisers said in a statement on Wednesday, confirming that no one was injured. The cause of the fire has not been confirmed. / Credit: EBU The festival, whose big names on this weekend's line-up include David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Charlotte de Witte and Amelie Lens, is expected to go ahead without the main stage, although it is unclear how acts will be rescheduled. Tomorrowland spokesperson Debby Wilmsen said a lot of workers were devastated to see the main stage destroyed, given that it took years to build, 'with so much love and passion.' 'We're going to make it a great festival. It will be without a main stage. But hopefully, we can do something else, but I can't say much about that yet,' she added. Organisers said they 'spent the night working on possible solutions for the mainstage area' and that its 'Dreamville' campsite welcomed festivalgoers on Thursday morning. Morgan Hermans, who lives near the festival site, told CNN that she initially heard fireworks going off, which prompted her to look outside. 'There was just a big cloud of fireworks and smoke very near us, so that was a bit scary,' she said. 'It's one of the biggest events in the entire year. Our town is very small so to welcome people (from) around the entire world, it's crazy and it's so much fun. 'It's a big deal so everyone in Boom was a bit terrified for a few seconds.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Euronews
09-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Companies warn against introducing mandatory fees in telecom plans
A group of 84 associations – including the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Euroconsumers and European Digital Rights (EDRi) – reject the potential introduction of a mandatory fee to help infrastructure build-out in upcoming telecom proposals, in a joint statement published on Wednesday. The Digital Networks Act (DNA), legislation aimed at overhauling telecom rules to improve connectivity, is set to be presented by the European Commission in December. Companies say they regret that this 'fair share' mechanism – where content providers would be required to pay telecom operators fees for delivering traffic – is 'still being actively considered' in the ongoing discussions, as it endangers the principle of net neutrality, they claim. 'Measures introducing interconnection charges would risk driving up costs, limiting choice and open access to information, undermining the affordability, quality, and diversity of digital products and services,' the letter says. The public consultation, asking companies for feedback, ends this Friday and largely builds on a White Paper published in February of last year. It spells out the different policy options that could be included in an overhaul of the existing telecom regulation, as well as new initiatives including spectrum management and sustainability targets. The plan, heavily lobbied by the telecom industry when former EU Tech Commissioner Thierry Breton started working on the rules, sought to charge online platforms and other network users for the build-out of telecom infrastructure. It has been watered down since. Options could include broadening the scope of today's EU telecoms rules, which safeguard network access and competition, to 'ensure a regulatory playing field' with equal rights for all companies active in the sector. Connect Europe, an association representing telecom providers, called in a publication earlier this month for increased investment in the telecoms sector.
The National
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Italy and Germany threaten to withdraw from Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is banned
Amir Alon, a former member of Israel's Eurovision delegation has claimed that the public broadcasters of Italy and Germany have threatened to withdraw from next year's Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is excluded without clear legal grounds, according to the website Eurovision Fun. Italy and Germany are reportedly backing Israel's public broadcaster Kan, which maintains editorial independence from the Israeli government. Speaking to Israel's N12News, Alon said: 'As long as the war in Gaza continues and images of the conflict reach European audiences, it will be difficult for countries like Italy and Germany to publicly defend Israel. These two countries are among the contest's top financial contributors, are in direct communication with the EBU and support Kan. If Kan is excluded, they have threatened to leave the contest as well — something the EBU wants to avoid.' On Thursday, the European Broadcasting Union held a meeting at the BBC headquarters in London to discuss the possible expulsion of Israel from Eurovision. There wasn't any voting, and discussions were postponed until the next meeting in winter. According to Ynet, the push to ban Israel has been led by Iceland and Slovenia. Meanwhile, Austria, Germany and Switzerland were the only countries to publicly express support for Israel. In a move that surprised many, the BBC reportedly requested that a vote be avoided and encouraged continued dialogue — a gesture seen as a concession to Israel. Ayala Mizrahi, a lawyer representing Israel on behalf of Kan, told the assembly that Israel values its long-standing participation in the song contest and emphasised the country's more than 50-year Eurovision history. Some past and present Eurovision participants have called for an investigation into whether Israel breached contest rules by promoting Yuval Raphael's entry with government-funded ads during the most recent competition. However, the EBU has said that this did not violate its regulations. The EBU has consistently maintained that it will not ban Israel, stating that Eurovision is a competition between public broadcasters, not governments, and that Kan has not broken any rules.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Eurovision Organisers Speak Out After Broadcasters Hold Discussions About Israel's Involvement
