News

Panasonic Drives Surround, DVD-A

New York City (October 10-13, 2003)--AES attendees this year have the opportunity to check out the first factory installed DVD-Audio 5.1 auto surround sound system. Developed by Panasonic Automotive Systems Company and Acura, and five-time Grammy winning producer/engineer Elliot Scheiner, the new ELS surround sound system will come standard in the all-new completely redesigned 2004 Acura TL. AES attendees can test-drive an ELS-equipped Acura TLs at Panasonic's booth (472).

In collaborating with Scheiner, and assigning his initials (ELS) to the new system, Panasonic assures its dedication to truly high-end audio innovation. "This is the first time that someone who creates music has been involved in the playback of music," Scheiner points out. "We normally mix records and they get sent out and that's the last input we have. So, it was groundbreaking that Panasonic asked me to get involved with this, because I know what multichannel work should sound like, and was able to tune the system based on my work, and the work of my colleagues."

In addition to providing demos, Scheiner will participate in the October 11 DVD-Audio seminar, "DVD-Audio Everywhere: Studio, Home, Computer and Car" on behalf of Panasonic. On the panel, Scheiner will be joined by Mark Ziemba, Panasonic's lead engineer on the Acura/ELS project. Taking place in Room 3D05 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., the panel discussion will also include presentations from Kevin Clement of BMG Entertainment, Bob Michaels of 5.1 Production Services, Robert Stuart of Meridian Audio, Chris Smith of Creative Labs and Shahab Layeghi of InterVideo.

Additionally, Ziemba will participate in the "Aftermarket Automotive Audio" workshop on October 11, from 2-4:30 p.m. in Room 1E1, to discuss the development of discrete multichannel DVD-Audio systems for the aftermarket and OEM automotive markets. AES attendees can also enter to win a Panasonic HDTV after they've listened to the ELS system.

--Janice Brown