TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. 20th UK Conference: Convergence
2. 118th Hotel Booking Now Open
3. Note to Authors
4. March AES Journal available on-line

20th UK Conference
Convergence: The impact of computers and networking on future audio technology
31st March - 1st April 2005
New Hall, Cambridge, UK

As audio and computer technologies converge, what does the future hold for the audio business? More choice, convenience and realistic home theatre experiences? Or a descent into audio quality hell where price and low bit rate rule? This conference explores audio quality (MP3s through to high-end DVD-A/SACDs), delivery mechanisms (is the physical disk dead?) and convenience (use of audio in the home, the car and on the move).

Already confirmed papers include papers from Microsoft, Sony, Philips, Arcam, BridgeCo, Symbian, Crestron, Meridian and Harman. Topics include compression algorithms, the use of the PC in the home, pro audio use of computers, home networking, background music streaming, music download and DRM technology, automotive audio technology, business models and the new role of the mobile phone.

For the first time, the AES is holding an Audio Technical Education day immediately after the conference. Held on Saturday April 2nd 2005, this additional day will present a series of technical seminars and demonstrations organised by famous names in the audio business, such as B&W, DTS, PMC and others.

Topics covered include how to set up your home theatre and position your loudspeakers and sub-woofer, example use of acoustic room treatments, compression algorithm comparisons (for example MP3 vs. WMA), and examples of the latest audio networking devices. We are also hoping to attract some automotive exhibits showing the latest car audio technology installed in showcase cars. This Technical Education day will be offered to the wider audio enthusiast community separate from the main conference. Full conference attendees will get reduced price admission to the Technical Education day.

More information is available on-line by clicking here.

118th Convention Hotel Booking - Barcelona
Barcelona, March 2005 � From May 28 - 31, 2005, thousands of audio professionals from all over the world will attend the 118th AES Pro Audio Expo and Convention in Barcelona, Spain. In cooperation with the Spanish congress organizer Pacifico Meetings the AES has now launched an exclusive hotel reservation service for visitors to the event: Click here for a wide choice of carefully selected hotels which can be booked directly online. All hotels are at close quarters to the CCIB congress centre and are rated 3 Stars or above. Bookings made through this service benefit from special prices ranging from € 90,00 for a Single room per night to a maximum of € 170,00 for a Double per night.

Attendees who want to make use of this convenient service should make their booking before March 31; since the availability of the hotels cannot be guaranteed for bookings made after this deadline. Reservations must be secured by a credit card. Click here to find out more details and to book your Barcelona hotel online!

The AES website will shortly feature comprehensive information on the 118th convention.

Note to Authors
Accepted authors, the final submission deadline for Barcelona has been extended through March 22. Many thanks to all the authors who have already submitted their papers. Click here for details.

March AES Journal Is Now Available On-line Here
The issue includes:
* Papers on Vertical Localization of Loudspeakers, Surround Audio Fidelity Considerations, Intercomparison Measurements of Acoustical Parameters, Wavetable Synthesis for Mobile Devices
* 118th Convention, Barcelona&emdash;Preview
* Feature: Low Bit-Rate Coding
* Call for Papers: 119th Convention, New York
* News of the Sections, New Products, etc.