I believe many broadcasters view the Audio Engineering Society as a professional organization concerned only about standards pertaining to the audio and audio-video trades. But the reality is that AES has everything to do with gear and technology in use every day around radio and TV stations.
New York is hosting the 143rd AES Convention this year, and there are plenty of reasons to attend. Not only will a tremendous amount of gear be on display, there’s an incredible lineup of sessions, many of which will be found to be of interest to broadcasters.
Let’s take a look at some of the sessions scheduled for the Broadcasting and Streaming Media track at this year’s New York show.
The entire show schedule can be seen at www.aes.org/events/143/calendar/calendar.cfm
B01 — Designing and Constructing a Radio Performance Space
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9–10:30 a.m.
Moderator: David Prentice,
Dale Pro Audio, New York
Panelists:
Sam Cappas, CBS Radio, New York
Joshua Morris, Walters-Storyk Design Group
Steve Shultis, New York Public Radio, New York
Jeff Smith, iHeartMedia
Increasingly, radio stations are adding performance spaces to reward their audiences with exclusive performances, to create new programming, add video content for their online and streaming channels and simply increase audience interaction.
Balancing the various requirements for various uses requires rethinking traditional designs for single-use spaces: The lighting and sound need to be appropriate for both video and audio recording; control rooms will be required to service several different venues and functions; acoustics and aesthetics need to be appropriate for conversation, acoustic or electric music; and everybody needs audio, video and intercom monitoring. The four panelists are ready to share what they’ve learned.
B02 — Audio Cable Problem Solving
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Presenter: Steve Lampen, Belden, San Francisco
Steve will moderate a panel discussion on common cable-related problems and solutions. The panel will feature prominent designers, installers and users in the audio arena in sound reinforcement, recording, film sound and broadcast. Many of these problems, and their solutions, can be cross-pollinated between these industries and the hope is that the audience will add to the discussion of problems encountered and possible solutions to those problems. Newer technologies, such as audio over IP, will be included on the menu.
B05 — The Broadcast Facility of One World Trade Center
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Host: John Lyons, Durst Broadcasting, New York
Durst Broadcasting will host a short offsite panel discussion plus tour of the new broadcast facility at One World Trade Center in New York City. John Lyons, assistant vice president and director of Broadcast Communications for The Durst Organization, will host.
Following the discussion will be a tour of the broadcasting facilities and communications spaces. Note that the tour will not include the roof as there is ongoing work on the building maintenance systems and darkness will not be conducive to touring.
iStockphoto/Sean Pavone
Capacity is limited to 65 people due to security issues; tickets are required. You must book your ticket before Oct. 13 for a security check to be a part of this experience.
B08 — Audio Considerations for Podcasts
Thursday, Oct. 19, 4:30–6:00 p.m.
Moderator: John Kean, Consultant, Washington
Panelists:
Malik Abdullah, NPR Digital Media, Washington
Dan Jeselsohn, New York Public Radio, New York
Angelo Mandatto, blubrry
Samuel Sousa, Triton Digital, Montreal
Podcasting is a system for packaging and distributing audio shows to listeners via the Internet. It is estimated that more than 40 million Americans listen to podcasts weekly — five times more than attend movies — and the numbers have risen more than 10 percent since 2016. Panelist will discuss best practices in production and distribution of podcast programs.
IF YOU GO
What: AES New York 2017
Where: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
When: Oct. 18–21, 2017
How Much: Four-day all-access, $595 member/$695 nonmember; various packages available. Exhibits Plus badge, $50–75
B11 — Metadata for Radio and Streaming: The Digital Dashboard
Friday, Oct. 20, 3–4:30 p.m.
Moderator: Glynn Walden, Consultant, Marlton, N.J.
Panelists:
Stu Buck, Arctic Palm
Mike Englebrecht, NextRadio + TagStation
David Julian Gray, NPR, Washington
Mike Raide, DTS
Each participant will have 10 to 15 minutes for opening comments, after which discussion will be opened up to the panel/audience participation. Panelists will talk about how the digital dashboard contributes rich textural support for audio for analog/HD Radio delivered over the air or via a hybrid radio and streaming services.
