By Dan Daley
SVG Audio Editor

This year’s NAB Show will have a forward-looking sideshow for audio professionals via The Surround Broadcast Conference, a joint venture between the National Association of Broadcasters and Pro Sound News. The new conference will focus on the production of digital, multi-channel broadcast audio and related issues, including recording and mixing, the consistency of the listener experience, and transmission and distribution of 5.1-channel audio that will accompany high-definition video.

Conference panelists scheduled to participate include Jim Starzynski, principal audio architect of the NBC Universal Advanced Engineering group; Jim DeFilippis, senior vice president and principal engineer for the FOX Entertainment Group; Robert Seidel, vice president of engineering and advanced technology for CBS Television; Sean Richardson, post production manager and audio engineer for Starz-Encore; and Michael Nunan, director of post production for CTV.

“The fact that this will be the last NAB Show prior to the digital TV transition also makes this an extremely relevant topic, as stations look for new opportunities only available in the digital era , particularly in sports broadcasting,” states NAB spokesman Kris Jones. “ The vast majority of stations are already broadcasting in digital, with many enhancing their HDTV experience with surround sound.”

An NAB report on the topic stated that, “The transitions [to surround audio] are well underway at the network and distribution level, with lessons learned and issues like the consistency of the viewer experience still being refined. Many production facilities are already providing a high-quality surround experience for their projects, while many others still need to extend their repertoire to multi-channel sound.

At the local level, though, the report goes on, signal flow and infrastructure are significant issues for many stations, as well as developing a production philosophy that lets local production stand up against network fare. “This conference will show how it’s being done and will provide the information needed to reach the full potential of digital, multi-channel broadcast audio,” it concluded.

Registration for the conference to be held on April 16 costs $395 for members and $495 for non-members, through April 11. On-site registration will cost $495 and $625, respectively.

As part of the registration fee attendees will be extended free admission to the Beijing Olympics Technology Forum to be held by the Sports Video Group and NAB in room N 119.

Several pro audio manufacturers, including Harman, Dolby and Holophone, will provide product demos and case studies. Topics include implementing 5.1 automatic level control, new tools for multi-channel audio capture, and DTV audio techniques in a file-based world.

“Whether it’s scripted entertainment programming or live sporting events, consumer demand for high-quality surround sound continues to increase,” said Jones. “America’s love for sports and the TV viewer’s desire to be ‘in the game’ is certainly one of the driving forces behind this increased demand. That’s why this new conference is a natural fit for the NAB Show and sports audio professionals.