Complete Chronological Overview
From the great German Radio Show to the world´s largest fair for the CE sector
The story of the Funkausstellung began on 4 December 1924 with the first "Grosse Deutsche Funkausstellung". This event was attended by 242 exhibitors and 180,000 visitors and occupied an area of 7,000 square metres. The "Grosse Deutsche Funkausstellung" took place annually after that, with radio playing a major part, augmented by demonstrations of television from 1928 onwards.
Berlin remained the venue for this trade fair until the outbreak of the Second World War. After the war it was not confined to any one venue for a number of years. The Funkausstellung took place in Düsseldorf, Frankfurt/Main and in Stuttgart, before the Funkausstellung, now an international event, finally returned to Berlin in 1971.
The history books recall the IFA 95 as being the first real multimedia trade fair. In the years afterwards, the exhibitions to follow emphatically followed in its footsteps and demonstrated that the leading CE trade fair had now become a comprehensive display of the consumer electronics industry, but also of telecommunications and parts of the IT industry.
Curious?
Then click on the appropriate dates in the right column and read what's happened in this year at IFA.
Berlin, 04.12.-14.12.1924
1st Grosse Deutsche Funk-Ausstellung
Special show:"The Development of Broadcast Technology"
The "Funkalmanach":
catalog of the first radio show in 1924
Organizer
Radio Industry Association and Berlin Trade Fair and Exhibition Company
Hall 4 (Broadcast Hall)
with 7,030 sqm gross area / 3,300 sqm net
242 exhibitors, 180,000 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Detector and
-
valve radio receivers
BERLIN, 03 - 12 Sep 1926
3rd Grosse Deutsche Funkausstellung
Broadcasting Industry Association and Berlin Trade Fair and Exhibition Company
Hall 4 with 7,030 sqm gross area
around 250 exhibitors
03 Sep Funkturm (Radio Tower) officially opened
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Live radio broadcasts from the exhibition grounds in Berlin
BERLIN, 31 Aug - 09 Sep 1928
5th Grosse Deutsche Funkausstellung Berlin 1928
Heinrich-Hertz Memorial Exhibition
Forerunner to the modern TV and star of the 1928 show
Organizer
Broadcasting Industry Association and Berlin Exhibition, Trade Fair and Tourism Company
Halls 2 to 4
369 exhibitors, 153,000 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
The first television sets (Mihàly/Karolus)
A magnet for the public since 1924
1924
It has always been a very popular attraction: the event known since 1970 in German as the "Internationale Funkaustellung" (International Audio and Video Fair), and before that as the "Deutsche Funkausstellung" (German Radio Exhibition), which has been bringing people together from every sector of the consumer and communication electronics industries at the "Funkturm" (radio tower) every two years since 1971. Way back in 1924, 180.000 visitors came to admire the first rectifier and valve radio receivers in the "Haus der Funkindustrie", constructed by Heinrich Staumer in the suburb of Witzleben.
Radio made its debut in Germany on October 29, 1923, and Berlin was where it took place. Just over a year later the first All-German Radio Exhibition opened its doors in the "Funkhalle", a hall measuring 7.030 square meters in July 1924, and at a cost of 1.9 million Reichsmarks. The site chosen for it was between Kaiserdamm and the Avus highway.
This first display by a new sector of industry, providing information and some indication of its capabilities, represented a successful response by the Association of the Radio Industry to critism of the technical quality of the receivers available at the time. The first Radio Exhibition, from December 4 to 14, 1924, attracted as many as 242 exhibitors in front of a fascinated audience, and ensured many orders for the expanding radio industry during the ensuing months. At the same time it also offered the best means of publicising the infant radio industry.
1925
By 1925 the Radio Exhibition had been brought forward to September, and later to August, and it rapidly became one of a number of attractive trade fairs regularly taking place in Berlin. In 1925 live broadcasts were made from the Exhibition Grounds, giving visitors to the exhibition their first opportunity to take a look behind the scenes in order to see how programmes are actually made.
1926 Inauguration of the "Funkturm" (radio tower)
1926
One of the outstanding features of the 3rd All-German Radio Exhibition in 1926 was the official inauguration of the "Funkturm" (radio tower) on September 3. Everyone of any standing in the radio field was represented there, and Alfred Braun delivered an impressive prologue.
1927
Just two years later (1928), amazed visitors were able to see "picture radio". The postal authorities, using Denes von Mihály's "television apparatus", presented pictures of the size of a postal stamp, comprising 30 lines and 900 picture elements. Competing at the same exhibition was August Karolus from Telefunken, who achieved a picture measuring 8 x 10 cms, made up of 96 lines, by means of a projection using Nipkow disc.
