The following preliminary program for the 104th Convention is listed below as a source of reference for those who wish to refer to the activities that took place at this event. Many of the papers presented are available as 104th Preprints in print form and a first for the AES on the 104th Preprints CD-ROM. (The 104th CD-ROM also includes the 103rd Preprints.) CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME Dear Colleague, The 104th AES Convention is rapidly approaching. For the second time in Amsterdam ­ applauded by Convention participants and exhibitors alike. The Convention Committee has worked hard to compile a highly interesting and educational program, as you can see for yourself in this brochure. I look forward to seeing you there and trust, you will return home after the Convention a better person ­ or at least a better engineer! Han Tendeloo Convention Chairman

INTRODUCTION The AES Golden Anniversary This year the Audio Engineering Society celebrates its 50th Anniversary. Several special events are scheduled to commemorate this occasion. But apart from these moments of reflection and celebration the whole technical program is, as always, strongly focused on the present and future of all aspects of audio. For anybody active ­ or preparing to become active ­ in the audio industry, participating in the upcoming AES Convention in Amsterdam is an absolute must and the Ultimate Learning Experience! Special Presentations and Tutorials Special presentations on the developments leading to a new generation of high quality audio carriers based on DVD technology are scheduled. Some of the papers and workshop introductions are also of a tutorial nature, bringing you quickly up to speed in specific technology areas. Check the day-by-day listing of activities for further details. Students Next to the familiar papers and workshop sessions, tours, technical committee, educational committee and standards meetings, specific activities from and for Students are part of the program for the first time. A separate students-only area will promote exchange of experiences and international networking. The final rounds of a presentation with evaluation and a competition of recordings in the categories classical and pop / jazz produced by students can be attended. The Netherlands Student Section will assist foreign students in locating affordable accommodation and plan some post-convention activities for those who would like to see a little bit more of The Netherlands than the RAI Convention Center. For the latest news about these student activities, including accommodation and the submission of recordings, check the Educational / Student Activities page. Planning your trip to Amsterdam This Convention is right in the middle of springtime and the tourist season is in full swing. It is tulip time and the weather is usually quite nice ­ but bring a raincoat, just in case. Any travel agency will be able to provide you with brochures pointing out the many tourist attractions The Netherlands, and Amsterdam in particular, have to offer. For the armchair travel planner, check the website of the Dutch Tourist Board (http://www.visitholland.com ). Information (in Dutch) about concerts and plays can be found at website: http://www.theater.nl For those needing a VISA to enter the Netherlands, check the website of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (http://www.minbuza.nl) for the address of the Dutch embassy or consulates in your country. This website contains a wealth of information on The Netherlands in general. A full program extending beyond the Convention You should seriously consider staying longer than just the four days of the actual Convention and Exhibition (May 16-19) for the following reasons: Standards meetings start on Thursday May 14th. Registration starts Friday afternoon May 15th. That same evening a special AES concert on the renowned organ of the Moses & Aäron Church has been scheduled. The first full Convention day, Saturday May 16th is jam-packed with highly exciting technical sessions, which start at 9:00 h! To avoid clashes with technical sessions two very interesting full-day double feature Tours have been scheduled on the day after the actual convention, Wednesday May 20th. In many countries, Thursday May 21st ­ Ascension Day ­ is a holiday. So why not take advantage and stay a few more days and enjoy being a tourist! Airline fares KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines as well as many other Airlines maintain frequent direct connections between all major cities and Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport. Fares vary from one day to the other. By shopping around discount fares may well be found. Do not forget to check airfare/hotel package deals. They usually offer excellent value for money. Hotels & Reservations Hotel rooms at discount prices can be booked through the RAI Hotel Service. For details see the Hotel Reservation form. The block bookings that the RAI Hotel Service has made specifically for AES Convention participants will be held until March 31st. After that date it may prove very difficult to obtain hotel accomodation, as many tourists compete for the same rooms. So book your hotel now! To obtain specific information on hotels in Amsterdam check this website: http://www.medialink.nl/amsterdam/hotelguide.html Traveling to RAI Convention Center Please see page 14 for traveling details and map. CONVENTION INFORMATION Exhibition Hours Saturday, May 16 10:00 ­ 18:00 h Sunday, May 17 10:00 ­ 18:00 h Monday, May 18 10:00 ­ 18:00 h Tuesday, May 19 10:00 ­ 17:00 h Exhibition More than 300 manufacturers will show their products at the RAI Center during the largest and most important exhibition of Pro Audio Equipment in Europe in 1998. See page 15 for listing of exhibitors. Registration Hours Friday, May 15 16:00 ­ 21:00 h Saturday, May 16 08:00 ­ 17:30 h Sunday, May 17 08:00 ­ 17:30 h Monday, May 18 08:00 ­ 17:30 h Tuesday, May 19 08:00 ­ 15:00 h Registration The on-site registration desk will be located in the Parkhal entrance of the RAI Center. Cash or credit cards (Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa, AmericanExpress) may be used for payment. For advance registration, fill out the Advance Registration form included with this brochure. Mail or fax it together with your payment before the deadline (1998-04-24). Using the form instead of registering on site will save you time and money. Ordering tickets for Special Events by means of this form will save you from the possible disappointment of tickets being sold out upon your arrival. On-line Advance Registration is possible as well ! Technical Committee Meetings All AES Technical Committees, open to all participants, will meet during the convention. At press time the time schedule of these meetings was not available. Please check the AES website for latest news. The TC Open House on Monday afternoon, May 18th, provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the present and planned activities of the Technical Committees. Standards Meetings AES Standards Meetings, open to all participants, start on Thursday, May 14th, two days before the opening of the convention. See page 5 for dates and times. (C) 2000, Audio Engineering Society, Inc.