"The show provided a perfect platform for global players to expand their footprints in theindian market"

The 18th Broadcast India 2008 show held from 17-19 October 2008 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre saw more than 26,000 trade visitors. This year, there was a 30 percent increase both in number of exhibitors as well as visitors. Over 500 world renowned companies from 31 countries exhibited their latest equipment and technology which covered television, film, radio, video, audio, film, IPTV, mobile TV, computer graphics, visual effects, multimedia, music, lights, cable, satellite, broadband, Internet, and transmission. Some of the world's renowned manufacturers like Panasonic, JVC, Harris, Quantel, Thomson Grass Valley, VIZRT, Hitachi, Ikegami, Digital Vision, Orad, Canon, Fujinon, ARRI, Panther, P+S Technik, da vinci, AP ENPS, Sennheiser, Genelec, Monarch, and WASP3D to name just a few were present at the show. 80 feet high camera cranes and jibs to mini camera mounts were on display. There were micro tiny cameras for sting operations to 2K cameras for film making. Every aspect of post production technology was available at the show - from simple editing, to complicated audio recording, and asset management. Broadcast India 2008 provided global players a perfect platform to expand their footprints in the Indian market.

A two day conference held before the exhibition had paper presentations from eminent speakers covering all aspects of film, television, IPTV, mobile TV, and all other associated aspects of the entertainment industry from 4K digital cameras, high definition, and HDTV equipment.

Exhibitors

Visual Technologies Private Limited displayed products of Hitachi, Libec, Datavideo, Professional Audio Video Limited, Ross Video, SAV, and Riedel Communications GmbH. Panasonic's prominent booth location offered an extensive display of its products. Harris, a strong supporter of many new and emerging SMPTE standards, including the active format description (AFD) offered complete portfolio of interoperable AFD-ready solutions, from individual point products to end-to-end systems. Mhatre Electronics Private Limited represented JVC and Ikegami at their booth. Quantel showed the Pablo non-linear color correction system with the new Neo color control panel at the show. Pixel Farm, FilmLight, Digital Rapids, EVS Broadcast Equipment, and DVS delivered pioneering solutions to the digital content creation industry at the Shaf Broadcast Private Limited stand. PlayBox Technology showcased complete SD, HD, and DVB automated playout workflow solutions. Telerad represented Sony, Fujinon, Vinten, Geevs, Axon, Video Solutions, ClearCom, Network, ADC, ListecVideo, Masterclock, Sennheiser, Stream Labs, Apple, and Telos Systems. Canare displayed audio, video cables, 75 ohm BNC and RCA connectors, hybrid fiber-optic camera cables, and video patch-bay. Monarch Innovative Technologies Private Limited demonstrated its new and improved version of virtual studio solution Virtuoso and also unveiled D Script 3D CG. Broadcast products of global leaders like Ikegami, Canon, FOR-A, Ultimatte, Crystal Vision, Echolab, Panther, Kramer, Photon Beard, Telemetrics, Tiffen, and Marshall were displayed at AGIV (India) Private Limited stand. Cineom showcased products and technologies of their principals da vinci, Omnitek, and Thomson Broadcast. ADC provided network infrastructure equipment and professional services, needed to deliver voice, video, Internet, and data communications around the world. Benchmark showcased products for the film industry which include Assimilate Scratch + Red, SGO Mistika, HS-Art Diamant, Bluefish and TVPaint, Matrox Axio LE, and Matrox MXO2. Wideorbit provided advertising infrastructure that empowers media companies anywhere in the world to manage their advertising and maximize revenues. Associated Cable Cord displayed Co-axial cables, triax cables, and Fischer connectors, attenuators and connectors from Percon, Switchcraft -XLR connectors, and Procab -A/V adaptors connectors molded cords. Real Image Media's Digital Vision provided innovative image restoration, enhancement, color correction, and data conforming systems that movie studios, television networks, and post-production facilities use to produce and enhance feature films, TV programs, and commercials. Enco demonstrated StreamLine, a complete radio station system developed in partnership with Wicks Broadcast Solutions and Powergold. Sennheiser showed a range of products from Sennheiser, Neumann, and Klein + Hummel. WASP3D presented real-time 3D Graphics solution developed specifically for television stations and post-production houses for speedy creation of spectacular 3D graphics, content management and its on-air playout. Deepjyot Electronics represented leading players like Aeroflex, AKG, Ashly, Albiral, ATI, Axxent, Canon, Coles, Comrex, Comtek, Countryman, dbx, Denon, Dorrough, Energy Onix, Fostex, Glensound, GMS, Hotronics, JBL, Keltron, Lexicon, M-Audio, Mackie, Marenius, Morrow Technology, Pointmaker, Protek, PSC, Rane, Rolls, Sensorcom, Sonodyne, Soundcraft, Telecor, and Whirlwind. Manfrotto, Secced, Pro-X, and HPRC were represented at Royal Broadcasting stand. They showcased high quality and professional camera supports, V mount/ gold mount battery and chargers, LED light, and soft carrying cases. Yasuka Corporation displayed HMI lights having imported microprocessor based flicker free ballasts for television and film production. Verimatrix set the standard for software-based content security and revenue enhancement technologies for pay-TV networks. Radio Computing Services (RCS) India presented their software products such as Aquira GSelector, AirCheck, and Master Control. Wohler Technologies showcased a range of products that represent state-of-the-art processing and monitoring in convenient and cost effective compact designs. Other major players at the show included Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL), Studio Assist, Essel Shyam, TVU Networks, Telos Systems, CAT-5 Broadcast, Mark Systems, and Aditya Infotech.