1928
Not only the emerging radio sector, but politicians too made good use of the Radio Exhibition to conduct publicity for their own purposes. Hardly a year went by in which the Minister of Posts of his Commissar did not give an address at the opening of the event. However, the speech by Albert Einstein in 1930 at the opening of the 7th All-German Radion Exhibition was one major exception. According to the father of the theory of relativity, "it is the technicians who make true democracy possible". Not only do they simplify everyday tasks, but they also make "the works of the finest thinkers and artists, which were previously only a privilege reserved for a few, accessible to all". Radio has a "unique function in promiting an understanding between nations".
A mass event controlled for political ends
1933-1939
"Democracy" and "understanding between nations" were one area where the airwaves remained silent for 12 years after 1933. Instead the consumer electronics display was devoted entirely to Nazi propaganda. Right up to the last exhibition before the outbreak of war (1939), it was opened each year by Josef Goebbels in person. Although the Nazis redefined the role of the Radio Exhibition, making it a mass event that they manipulated for political purposes, it nevertheless retained its function as the place at which new technical developments could be introduced.
1936: Television is the highlight
1936
One of the undoubted highlights in the history of the fair came during the "13th All-German Radio Exhibition Berlin" in 1936, with regular live television transmissions, in association with the Olympic Games in that year, and following the first public television demonstrations in 1928.
By 1935 a total of 6 German companies were already showing the first 20 television sets. Considerable public interest was focused on these receiving sets, which had screen measuring 20 x 22 cms, and visitors in Hall III on the Exhibition Grounds were even able to see a television show, although a somewhat limited presentation.
bis 1939
By 1939 the Exhibition Grounds around the Funkturm had grown considerably, and had hosted a total of 16 annual radion exhibitions. 1938 broke new attendance records, with 360.000 visitors. This was also the year when the "Volksempfänger" (Peoples' receiver) took its place at the cheap end of the market, at a sensational price of 35 Reichmarks. And in 1939 the show was attended by 320.000 people. In that year there were a total of just under 13 million radio listeners.
BERLIN, 22 - 31 Aug 1930
7th Grosse Deutsche Funkausstellung und Phonoschau Berlin 1930
Albert Einstein addressing a huge audience
Organizer
Broadcasting Industry Association, German Association of Phonograph and Record Manufacturers, and the Berlin Exhibition, Trade Fair and Tourism Company
Halls 3 to 8
363 exhibitors
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Radio receivers with built-in speakers
-
Television "demonstration receivers"
BERLIN, 19 - 28 Aug 1932
9th Grosse Deutsche Funk-Ausstellung Berlin 1932
Hans Bredow officially opening the 1932 exposition
Organizer
Broadcasting Industry Association and the Berlin Exhibition, Trade Fair and Tourism Company
Halls 2 to 4
283 exhibitors, 175,000 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
First European car radio
BERLIN, 18 - 27 Aug 1933
Funk-Ausstellung Berlin 1933
Patron
Dr. Josef Goebbels, Reich Minister for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda
Exhibition management
Reich Broadcasting Commissioner Eugen Hadamovsky, Director of the Reich Broadcasting Company (RRG),
Arno Moyzischewitz, Chairman of the Broadcasting Industry Association,
Albert Wischek, Managing Director, Berlin Exhibition, Trade Fair and Tourism Company
Halls 3 to 8
256 exhibitors
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
VE 301 "People's Receiver"
-
TV receiver-projector
BERLIN, 17 - 26 Aug 1934
Grosse Deutsche Funk-Ausstellung Berlin 1934
Funkausstellung '34 - inside the huge broadcasting hall
Patron
Dr. Josef Goebbels, Minister for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda
Exhibition management
Broadcasting Commissioner Eugen Hadamovsky, Director of the Reich Broadcasting Company (RRG),
Karl Hintze, Economic Affairs Office of the German Broadcasting Industry,
Albert Wischek, Director of the Berlin Exhibition, Trade Fair and Tourism Company
Halls 3 to 8, outdoor exhibition area
