A key technical element of all the current HD formats (not to mention HD productions themselves) is digital surround sound. The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) will hold its 2008 Audio Summit on Feb. 19 in Rancho Mirage, Calif., running concurrently with the Hollywood Post Alliance Technology Retreat, Feb. 20-22.

“Sound is an important part of the digital television experience and the industry needs to address strategies that can be utilized to optimize audio services,” according to ATSC President Mark Richer. He said the audio confab provides an opportunity for industry professionals to learn about the challenges relating to production, distribution, transmission and reception of high-quality digital sound.

The seminar will provide an opportunity, among other things, for discussion and demonstrations of AC-3 audio (notably loudness issues). The meeting will run from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Detailed information about the agenda is available here.