Broadcasters and sports leagues concerned that Federal Communications Commission testing of unlicensed devices designed for use in White Space spectrum will not have enough real-world testing have a new option: getting involved. “We’re testing devices now in the labs and in the fields and any network interested in helping with field trials should contact us,” said FCC Chairman Kevin Martin.

TNT’s coverage of the NBA All-Star game this year continues to evolve as Sportvision and Orad are stepping up with virtual-based technologies to deliver information to viewers in new ways and help but costs related to set design. The big addition this year is Sportvision’s “backboard slideout” graphic effect. Based on the same technologies used for NFL First-and-Ten lines and other Sportvision products viewers were treated to graphics that appeared to slideout of the backboard during free throw shots. “This is a seamless use of the technology within the live coverage rather than confined to replays,” says Tom Sahara, Turner Sports, senior director, IT and Remote Operations.

ESPN360, ESPN’s streaming video service available through DSL providers like AT&T and Verizon as well as select cable operators, is bringing HD content to the small screen. Based on the same technology sister company ABC uses for its HD streaming service the offering requires changes to the encoding workflow and will give viewers improved resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio.

Cisco Systems demonstrated a new IPTV system designed specifically for sports venues at the NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans, offering a new level of video monitor, scoreboard, and even virtual signage via Cisco’s core IP infrastructure products and Scientific-Atlanta encoder and decoder products. “The system allows configurable signage to be pushed throughout a venue along with HD signals and other content streams,” says Jeffrey M. Platón, Cisco Systems vice president, Industry Solutions Marketing.

Apple introduced Xsan 2, the first major upgrade to its easy to use, high performance, enterprise class Storage Area Network (SAN) file system for Mac OS X. Combining enhanced performance with Apple's legendary ease of use, Xsan 2 makes it easier for first time users to set up and quickly deploy a SAN; introduces MultiSAN, allowing users on a single workstation to access multiple SANs at the same time; is fully integrated with Mac OS X Leopard and Mac OS X Server Leopard and is now qualified to work with third-party RAID storage.

Polecam will introduce three major additions to its range of mobile camera equipment at the 2008 NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 14-17. A complete HD capture system comprising a miniature HD zoom camera, a solid-state HD field recorder and Polecam's unique single-operator broadcast-quality camera crane will be shown and demonstrated. A production version of Polecam's Fishface submersible camera head will also be introduced.

Pixel Power will highlight three critical application areas master control solutions, automated news graphics, and sports and live production at NAB.

Quantel will be with its showcasing their Pablo Neo and demonstrating their Stereoscopic 3D technology along with much more at NAB 2008.

Sennheiser electronic officially announced the launch of its Japan subsidiary, Sennheiser Japan KK. Describing the Japan launch as an important step in the history of Sennheiser, Prof. Dr. Sennheiser said: "The Japanese market has always been very important for us, and with General Traders we have always had a dedicated local partner at our side. We are now looking forward to expand our business in Japan and to further integrate the market into our global corporate strategy.

Germany-based manufacturer and rental service provider of advanced digital intercom solutions Riedel Communications has opened a new office in Sydney, Australia. The office is being led by Peter Cochrane, a renowned broadcast and event communications specialist for more than 20 years, and will cover both rental and sales activities for the Australian market.