250 exhibitors, 325,000 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Television sets for public TV rooms
-
Video transmission in the VHF range
BERLIN, 16 - 25 Aug 1935
12th Grosse Deutsche Rundfunkausstellung Berlin 1935
Patron
Dr. Josef Goebbels, Minister for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda
Exhibition management
Broadcasting Commissioner Eugen Hadamovsky,
General Director Walter Hahnemann,
Albert Wischek, Director of the Berlin Exhibition, Trade Fair and Tourism Company
Halls 1 to 8, outdoor exhibition area
230 exhibitors
19 Aug: Fire in Hall 4, and in Funkturm to tower restaurant
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
The K1 Magnetophone using a new type of tape
BERLIN, 28 Aug - 06 Sep 1936
13th Grosse Deutsche Rundfunkausstellung Berlin 1936
Patron
Dr. Josef Goebbels, Minister for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda
Exhibition management
Broadcasting Commissioner Eugen Hadamovsky,
General Director Walter Hahnemann,
Albert Wischek, Director of the Berlin Exhibition, Trade Fair and Tourism Company
Halls 3 to 8, outdoor exhibition area
170 exhibitors, 350,000 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Electronic TV camera
-
TV receiver with 375 scanning lines and interlaced scanning capability
BERLIN, 30 July - 08 Aug 1937
14th Grosse Deutsche Rundfunkausstellung Berlin 1937
Funkausstellung '37:
TV interview with Paul Nipkow (behind the microphone) during the 1937 show
Patron
Dr. Josef Goebbels, Minister for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda
Exhibition management
Hans Kriegler, President of the German Chamber of Broadcasting,
Dr. Glasmeier, Director, Radio Germany,
General Director Walter Hahnemann,
Albert Wischek, Director of the Berlin Exhibition, Trade Fair and Tourism Company,
I.C. Günther, Head of the Radio Section of the Wholesalers, Importers and Exporters' Association,
Karl Thomas, Head of the Radio Section of the Retailers' Association
Halls 3 to 8, outdoor exhibition area
150 exhibitors, 330,000 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Color TV pictures demonstrated
BERLIN, 05 - 21 Aug 1938
15th Grosse Deutsche Rundfunkausstellung
Patron
Dr. Josef Goebbels, Minister for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda
Exhibition management
German Chamber of Broadcasting,
Reich Broadcasting Company (RRG),
Berlin Exhibition, Trade Fair and Tourism Company in association with the German Postal Ministry, the KdF Nazi party organization, and the broadcasting industry
Halls 1 to 9/West
157 exhibitors, 360,000 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Radio set with automatic scanning function
BERLIN, 28 July - 06 Aug 1939
16th Grosse Deutsche Rundfunk- und Fernseh-Rundfunk-Ausstellung Berlin 1939
Patron
Dr. Josef Goebbels, Minister for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda
Exhibition management
German Chamber of Broadcasting,
Berlin Exhibition Company in association with the German Postal Ministry, the Research Institute of the German Post, the Reich Broadcasting Company, National Body of Agriculture, Reich Youth Leadership Council, the broadcasting industry and the broadcasting trade associations
Halls 3 to 9/West
137 exhibitors, 320,000 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
The E1 "uniform" TV set
A new start in Düsseldorf
1950-1959
11 years were to pass before another German Radio Exhibition could be held, efforts by the Radio Department in the Main Association of the Electrical Engineering Industry immediately following the currency reform of 1948 being finally rewarded with success. However, the venue this time was not Berlin, but Düsseldorf, where the "German Radio Exhibition Düsseldorf" took place from August 18 to 27, 1950. The attendance was 220.000 and there were 211 exhibitors. This event also saw the introduction of VHF broadcasting.
Düsseldorf was again the venue for the "German Radio, Television and Phono Exhibition" in 1953 and 1955. By now the event was being held at two year intervals, taking place in Frankfurt in 1957 and 1959. From 1953 onwards radio no longer formed the main focus of this event, being superceded by television. Although initially there was no rush by the public to buy televisons, this can be explained by the costs of the sets price, approximately DM 1.500,00. A boom only began after prices had fallen, and purchasing power had increased.
