Foti Presents 5.1 Surround Sound Paper at NAB 2005

"The Killer App" for FM
 

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18 March 2005, Cleveland Ohio, USA

In the late 1970’s, AM radio became the “unwanted medium” as industry and consumers alike universally migrated to FM Stereo. Today, the FM Stereo currently used by terrestrial radio is at risk due to the advancement of disruptive technologies that allow more exciting listening alternatives — many of which offer multi-channel audio, or “surround sound.” Certainly program content must be compelling; but now there is also a technical reason to get excited about radio again – 5.1 Surround for FM HD Radio™.

 Frank Foti, President of Omnia Audio, will present the benefits of using Discrete 5.1 audio over matrixed methods that “fake” multiple audio channels when he presents his newest white paper, “The Killer App for FM: Distinct 5.1 Surround Sound” on April 17th at 10:00 A.M. to NAB 2005 attendees.

 In presenting the topic, Foti will offer a peek into the multi-channel system invented by the Fraunhofer Institute (FhG) and Agere Systems. This revolutionary system provides a distinct multi-channel listening experience to the FM radio audience using a technique called “coded-discrete,” which prepares the audio for transmission over iBiquity’s HD Radio system. Foti remarks, “This is the optimal method to support both 5.1 surround and 2.0 stereo mixes. By utilizing the original stereo mix for the transmission path, and the 5.1 channels for the surround encoder, the best of both are available.”

 Multi-Channel 5.1 Surround creates an impressive “theater of the mind” – something that must be heard to truly appreciate. Foti notes that “Adding distinct 5.1 audio is the killer app that puts the ‘WOW!’ factor into the HDFM system. It will compel them to purchase a digital radio! This is what it will take to motivate the average consumer towards HD Radio.”

 To hear and see 5.1 Surround Sound for HDFM in live action, visit the Telos Systems / Omnia at Booth N2816 and Axia at Booth N3616. A full HD surround airchain from player to receiver will be on demonstration. Contact Caroline Dorsey at dorsey@OmniaAudio.com for more information.

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Omnia, a Telos company, is world-renowned for its digital audio signal processing expertise. Omnia audio processors for FM, AM, TV, HD Radio & DAB, Internet, and audio production are setting new standards for professional audio quality.