Eurovision organisers have confirmed that discussions were held with its participating broadcasters this week about whether Israel should remain part of the competition moving forward. Israel's involvement in Eurovision has long been a controversial issue due to the political situation in the Middle East. However, in the last few years, some fans have been calling for Israel's expulsion from the competition due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In the lead-up to this year's event, many public figures associated with the contest – including then-reigning winner Nemo from Switzerland – urged organisers to ban Israel from Eurovision, similar to how Russia has been excluded since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. National broadcasters for Iceland, Ireland, Slovenia and Spain have all raised questions about Israel's participation in Eurovision in the last few months. The Palestine-led BDS movement has also called for a boycott of the competition for the last two years. Earlier this week, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) held a meeting with its participating national broadcasters in London, to discuss several issues relating to the Eurovision Song Contest, including whether Israel should be invited back in 2026. A statement released on Thursday said: 'At today's EBU General Assembly, Members held an open and constructive discussion on the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) and the increasingly complex global context in which it takes place. 'The Assembly was a chance to celebrate the success of ESC 2025 - not just in terms of its record-breaking reach and engagement but in terms of its cultural resonance and ability to foster inclusivity, creativity, and a sense of belonging on a world stage. 'But of course, despite its extraordinary success, the Eurovision Song Contest, like many other events, is not immune to the pressures of global politics. Questions around participation have become increasingly sensitive and multifaceted, and our Members hold a wide range of perspectives on these issues which they were able to express in detail today.' The statement continued: 'Members had a constructive exchange of views. There was a shared understanding that this is an unprecedentedly complex situation and there is a wide diversity of opinions. 'Members also expressed their support for the work of the Israeli public broadcaster Kan and its independence, noting the pressure it is repeatedly experiencing from the Israeli government.' 'To help us navigate the current landscape, a former senior TV executive has now been invited to lead a structured and in-depth dialogue with our Member broadcasters in the coming weeks,' the EBU's spokesperson concluded. 'They will engage with Directors General and other stakeholders to gather insights on how we manage participation, geopolitical tensions, and how other organisations have approached similar challenges. They will report back with recommendations this autumn.' According to the English-language Israeli news site Ynet, the debate on Thursday lasted around 90 minutes, with Austria, Germany and Switzerland's broadcasters being the only ones to vocally back Israel's participation next year. It was also claimed that the BBC had 'called to avoid a vote' on the matter, and 'instead supported further dialogue'. In the end, no vote took place, although so-called EBU 'sources' apparently told Ynet that 'further discussions will be inevitable' if the war continues. Eurovision previously said: 'We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the current conflict in the Middle East. 'The EBU is not immune to global events but, together with our members, it is our role to ensure the Contest remains – at its heart – a universal event that promotes connections, diversity and inclusion through music. 'We all aspire to keep the Eurovision Song Contest positive and inclusive and aspire to show the world as it could be, rather than how it necessarily is.' They added: 'As a reminder, the EBU is an association of public service broadcasters, not governments, who are all eligible to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest every year if they meet the requisite requirements. It is not our role to make comparisons between conflicts.' Reigning Eurovision Winner JJ Calls For Israel To Be Removed From The Contest Remember Monday Speak Out About Getting Zero Points From Eurovision Viewers Eurovision Organisers Confirm Spanish Broadcaster Was Spoken To Over Pro-Palestine Message