DÜSSELDORF, 18 - 27 Aug 1950
Deutsche Funkausstellung 1950 Düsseldorf
The 1950 Funkausstellung saw the first FM radios
Patron
Prof. Dr. Ludwig Erhard, Federal Minister of Economics
Promotional support
Radio Section of German Electrical Engineering Industry Association
Organizer
Düsseldorfer Messegesellschaft mbH NOWEA
3 Halls with 25,000 sqm gross area
211 exhibitors, 220,000 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
First FM receivers
DÜSSELDORF, 29 Aug - 06 Sep 1953
Grosse Deutsche Rundfunk-, Fernseh- und Phonoausstellung Düsseldorf 1953
The first all-transistor radio by Graetz
Patron
Prof. Dr. Ludwig Erhard, Federal Minister of Economics
Organizer
Radio and Television Section of the German Electrical Engineering Industry Association
Management
Düsseldorfer Messegesellschaft mbH NOWEA
5 Halls with 32,000 sqm gross area
240 exhibitors, 300,000 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
TV sets with 43-cm picture tubes
DÜSSELDORF, 26 Aug - 04 Sep 1955
Grosse Deutsche Rundfunk-, Fernseh- und Phonoausstellung Düsseldorf 1955
Patron
Prof. Dr. Ludwig Erhard, Federal Minister of Economics
Organizer
Radio and Television Section of the German Electrical Engineering Industry Association
Management
Düsseldorfer Messegesellschaft mbH NOWEA
8 Halls with 45,000 sqm gross area
229 exhibitors, 450,000 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Transistor sets
FRANKFURT/MAIN, 02 - 11 Aug 1957
Große Deutsche Rundfunk-, Fernseh- und Phonoausstellung Frankfurt/Main
Patron
Prof. Dr. Ludwig Erhard, Federal Minister of Economics
Organizer
Radio and Television Section of the German Electrical Engineering Industry Association
Management
Messe- und Ausstellungs-Gesellschaft mbH Frankfurt/Main
Halls 1 to 3, 5, 7 to 12 with 50,000 sqm gross area
199 exhibitors, 493,000 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Portable televisions
FRANKFURT/MAIN, 14 - 23 Aug 1959
Deutsche Rundfunk-, Fernseh- und Phonoausstellung Frankfurt/Main
Patron
Prof. Dr. Ludwig Erhard, Federal Minister of Economics
Organizer
Radio and Television Section of the German Electrical Engineering Industry Association
Management
Messe- und Ausstellungs-Gesellschaft mbH Frankfurt/Main
Halls 1 to 3, 6 to 12 with 50,000 sqm gross area
187 exhibitors, 532,000 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
TV sets with wireless remote control
Back in Berlin for the first time in 1961
1961-1969
After a long interval Berlin hosted its first "Funkausstellung", now known in English as the "Radio and TV Exhibition", again in 1961, the year in which stereophonic sound was introduced. And Berlin was again the venue in 1963. Two years later this major consumer electronics display, in keeping with the concept of changing venues, was held in Stuttgart (1965), returning to Berlin in 1967, and back to Stuttgart again in 1969.
1970/71
In the following year, 1970, a Radio and TV Exhibition was again held in Düsseldorf, in conjunction with the "Second International Exhibition and Festival Hi-Fi '70". While the Radio and TV Exhibition attracted 192 German exhibitors, were a further 144 exhibitors from 12 countries at the Hi-Fi exhibition, thus making this event a truly international one. And with the "International Radio and TV Exhibition 1971 Berlin" in Berlin the transition was finally made to an international rather than a strictly German event.
seit 1973
Since 1973 the fair, now known in the English-speaking world as the "International Audio and Video Fair" has been organised by the Gesellschaft für Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik (gfu) on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds around the Funkturm. As the range of items on display grew, so did the number of exhibitors and visitors. And the International Audio and Video Fair Berlin evolved more obviously into event for the presentation and introduction of far-reaching changes in electronic communications.
BERLIN, 25 Aug - 03 Sep 1961
Deutsche Rundfunk-, Fernseh- und Phono-Ausstellung Berlin 1961
Patron
Federal President Dr. Heinrich Lübke
Organizer
Radio and Television Section of the German Electrical Engineering Industry Association
Management
Berliner Ausstellungen
Halls I/Ost, I/West to XII and pavilions with 56,000 sqm gross area und Deutschlandhalle (11,000 sqm)
158 exhibitors, 387,500 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
UHF sets for receiving Channel 2 (ZDF)
BERLIN, 30 Aug - 08 Sep 1963
Grosse Deutsche Funkausstellung 1963 Berlin
Patron
Federal President Dr. Heinrich Lübke
Organizer
Radio and Television Association in the German Electrical Engineering Industry Association
Management
Berliner Ausstellungen
Halls I/Ost, I/West to XII and pavilions with 55,000 sqm gross area
153 exhibitors, 417,500 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Stereo radio broadcasts
STUTTGART, 27 Aug - 05 Sep 1965
Deutsche Funkausstellung 1965 Stuttgart
Patron
German Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ludwig Erhard
Organizer
Radio and Television Association in the German Electrical Engineering Industry Association
Management
Stuttgarter Ausstellungs-GmbH
Halls 1 to 15 with 40,000 sqm gross area
114 exhibitors, 567,000 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Transistor hi-fi units and car radios
-
World receivers
BERLIN, 25 Aug - 03 Sep 1967
25th Grosse Deutsche Funkausstellung 1967 Berlin
With a push of a button,
Willy Brandt symbolically opens the color TV era
Patron
Federal President Dr. Heinrich Lübke
Organizer
Radio and Television Association in the German Electrical Engineering Industry Association
Management
Berliner Ausstellungen
Halls A to Q and pavilions with 64,000 sqm gross area
184 exhibitors, 502,500 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Introduction of PAL standard for color TV
STUTTGART, 29 Aug - 07 Sep 1969
Deutsche Funkausstellung 1969 Stuttgart
Patron
German Chancellor Dr. Kurt Georg Kiesinger
Organizer
Radio and Television Association in the German Electrical Engineering Industry Association
Management
Stuttgarter Ausstellungs-GmbH
Halls 1 to 15 with 47,000 sqm gross area
111 exhibitors, 726,147 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Stereo car radios
-
Video recorders
The introduction of colour television
Berlin had witnessed the launch of colour television in Germany in 1967. Since 1971 the national broadcasting networks and the Federal Post Office have been closely involved in the fair, which they have utilised in order to introduce new systems and technologies, since they regard the International Audio and Video Fair Berlin as the ideal forum for testing and demonstrating the technology of the future. This is a trend which has involved many associations, research institutes and manufacturers in this industry.