Broadcast India 2009 will be held from 27 - 31 October, 2009 at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (E), Mumbai.

PLANS FOR INDIA

CARTONI

On company's plans for 2009

India is such a fast-growing country that we are hoping to expand our market in India. From the beginning, we had Doordarshan and other big broadcasters as our clients. Now, we are also addressing the motion picture companies, which are becoming quite important lately. Apart from this, we are serving Star TV, Times of India, 9X, and other major networks. We are also addressing educational and media departments. We have been serving Doordarshan since 15 years. So we have gained lot of confidence. Our main aim is to give our customers excellent service. We are the only company offering 5 year warranty. We have a fully-equipped service facility in Delhi and can repair/provide spare parts in days and sometimes even within hours.

On new products launched

We have the High DV, which is a small stand holding cameras up to 5 kilos. This is to hold HD-compact cameras. We believe it will be very popular in newsgathering. It is extremely compact and light weight. In the big range, we have pedestal P 20, our entry-line in pedestals, handy, little unit, completely portable and foldable, which can be easily transported. Besides this, we have P90, a big pedestal holding up to 90 kg. We have all kinds of products, from tiny little cameras to the biggest telephoto lens.

On marketing plans and strategies

We plan to consolidate in the Indian markets through Doordarshan and other networks. We will devote constant care in following their needs and also addressing some private, independent owners throughout the nation. We also plan to serve regional and local channels as well in the near future.

On targets for 2009-10

With the Commonwealth Games in 2010, it would be a huge opportunity for us to provide more equipment and so we are getting prepared for the event. We are trying to work out for right promotions to expand our equipment base for the games and also approaching rental companies.

There is a tremendous need for news. News-gathering is one of the most expanding segments. We would see new products and equipment coming up for the news-gathering segment in India.

SENNHEISER ELECTRONICS INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

On company's plans for 2009

We are launching three new products. These are MKE 1 professional clip-on microphone, MZD 8000 series, and Evolution 965 condenser microphone. We are bullish about these products in the Indian market because it makes sense for broadcasting and recording studios

On marketing plans and strategies

We will continue to work on a lot of initiatives taken by us. We will be participating in almost all the major exhibitions and also conducting workshops for professionals. We have RF experts in our company who would provide training locally. From the marketing point of view, we are continuing and expanding our visibility. We would also revamp our Sennheiser India website.

On overall sales

The sales have developed the way we had expected. Sennheiser has generated around 400 million euros, most of which come from exports. Asia, particularly India, is growing faster and this makes us more confident in the India market.

On major contracts

We have been supplying products to almost all major TV channels such as Zee TV, Star, INX Media, and Doordarshan. These customers have been buying our products on a large scale and we are happy with our sales to these customers.

On strategic advantages for the company

Sennheiser has been in India for a long time and we receive products in our service center that were procured 35 years ago. We have a loyal customer base in India who buys Sennheiser products. Rental companies, broadcasters, and musicians keep buying our products on a regular basis. Another advantage is that the Indian economy is still robust. Demand is still there for the products and budget seems to be there. This has made us more optimistic in the Indian market

WOHLER ASIA

On company's plans for 2009

We are looking at increasing our marketing presence with a number of new products in HD markets as well as several in-rack audio and video monitoring in HD, SD, and multi-format applications. We have also launched some HD monitors in our range which are going to be crucial and appropriate especially for the production markets. In addition to that, we are now changing our focus from being a component monitoring company to transmission stream.

On marketing plans and strategies

We plan to increase our marketing and sales strength in India. We have a team of experts and distributors as Falcon in India. We are looking for more uptakes through advertisements and case studies of the company.

We have seen an upswing in India sales figures especially for high end units and we look for that trend to continue.

On targets for 2009-10

We had a great success during the recent Olympics and feel the same when Commonwealth Games begin in 2010. For 2009-10 the company plans to work with the local partners to facilitate and assist the buyers of our audio and video equipment.

CANON INC.

On company's plans for 2009

We have TV lens as the main product as well as auto-focus field and studio lens. They are 100 times auto-focus, 86 times auto-focus and also 27 times studio auto-focus. These products enjoy a high reputation in Europe. Another major product is our pan-tilt camera system, which is cost effective. These are for outside broadcast as well as for studios.

