W3 Loudspeaker Layouts, Bass Management and System Interfacing in High-Resolution Multichannel Audio
Chair: Malcolm J. Hawksford, University of Essex, Colchester, U.K.
Panel:
Vicki Melchior, National Semiconductor, Freemont, CA, USA
Derk Reefman, Philips Research, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Francis Rumsey, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
Gerhard Steinke, Audio Consultant, Berlin, Germany
Bob Stuart, Meridian Audio, Huntingdon, UK
Summary
Multi-channel audio technology has evolved principally from a video perspective. Here emphasis is placed on the lateral plane while for music reproduction a more holistic spatial approach is required that should embrace height information. Home-theatre systems use a single low-frequency channel while the high-resolution content of DVD-A and SACD is broadband with six rather than five available channels. Also, there is a controversial issue of digital interfacing optical disc players to spatial processors to maximize transparency. All these factors impact on system design including relationships between recording and loudspeaker configuration and constitute the core thesis to be addressed by a distinguished panel of leading experts.