1971-1983
In 1971 audiovision was successfully introduced, followed by quadrophonic sound in 1973, a spectacular development, even though eventually it was to prove a dead end from a technical viewpoint. Meanwhile 1981 saw the introduction of stereophonic television sound, while the dominant technology in 1983 was digitalisation, compact discs, video conference facilities and videotex.
1985
One of the slogans of the 1985 Audion and Video Fair was "technology with a reliable future". Much of the equipment on display was intended particularly for the new transmission, receiving and exchange systems (cable and satellite programmes). Colour televisions were notable for their flat and rectangular screens, and the "Video Programme Service" for video recorders also made its debut. In the Hi-Fi sector CD players proved to be another important development.
1987
The highlights of 1987 were the debut of three particular technologies: in addition to CD video and digital audio tape (DAT), visitors were also introduced to RDS, the "Radio Data System". Colour television sets became slimmer (down to 5 cm) and larger (with screen diagonals of up to 95 cm). The European approach to high definition television (HDTV) was presented, along with new and more simplified ways of programming videorecorders. "Digital" was the keyword at this exhibition.
1989
Following the successful launch of a number of satellites, a new chapter began for radio and television broadcasting in 1989. This was also reflected by the wide range of satellite receivers and equipment. In addition to the first live television product-ions using the new HDTV standard, the start of the Audio and Video Fair 1989 also coincided with the introduction of digital broadcasting of radio programmes via satellite.
DÜSSELDORF, 21 - 30 Aug 1970
Deutsche Funkausstellung 1970 Düsseldorf
The laser disc:
highlight of the 1970 show
Organizer
Radio and Television Association in the German Electrical Engineering Industry Association
Management
Düsseldorfer Messegesellschaft mbH NOWEA
Halls A to G, outdoor exhibition area with 63,400 sqm gross area
192 exhibitors (not including hifi '70), 600,090 attendees
in conjunction with: hifi '70, the 2nd International Exhibition with Festival
Organizer
Deutsches High-Fidelity-Institut (dhfi) e.V.
Management
Düsseldorfer Messegesellschaft mbH NOWEA
Halls D and F (both upper levels) with 13,600 sqm gross area
144 exhibitors from 12 countries, 600,090 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
First video disk player (Philips Video Long Play, VLP)
BERLIN, 27 Aug - 05 Sep 1971
Internationale Funkausstellung 1971 Berlin
Organizer
Radio and Television Association in the German Electrical Engineering Industry Association
Management
AMK Berlin Ausstellungs-Messe-Kongress-GmbH
Halls 1 to 23 and 4 pavilions with 88,000 sqm gross area
224 exhibitors and 94 companies represented, including 26 and 93, respectively, from abroad.
Countries represented:
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, USA, USSR, Yugoslavia
598.710 attendees
(broadcasting corporations and the German Post Office become exhibition partners)
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Home VCRs
-
TED video disk
-
Remote controls
BERLIN, 31 Aug - 09 Sep 1973
Internationale Funkausstellung 1973 Berlin
Organizer
Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Unterhaltungselektronik (GFU) mbH
Management
AMK Berlin Ausstellungs-Messe-Kongress-GmbH
Halls 1 to 23 und 4 pavilions with 88,000 sqm gross area
253 exhibitors and 118 companies represented, including 29 and 114, respectively, from abroad.