On major products launched

Our main product is the BU 45 pan-tilt head camera and also OP 300. This is our major product that has been well accepted by TV stations. The products are not security cameras but all-weather broadcast quality cameras. There was no such camera before with such a low price range.

On marketing plans and strategies

We have good dealers in India but would like to promote more to show Canon's existence globally, especially from a technological and technical perspective as to how we contribute to the broadcast industry with optical engineering and electrical engineering as well as mechanical engineering. We would like to express these outstanding contributions to the customers in India.   

On major contracts

We have achieved a high business turnover and quantity in India in the last two years. Major customers include Doordarshan, production companies, and rental companies. We estimate our market share in India to be 65 percent of the total market.

On strategic advantages for the company   

From a market point of view, India is an attractive and growing market. Canon is very popular in Europe and it is also building up its position in India as well. We can provide the best products and information to our customers and this is what we feel is the advantage for Canon in the Indian market.

On emerging trends in the Indian market

We see an HD-shift in India. For example in Japan, nearly 89 percent equipment is almost HD, in US nearly 70 percent, in Europe nearly 40 percent of the equipment is now HD, while in Asian region only 20 percent of equipment is HD-compatible. This we see as a big market potential. We are positioning ourselves well in the Indian market although we would need another 5-7 years to be fully-HD. Nearly 50 percent of the lens we sell are HD lens. Canon is preparing HD solutions for the future, with low costs.

On company's plans for 2009

In 2009 we have new enhanced models in addition to expanding our product and service offerings in India. We already have existing infrastructure in sales, service, and support in Delhi and Chennai. We have plans to expand our local market presence specifically in Delhi and Mumbai, with regard to more prospect visits and marking our presence

We have a new deal management module for the Indian market. We would have WO sales which is a 3-tier product offering involving WO CRM (client relationship management), WO proposal (which is an advertising sales campaign management module), and WO Yield (which is a revenue management module). Apart from this, we have partners such as Google's Radio Automation and other automation vendors as well.

On major orders received by the company

We have received major orders particularly from radio industry. But we would soon be having our first Indian television client in India. We are working on several deals from both television and radio and are in conversations with many groups in India. We feel that a huge opportunity exists in the Indian market. We are now gaining our market presence in India and getting exposure.

On targets for 2009-10

From the marketing perspective, we would continue to participate in all major trade exhibitions. Ideally, we are also looking for staff expansion in sales as well. We have increased our support level. We feel we have a good foundation and would continue to build on from a marketing and sales perspective more than a support perspective. Our approach is to do more targeted marketing especially in Mumbai and Delhi. 

On strategic advantages for the company 

From a competitive perspective, we provide the best of breed solutions. We bring the best program management, with our CRM tools. We also feel that establishing a presence in the market, locally and globally, gives us a competitive advantage over others. Being a part of some of the biggest groups in India helps us to carry the momentum we have toward this market.

On company's plans for 2009

We have two major product launches. One of them is our traffic software. The new product is called Aquira. The significance of the product is that it addresses various aspects to specific Indian clients and markets. The other major new launch in 2009 will be our playout system, broadcast system, or digital system. The product is called Zeta. We have incorporated the best technology especially for Indian clients, namely, Nex-Gen being used by customers such as Big FM and Radio Mantra. There is a strong client base in India for this software. Our other product is Master Control. Radio Mirchi, Radio City, and various other FM operators are using this product. Master Control has an attractive user interface with ease of usability. We are anticipating launch of more FM stations, with licenses being issued to several FM stations during the Phase III of FM licensing. That is where we are expecting to gain some presence in the Indian market with some new products as well. We continue to expand with our monitoring service, AirCheck India, with which we are now covering 14 Indian cities so far. We have shortlisted a series of markets for expansion but it depends on market dynamics. For next year, we intend to launch 5-10 new markets where we intend to do media monitoring. We would also like to be active in community radio stations. We see this is the time when community stations in India are on the rise. We are also planning electronic distribution of music with record labels. We do have an existing platform in other countries under the name of Music Point and we are in the planning stages of implementing that.
Another platform we have is the Radio Show, where we would make radio visual. Radio Show manages all the content that can relate to songs that are being played on the radio. It is a content management tool used for webstream, audio stream, digital audio broadcasting, and visual radio.

On major clients

Our earliest and the most significant client is Radio Mirchi (ENIL). All the 32 stations of Radio Mirchi network use our playout system, Master Control. They are also using our music scheduling system, GSelector, and also using Airwaves as the advertising and traffic scheduling product. Mirchi is also our significant client in terms of subscription for AirCheck.  Other major clients include Big FM (using NexGen), Radio City (using MasterControl, Linker, and Airwaves), Synergy Group, Radio One, Radio Chaska, Radio Indigo, Friends FM, and Worldspace Satellite Radio.

On strategic advantages for the company

Our strong presence in the Indian market and a strong team in India is the major advantage for us. We also have offices in India which allow us to interact with more clients in India.