Beamcast is a new audio technology supply company in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. It was showing its range of technology at the Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX) that accompanied the Saudi Media Forum (SMF).
The company now represents many high end Broadcast and Pro AV suppiers from its headquarters in Dubai.
BeamCast offers a comprehensive range of top-quality equipment tailored to meet the diverse needs of professionals across the industry.
“Our expansive inventory and expert knowledge cater to diverse needs, whether for large venues, festivals, TV and radio stations, places of worship, or OB vans. We go beyond product provision; our exemplary after-sales services include technical support, setup assistance, and troubleshooting guidance,” said George Zakaria.
George was at the Saudi Media Forum in Riyadh, exhibiting products from its latest equipment partner DHD.Audio. DHD Audio supplies broadcast mixers for large and small operations and is also introducing new equipment for podcasters.
Beamcast also represents a range of other companies in the MENA region, including: Solid State Logic, Panasonic, DirectOut and a range of others.
At the Saudi Media Forum, the DHD’s international sales manager Chris Settele explained the RX2 Mixer (pictured above) to radioinfo’s Steve Ahern.
“It is a modular system, a three-part system of different surfaces on different cores. We’re picking three methods, and it’s combined with three combinable I.O. solutions that can be scaled up to 12,000 times 10,000 I.Os. So it becomes a very huge system, if you want.
“The idea is you can make it as big as you like or as small as you like. The surface itself starts with four faders and can be brought up to 96 faders, it can handle just an editing booth or the entire facility of a radio house like the BBC, which is one of our main clients, or Radio France.”
Other exhibitors at FOMEX included:
Training Institutions
With the increase in media and technology activities in Saudi Arabia, the education and training sector in the country is also expanding, with at least 5 universities and several training schools all exhibiting at FOMEX.
The Saudi Press Agency’s training school (SPA Academy) and the SBA Training Academy both had exhibition stalls in the FOMEX hall.
Representative Bodies
The Arab States Broadcasting Union was also represented at the exhibition, where Steve Ahern, the former head of the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union’s Media Academy, met with the team from the Arab States Union.
There are 7 broadcasting unions in the world, representing all internetaionl broadcast and media companies. They are: Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU), the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the International Association of Broadcasting (IAB/AIR), and the North American Broadcasters Association (NABA).
Transmission Suppliers
As was international transmission manufacturer Nautel, which was showing its range of AM and FM transmitters at FOMEX.
Established in 1969, Nautel has over 55 years experience in creating highly innovative products, and has earned a reputation as a world leader in the design, manufacture, sales and support of high power, solid state RF products for radio broadcast, navigation, sonar, and industrial applications.
Kafalah Loan Guarantee Program
With an increased focus on media technology, Saudi Arabia is doing all it can to encourage entrepreueurs to start media businesses in the Saudi Kingdom, but that is not always easy. To assist new business startups, the Saudi government has introduced the Kafalah initiative, a loan guarantee program which is compliant with Islamic Finance guidelines.
In a conference session explaining the initiative, the Kafalah team said: “Digital transformation needs monetary guarantees. We work with SMEs to help them get finance and complete government application requirements. This program helps companies find solutions for financing, we also help them with financial awareness. We are adding value.”
BLT Technology
Steve also learnt that Italian tv equipment manufacturer BLT also supplies radio with its video delay equipment. Italian national broadcaster Rai Radio uses the BLT Rus Pop video replay boxes for its radio sports commentary, as Marco from the BLT display stand explained to Steve.
Related Saudi Media Forum reports:
The power of Audio in the modern media environment: Saudi Media Forum
Most podcasts fail before their fifth episode, it’s harder than they think: Saudi Media Forum
Covering crises… balance deadlines with accuracy: Saudi Media Forum
Media helps Saudi Arabia open up to the world: Saudi Media Forum
Politicians shouldn’t have a good relationship with the media: Boris Johnson at Saudi Media Forum
Invitation from AIBD Director to the Asia Media Summit in Cambodia