Countries represented:
Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, USA
602.971 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Quadrophony
-
Infrared headphones
-
First dummy head stereophonic broadcast (RIAS)
BERLIN, 29 Aug - 07 Sep 1975
Internationale Funkausstellung 1975 Berlin
Organizer
Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Unterhaltungselektronik (GFU) mbH
Management
AMK Berlin Ausstellungs-Messe-Kongress-GmbH
Halls 1 to 23 + Hall 6A and 2 pavilions with 88,000 sqm gross area
246 exhibitors and 140 companies represented including 58 and 123, respectively, from abroad
Countries represented:
Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, USA
604,317 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
ARI traffic news detector system
BERLIN, 26 Aug - 04 Sep 1977
Internationale Funkausstellung 1977 Berlin
IFA 1977: "Videotext" (teletext)
brings a new medium to the TV screen
Organizer
Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Unterhaltungselektronik (GFU) mbH
Management
AMK Berlin Ausstellungs-Messe-Kongress-GmbH
Halls 1 to 23 + Hall 6A and 2 pavilions with 90,000 sqm gross area
272 exhibitors and 196 companies represented, including 68 and 181, respectively, from abroad.
Countries represented:
Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, East Germany, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, USA, USSR
626.012 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Teletext
-
Videotext
BERLIN, 24 Aug - 02 Sep 1979
Internationale Funkausstellung 1979 Berlin
Organizer
Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Unterhaltungselektronik (GFU) mbH
Management
AMK Berlin Ausstellungs-Messe-Kongress-GmbH
Halls 1 to 23 + Hall 6A and 2 pavilions with 90,000 sqm gross area
525 companies, including 383 from abroad.
Countries represented:
Austria, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, East Germany, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, USA, Yugoslavia
628.373 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Compact Disc (CD)
BERLIN, 04 - 13 Sep 1981
Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin 1981
Organizer
Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Unterhaltungselektronik (GFU) mbH
Management
AMK Berlin Ausstellungs-Messe-Kongress-GmbH
Halls 1 to 23, Hall 6A, 2 pavilions with 90,000 sqm of gross indoor exhibition area, 40,000 sqm of occupied outdoor exhibition area, the ICC Berlin with its 80 auditoriums, and the Deutschlandhalle arena.
332 direct exhibitors and 212 additional companies represented with products from Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, East Germany, Fin-land, France, Honk Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, USA, USSR, West Germany and Yugoslavia.
422,438 paying attendees recorded.
A new counting system was introduced in 1981, after which only the total number of paying attendees was published.
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Bilingual and stereo TV broadcasts (starting Sep 5)
BERLIN, 02 - 11 Sep 1983
Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin 1983
Organizer
Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Unterhaltungselektronik (GFU) mbH
Management
AMK Berlin Ausstellungs-Messe-Kongress-GmbH
In 25 halls and 2 pavilions with 90,000 sqm of gross indoor exhibition space, 40,000 sqm of occupied outdoor exhibition area, the ICC Berlin with its 80 auditoriums, and the Deutschlandhalle arena.
356 exhibitors and 409 companies represented
with products from Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, East Germany, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Poland, PR China, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, United Kingdom, USA, West Germany, Yugoslavia.
432,390 paying attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
TV sets with digital signal processing
-
Videoconferences
-
Teletext
BERLIN, 30 Aug - 08 Sep 1985
Internationale Funkausstellung 1985
IFA '85: Tausende von CDs als Dekoration der Eingangshalle
Organizer
Messe- Veranstaltungsgesellschaft Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik (MVU) mbH
Management
AMK Berlin Ausstellungs-Messe-Kongress-GmbH
Halls 1-25 with 79,000 sqm gross area
350 exhibitors and 199 additional companies represented with products from Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Island, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal/Macao, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, USA and West Germany.
376,343 paying attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Multisystem televisions
-
Video programming system (VPS)
-
Satellite tuners
-
HDTV demonstrations
BERLIN, 28 Aug - 06 Sep 1987
Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin 1987
Organizer
Messe- Veranstaltungsgesellschaft Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik (MVU) mbH
Management
AMK Berlin Ausstellungs-Messe-Kongress-GmbH
Halls: 1 - 25 with 81,000 sqm gross area
365 exhibitors and 285 additional companies represented from Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Macao, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA, West Germany and Yugoslavia.
410,184 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
DAT recorders
-
CD video players
-
Large-screen TV
-
D2 MAC demonstrations
-
Radio data systems (RDS)
-
MO disk recorders
BERLIN, 25 Aug - 03 Sep 1989
Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin 1989
Organizer
Messe- Veranstaltungsgesellschaft Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik (MVU) mbH
Management
AMK Berlin Ausstellungs-Messe-Kongress-GmbH
Halls: 1 - 25 with 80,700 sqm gross area
398 exhibitors and 311 additional companies represented from Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA, West Germany and Yugoslavia.
389,106 attendees
BERLIN, 30 Aug - 08 Sep 1991
Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin 1991
Record crowds flock to IFA '91 at the Berlin Radio Tower (Funkturm)
Organizer
Gesellschaft für Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik (gfu) mbH.
