At NAB 2008, Panasonic Broadcast reinforced its position in solid-state high definition video production with another doubling of card memory capacity, and new key additions to its line of P2 HD solid-state products. Foremost among these announcements is long anticipated introduction of two new advanced P2 HD VariCam camcorders. The fully solid-state VariCam 3700 and VariCam 2700 build upon the unrivaled legacy of the VariCam HD Cinema Camera, widely used to create major films, documentaries, television shows, and national commercials.

The expanding family of Sony's XDCAM EX video production technology now includes new models that increase the benefits of a solid-state workflow for new and existing users. These include the PMW-EX3 semi-shoulder camcorder, the PMW-EX30 deck, and the PHU-60K professional hard-disk unit.

LG and Harris have announced the development of an IP based content delivery platform for their jointly developed MPH (Mobile-Pedestrian-Handheld) in-band mobile DTV system.

Quantel announced Jo and Ed - two new broadcast editors for its Enterprise sQ and Newsbox HD integrated production systems, as part of the Quattro software release. These new editors provide a more cost-effective replacement for the previous range of six editors. Jo and Ed stand out from the world of commodity editors - they have the best interface and toolset in the business for editing fast turnaround news.

Vizrt, provider of real-time, integrated broadcast graphics software, has announced the signature of a heads of agreement to purchase Escenic, a leader in content management and publishing for the web.

The move expands Vizrt's high-end graphics and media asset management systems with Escenic's array of Web products that power hundreds of media sites worldwide. The companies, both Norway-based, began integrating their respective tools over one year ago and the latest results of this integration will be on display at the NAB on booth SL4805.

Signiant Inc., developer of digital media distribution management solutions for the telco, media and entertainment industries, has announced that its Digital Media Distribution Management Suite (DMDMS) has been selected by Siemens as a core component for the forthcoming BBC Digital Media Initiative.

The new IABM CEO Roger Stanwell has recently issued the following statement: "We are delighted to announce that John Ive has been appointed technology director of the IABM. Together with myself and Roger Crumpton, John forms the third member of the executive management team to bring an unparalleled breadth and depth of expertise to the organisation.

OmniBus Systems, provider of comprehensive broadcast automation and content management solutions, has announced an expansion of its operations in the Asia-Pacific region with the appointment of Fintan McKiernan as regional sales manager, and the opening of a new office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

McKiernan joins OmniBus from IPTV specialist Digisoft, where he was head of business development. At OmniBus, he will oversee the establishment of the Kuala Lumpur base and the further development of the company's network of resellers in the region.

DVS Digital Video Systems AG has strengthened its international presence with the opening of a new branch office in Singapore. With headquarters in Hanover and Burbank, California, and branch offices in Miami, Paris, Warsaw, and now Singapore, DVS guarantees optimum and personal support to its customers worldwide.

Omneon Inc., provider of scalable media server and active storage systems, is to open its first office in China. Its Beijing office will be staffed by a business development and technical support team charged with enhancing market responsiveness and support of customers, future customers, and resellers.