SMPTE continued to provide the industry with global access to learning opportunities

Despite the challenges 2020 presented to the world, SMPTE has consistently continued to provide global access to learning opportunities for various topics of importance to the entertainment tech industry. As much of the world went virtual this year, it is of note that SMPTE has incorporated virtual education strategies for over ten years that has enabled members of our industry access to SMPTE courses and webcasts. In addition, the award-winning Motion Imaging Journal began virtual delivery this year.

We are very proud that SMPTE has been able to publish ten issues of “The Journal” filled with peer-reviewed manuscripts and tutorials during this tumultuous period in our history. The critical topics covered include Block-Chain, Machine-Learning, Audio, Immersive Media, and Media in the Cloud.

In addition, SMPTE has delivered 50 webcasts, reaching 8,400 people for the live session and 18% of the webcast participants were first-timers. As SMPTE strives to provide learning services to members and non-members worldwide, it should be noted that 45% of our webcast participants came from outside the United States.

SMPTE’s Virtual Classroom continues to add courses that the industry has requested including: Understanding SMPTE ST 2110, Routing & Switching Essentials, The SMPTE DCP, ATSC 3.0, IMF, and many others. All in all, 600 individuals took advantage of SMPTE virtual courses and almost half of those were non-members.

For 2021, there are many topics under consideration for a variety of new educational offerings. The list includes Media in the Cloud, Color Science, Compression, and several others.

It has been an honor and a privilege to support industry education efforts in 2020. SMPTE continues to emphasize the growth and expansion of our educational efforts. We will continue to provide access to SMPTE education on a global scale because education will continue to be an enabling factor in advancement of the industry as well as individuals’ careers.