According to conference chairman Roland Hemming, the day is aimed at three types of attendee: "Those who are just learning about networking and are keen to find out more; those who are using networking technology already but want to explore some of the more complex issues; and those who aren't necessarily interested in the nuts and bolts of the technology, but are keen to find out how it is going to change the economic model of the industry."
Hosted by Installation Europe and Pro Sound News Europe, the day will present a rounded picture of AV networking from a variety of perspectives. A panel of end users and venue representatives will discuss customer expectations of networking. A panel of manufacturers' representatives will talk about why they have adopted particular standards, and how they see the future developing. Other sessions will cover video networking, and the integration of networks with IT and building automation systems.
The conference comes as the IT sector's influence looms ever larger over the world of AV networking. "I am concerned that if we don't get to grips with some of the problems [surrounding AV networking], the IT sector will take the initiative and say 'this is what is going to happen'," said Hemming.
The morning's keynote presentation will be given by Marthinus Bester, ICT manager, Greenpoint Stadium Cape Town and IT manager, SAIL Stadefrance. Greenpoint was one of the stadiums featured in this year's FIFA Football World Cup, and Bester spent 18 months preparing it for this major event.
His presentation will focus on the different technologies used at the stadium for audio, CCTV, broadcast and other systems, and will make the case for combining or simplifying the various networking standards used. He will examine the business drivers for networked solutions, and discuss how to ensure that technology investments are made wisely.
Bester will also examine the differences between what was initially expected of a FIFA World Cup Stadium and what was finally delivered - and why they came about.
The final session, led by Roland Hemming, will ask whether the various top-down and bottom-up perspectives presented during the day are meeting in the middle. And if not, where are the gaps?
Sponsored by Riedel, Meyer Sound and Aviom, AVNetworks 2010 takes place on Wednesday 15 September at Earls Court Conference Centre, alongside PLASA 2010.
Tickets can be booked at the AVNetworks 2010 website (see below). Discounts are available for members of InfoComm, CEDIA and PLASA, and PLASA exhibitors, and for readers of L&SI magazine and LSIOnline. A conference ticket also grants entry to PLASA 2010 and most of its events and seminars.
(Lee Baldock)