Management
AMK Berlin Ausstellungs-Messe-Kongress-GmbH
Halls 1 - 25 with 83,500 sqm gross area
571 exhibitors and 344 additional companies represented from Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA, Yugoslavia.
515,752 attendees (first all-German IFA since 1961)
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Digital compact cassette (DCC)
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Mini miscs
-
Rewritable CDs
-
Photo CDs
-
CD-Interactive
New digital media
1991/93
Spectacular innovations also dominated the Internationale Funkausstellung in 1991. In addition to the two new digital recording systems, Digital compact Cassettes (DCC) and Mini Dics (MD) , Photo-CD was also presented to the European public for the first time. Developments in the television sector were dominated by the increased range of equipment for the 16:9 wide screen format. The Compact Disc Interactive (CDI) provided realistic multimedia effects. The growing range of telecommunications systems and equipment was characterised by new models for D1 and D2 mobile phone networds. The new laser television sets, car radios serving as media centres, and the new video programming standards such as ShowView were certainly among the most outstanding technical innovations at the IFA '93.
1995
The IFA '95 will go down on record as the No. 1 multimedia trade fair. The Federal Minister of Posts, Wolfgang Bötsch, launched Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) with the Berlin-Brandenburg Pilot Project. DAB is revolutionising radio broadcasting, and is opening up completely new dimensions in multimedia with the transmission of added value services. The IFA '95 also witnessed the successful start of Astra Digital Radio. The PC and consumer electronics industries staged combined displays for the first time. Visitors to the Funkturm were able to see what interactive Television will mean for the consumer. Orders were placed for the remarkable total of 2.1 million set top boxes. Digital camcorders made their international debut, accompanied by another highlight: for the first time the two competing video CD systems (Super Density Disc and Multimedia Disc) were presented alongside each other. By September the competing companies had agreed on an common system. Among the most interesting exhibits were 16:9 PALplus television sets, known as the "screen on the wall", Dolby Surround equipment, TV/PC multimedia units, new types of hifi components, and car navigation systems.
BERLIN, 27 Aug - 05 Sep 1993
Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin 1993
A media extravaganza: IFA '93
Organizer
Gesellschaft für Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik (gfu) mbH.
Organisation
Messe Berlin GmbH
Exhibition area
103,500 sqm gross
741 exhibitors from 33 countries:
Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA.
449,804 attendees
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Laser televisions
-
"Show View" and "Voice Commander" video programming standards
-
Car radio as media center
BERLIN, 26 Aug - 03 Sep 1995
Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin 1995 (40. Funkausstellung)
Organizer
Gesellschaft für Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik (gfu) mbH.
Organisation
Messe Berlin GmbH
Exhibition area
107,000 sqm gross
765 exhibitors from 30 countries:
Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, PR China, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA.
Attendees
499,437
(Exhibition now lasts only nine days)
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
16:9/PALplus color TV sets
-
Combined TV/PC
-
Dolby Surround systems
-
Flat screens
-
Laser TV
BERLIN, 30 Aug - 07 Sep 1997
Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin 1997 (41. Funkausstellung)
Organizer
Gesellschaft für Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik (gfu) mbH.
Organisation
Messe Berlin GmbH
Exhibition area
130,000 sqm gross
812 exhibitors from 33 countries:
Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA.
Attendees
436,076
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Digital TV sets
-
TV videophone
-
DAB receivers
-
DVD players
-
Digital camcorders
-
Digital cameras
BERLIN, 28 Aug. - 5 Sep 1999
Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin 1999 (42. Funkausstellung)
Organizer
Gesellschaft für Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik (gfu) mbH.
Organisation
Messe Berlin GmbH
Exhibition area
160,000 m² gross (1,722,240 sq. ft.)
872 exhibitors from 36 countries:
Egypt, Belgium, People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, United Kingdom, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Czech Republic, Turkey, USA, Belarus.
Number of visitors
376,552
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
Plasma flat screen televisions
-
MP3 players
-
Internet capable mobile phones
-
Home networks
BERLIN, 25 Aug. - 2 Sept. 2001
Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin 2001 (43. Funkausstellung)
Organizer
Gesellschaft für Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik (gfu) mbH.
Organisation
Messe Berlin GmbH
Exhibition area
180,000 m² gross (1,937,500 sq. ft.)
948 exhibitors from 38 countries:
Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA, Vietnam
Number of visitors
369,211
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
DVB-T
-
Multimedia Home Platform (MHP)
-
DVD recorder
-
In-car communication systems
-
29 Inch-LCD-TV
-
DVD+RW PC-burning drive
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Mobile phone with GPRS and Bluetooth
Berlin, 29.08.-03.09.2003
IFA Internationale Funkausstellung 2003 (44. Funkausstellung)
Organizer
Gesellschaft für Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik (gfu) mbH.
