SAN FRANCISCO: In the eighteen years that David Bialik has served as AES Convention Broadcast Events Chair, radio has experienced seismic shifts in technology and programming. Events planned for the Audio Engineering Society www.aes.org 121^st Convention (Oct. 5 – 8, 2006, at the Moscone Convention Center), will address a broad spectrum of emerging and long-standing issues which continue to challenge industry professionals.

“David Bialik is a highly regarded systems engineering consultant, whose technical expertise and passion for broadcasting provides him with a unique perspective on the industry,” AES executive director Roger Furness said. “In keeping with his successful track record he has assembled a series of meaningful topics and expert panelists. He has also responded to specific attendee requests for HD-related Convention programming with two new panels. These events typify the AES mandate of providing a platform for issues which impact on our entire industry. We are fortunate to have David back in his Committee chair again this year.”

Broadcast Events scheduled for the 121^st AES Convention include:

INNOVATIONS IN DIGITAL RADIO: David Bialik, DKB Broadcast Associates will moderate a panel comprised of Tony Masiello, XM Radio; David Layer, NAB; Geir Skaaden, Neural Audio; Tim Carroll, Linear Acoustics; Dave Wilson, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA); Jan P. Andrews, NPR Labs and Mike Lyons, Ibiquity. Issues to be discussed will include: Multicasting, Use of Translators, Water Marking, Satellite Radio and IBOC Innovations.

SURROUND SOUND FOR DIGITAL RADIO: Dave Wilson of CEA will moderate a panel of such industry leaders as: Steve Lyman, Dolby Labs; Robert Bleidt, Fraunhaufer; Alan Kraemer, SRS; Geir Skaaden, Neural Audio; Frank Foti, Telos-Omnia; Mike Lyons, Ibiquity and Alex Kosiorek, Corbett Studio/Cincinnati Public Radio. The panel will address all Surround systems currently being considered for broadcast application.

LOUDNESS WORKSHOP: Moderated by Emil Torrick, former head of CBS Labs, the panel includes: Thomas Lund, TC Electronics; Jeff Reidmiller, Dolby Labs; Frank Foti, Telos-Omnia; Gilbert Soulodre, CRC and Bob Orban, CRL Orban. The discussion will address concerns about optimum sound quality in the age of multi-channel sound and digital broadcasting.

AUDIO FOR HDTV - -THE LIP SYNC ISSUE: Brad Dick, editor of Broadcast Engineering Magazine will moderate a panel featuring Kent Terry, Dolby Labs; Stanley Chayka, Sigma Electronics; Junichi Yoshio, Pioneer Corporation and J. Patrick Waddell, Harmonics, Inc.
BROADCASTING IN THE IP AGE: Moderator David Layer, NAB, will chair a distinguished panel which includes: Tony Masiello, XM Radio; Eric Manchester, America Online; Andy Butler, PBS; Dan Braverman, Radio Systems; Michael Dosch, AXIA; Gregory Massey, APT and Fridolin Mueller, D.A.V.I.D. Systems. With audiences receiving programming via the internet, and computers having assumed many functions previously handled by flesh and blood broadcasters, the future has arrived. Issues to be considered include Streaming, Automated Playback, Control and Delivery.

AUDIO TRANSPORT FOR BROADCAST OVER DISTANCE - - How to Get The Audio From Here To There - Phone, Internet, Satellite: Radio World columnist and Microsoft exec Skip Pizzi will moderate a blue-ribbon panel including Russ Hamm, Rainbow Broadband; Herb Squire, DSI; Art Constantine, APT; Rolf Taylor, TELOS; Bob Band, Harris and Chris Crump, Comrex Corp. will discuss this timely issue.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR FACILITY DESIGN: MIX Magazine Sr. Editor Sarah Jones will moderate a panel of leading architects, designers and acousticians in a discussion ranging from upgrades to Surround Sound; HDTV and Digital integration; to integration into the IP Age, loudness, transporting audio over distances and other issues related to Radio, Television, Recording, Production and Post-Production studio design. Panelists include: Tony Masiello, XM Radio; John Storyk, Walters-Storyk Design Group; Bice C. Wilson, Meridian Design; David Prentice, VCA; Mike Uhl, Axia and Dan Braverman, Radio Systems.

INTRODUCING 5.1 SURROUND ON AMERICAN COMMERCIAL RADIO: Skip Pizzi, Radio World Columnist / Microsoft exec and Steve Fluker, COX Radio, will co-chair a special tutorial on what is required for U.S. radio broadcasters to add 5.1 surround capabilities to their programming format. Co-chairs of the NRSC Surround Committee, Pizzi and Fluker will address all current Surround options in this AES event.

The Association of Public Radio Engineers: Moderator Ralph Hogan, Northwest Public Radio: This organizational meeting will include a report on public broadcasting engineering initiatives and provide a platform for the solicitation of input for priorities. Note: This Special Event is open to all attendees regardless of type of badge.

“We can assure attendees that the Broadcast Programs at the 121^st AES Convention will be must see – and hear events,” Bialik concludes.