Toward that end, Fairlight, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, has optimized its entire product line for advanced picture handling (through its Pyxis HD), simultaneous output in all formats and enhanced sync capabilities. Meanwhile, UK console manufacturer Calrec has upgraded its Alpha, Sigma and Zeta lines with System Plus capabilities and Hydra networking. And Digigram was showing its EtherSound networking capabilities for live sound and installs, with 64 channels of uncompressed audio, bidrectionally, over standard Ethernet. Finally, SmartSound Software was showing its combo software/library that edits music tracks intelligently. They just signed a first deal with Megatrax.

Although less frenetic than the South Hall, the North Hall was seeing good crowds for the second day of the show. Transducers were in evidence proving the importance of the front and back end of the audio chain. SLS was wowing them in the aisles with playback of a Diane Krall concert through their speakers. They unveiled the PS8R powered monitor featuring a ribbon tweeter and the Evenstar™ Sigma-Delta digital amplifier technology. The DPA booth was generating a lot of interest in their small mics for on-air applications and their Windpac, a foldable windsock for production audio. Transport of audio was the theme at the APT booth. The company from Belfast, whose customers include Skywalker and a number of other post houses, was showing the now-shipping OSLO, the device allows transport of audio over T1, E1, TCP/IP and ISDN.

Rocky Graham and Adam Anderson, Dolby Laboratories: "This past year, we've really seen a transition from just special events and sports to a huge amount of regular primetime programminng produced and broadcast in Dolby Digital 5.1. Shows like 24, Lost, Desperate Housewives, and all the Law and Order shows (to name just a few) really sound great - it's a totally different experience listening to them in 5.1 surround sound."

John Lancken, Fairlight: "Fairlight is really interested in developing workflow solutions for all the formats that need to be delivered. Has anybody found an easy and elegant way to do final mixes in more than one format (Stereo and 5.1) at one time? If this prospect sounds daunting, come and see us at the show."

Jeff Lowry, SLS Loudspeakers: "The reason that we're here is that we realize that the broadcast industry and the house of worship is a criss-cross. We wanted to make sure we had a presence and continuity in both markets."

Ed Capp, Sound Devices: "Our push at the show would be the change from linear to non-linear recording in remote recording. We're talking to customers about how it fits into their workflow."

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