Organisation
Messe Berlin GmbH
Exhibition space
160,000 m²
1023 exhibitors from 37 countries:
Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Great Britain, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic), Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Czech Republic, Turkey, USA, Vietnam
>>65 % of the exhibitors came from abroad
Visitors
273,800, thereof 35,3 % trade visitors
Origin of registered trade visitors:
74 % Germany
26 % From abroad
...thereof
9 % the Netherlands
8 % Switzerland
8 % Denmark
8 % Great Britain + Ireland
6 % France
5 % Poland
Innovations/ Exhibits
-
LCD, plasma and projection-TVs
-
Camcorder & digital cameras
-
Multimedia Home Platform (MHP)
-
Hard-drive video recorder
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Digital radio
-
DVB-T
Berlin, 2 - 7 September 2005
IFA 2005 (45. Funkausstellung)
One of the most spectacular trends at the IFA 2005 was the generation shift in TVs, the changeover to flat cinema-style screens in 16:9 widescreen format. What was no more than an exciting new development at the IFA 2003 was now dominating the market everywhere. At the same time high-definition television (HDTV) celebrated its European premiere. Shortly before the launch of regular broadcasts in Germany, the UK, France and other European countries this fascinating new technology was at the forefront of the displays on all the larger fair stands.
Sponsor
German Association for Entertainment and Communications Electronics (gfu)
Organizer
Messe Berlin GmbH
Exhibition space
160,000 m² (overall area)
101,946 m² (net area)
Exhibitors
1,202 exhibitors from 40 countries:
>>68 % of the exhibitors came from abroad
Attendees
245,849
Berlin, 1 - 6 September 2006
IFA 2006 (46. Funkausstellung)
HDTV will be among the main themes at the IFA 2006. Following its market introduction the previous year, twelve months later HDTV showed that it could amply meet market demands, with broadcasts swiftly growing in number. In addition blu-ray discs and HD-DVD signal the arrival of a new generation of optical media capable of bringing movies and other video productions to the home in high-definition resolution.
Two further media technology innovations will feature prominently at the IFA 2006. Whereas home movie viewers are becoming accustomed to ever-larger pictures, radio stations, device manufacturers and cellphone services are joining forces to start up new TV services for cellphones and other mobile equipment, which means that at the IFA 2006 cellphone TV will be celebrating its European premiere. Television broadcasts over the internet (IPTV) are among the other major highlights this year. For months telecommunications companies and large media corporations have been spending billions on organising infrastructures and broadcasting in preparation for new interactive TV.
Sponsor
German Association for Entertainment and Communications Electronics (gfu)
Organizer
Messe Berlin GmbH
Exhibitors
1,049 exhibitors from 32 countries:
62 % of the exhibitors came from abroad
Attendees
225,000
Berlin, 31. August - 5. September 2007
IFA 2007 (47. Funkausstellung)
Aspects which featured strongly were high definition media and television over internet protocol (IPTV). There was also a very enthusiastic response to the subjects of navigation, mobility, digital imaging and digital music. Other high profile trends at the IFA 2007 included design-oriented CE solutions and premium products, with a greater emphasis on the individual requirements and wishes of consumers.
Sponsor
German Association for Entertainment and Communications Electronics (gfu)
Organizer
Messe Berlin GmbH
Exhibitors
1,212 exhibitors from 32 countries
733 came from abroad
Visitors
235,000
Berlin, 29 August - 3 September 2008
IFA 2008
With some 122,000 square metres of rented display space IFA 2008 occupies the largest area in its history. For the first time this also includes an additional 11,000 square metres of temporary halls. With a record participation by 1,245 exhibitors from 63 countries it is more international than ever before.
As the world’s leading trade show for consumer electronics IFA 2008 is presenting the entire range of new products from a dynamic and innovative sector. With everything from giant flat screens to the tiniest TV mobile phones, from mobile media players to complete home cinema - IFA is presenting fascinating highlights from every area of entertainment.
Leading companies from the electrical home appliances industry making their first appearance at HomeAppliances@IFA reflect a worldwide trend for more comfort in the home and for healthier eating. The trend towards healthier nutrition using methods intended to retain more nutrient properties is reflected by the keep-fresh systems of modern refrigerators, and by steamers, either stand-alone or built into ovens. Political and social discussions about CO2 emissions and climate protection are influencing consumer trends in both of these fields.
Sponsor
German Association for Entertainment and Communications Electronics (gfu)
Organizer
Messe Berlin GmbH
Exhibitors
1,245 exhibitors from 63 countries
803 came from abroad
Visitors
220,000