IEEE Broadcast Technology Society Symposium Focuses on DTV Transition

The 58th annual IEEE Broadcast Technology Society Symposium moves into high gear on Oct. 15 concentrating on the nationwide passage into the world of digital television broadcasting. The three-day conference has adopted "Managing the Transitions," as its theme and the program includes a full day of presentations devoted to technical and practical aspects of the digital television implementation.

"The U.S. DTV Transition – Will February 18, 2008 be a Catastrophe?" is just one of the many papers on the topic. This will be presented by Bill Mientel of Meintel, Sgrignoli & Wallace. Other presenters will examine the status of mobile DTV broadcasting, digital system measurement techniques and single frequency networks.

The digital side of radio hasn't been neglected at the conference, with two full sessions scheduled on topics of interest to radio broadcasters. There's also a full day devoted to tutorial sessions on DTV transport basics, data networking and more.

The event also includes a joint luncheon event with the Association for Federal Communications Consulting Engineers on Oct. 16. Former FCC Chairman Richard E. Wiley is the featured speaker. The following day, there's another luncheon program that's devoted to presentation of awards. Peter M. Fannon, vice president of technology policy, government & regulation at the Panasonic Corp. of North America, has been selected as the keynote speaker.

This year's Oct. 15-18 symposium is taking place at a new venue this year—The Westin Hotel Alexandria, which is located in the Old Town section of Alexandria, Va. Visit the IEEE's Web site, for full details about the event, including registration.