AES to host first international conference on VR/AR audio

The AES has revealed details of its first International Conference on Audio for Virtual and Augmented Reality, which is set to take place on 30 September and 1 October 2016.

The conference, which runs alongside and is co-located with the 141st AES Convention at the Los Angeles Convention Centre’s West Hall, is a two day programme of technical papers, workshops, tutorials and a manufacturer’s expo which will throw a unique spotlight on the creative and technical challenges of providing immersive spatial audio to accompany virtual-reality and augmented-reality media.

The conference aims to attract content developers, researchers, manufacturers, consultants and students, as well as audio engineers seeking to expand their knowledge about sound production for virtual and augmented reality. The companion expo will feature displays from manufacturers and service providers looking to secure industry metrics for this emerging field.

The programme will provide an overview of the AR/VR creative process, applications workflow and product development, while creating an activity hub to focus attention on the expertise the AES can offer these expanding creative communities.

Proposed topics include: Object-based Audio Mixing for VR/AR Applications; Immersive Audio in VR/AR Broadcast; Live VR Audio Production; Developing Audio Standards for VR/AR Applications; Cross Platform Audio Considerations in VR Applications; and Streaming Immersive Audio Content.

“Film director George Lucas once stated that sound represents 50% of the motion-picture experience,” said co-chair Andres Mayo. “This conference will demonstrate that convincing VR and AR productions, using a variety of playback devices, require audio that follows the motions of the subject, and produce a realistic immersive experience. Our programme will spotlight the work of leading proponents in this exciting field of endeavour, and how realistic spatial audio can be produced from existing game-console and DSP engines.”

A unique entrance at the venue will offer a dedicated attendee registration check-in and related facilities. Conference registrants can also attend the 141st AES Convention’s companion exhibition and select educational sessions and special events free of charge with an Exhibits-Plus badge.

Costs range from $195 for a 1-Day Pass for AES members ($295 for a 2-Day Pass) and $125 for accredited students, to $280/$435 for non-members; early-bird discounts also are available.

For further information on the 2016 International Conference Audio for Virtual and Augmented Reality, visit http://www.aes.org/conferences/2016/avar/.