ITU/94-12 27 April 1994 ORIGINAL: English Jointly released by Audiovisual Eureka, European Broadcasting Union, the International Telecommunication Union and the University of Geneva DigiMedia '94: where television and multimedia meet Geneva - As boundaries between computing and television blur, new partnerships and new markets are emerging. At the forefront of these swift changes are four key organizations - Audiovisual Eureka, the European Broadcasting Union, the International Telecommunication Union and the University of Geneva. For the first time, they are joining forces to organize DigiMedia '94 to explore the new and exciting world of multimedia brought about by the convergence of computing and communications. THE PROGRAMME: To be held in the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG) from 25 to 27 May 1994, DigiMedia '94 will consist of four modules: Module 1 : A Film Festival, Computer Animation '94, which will show nothing but the best of the latest computer-generated images from all over the world Module 2 : A symposium, Computer Animation '94, which will explore the latest scientific know-how in 3D virtual worlds, providing a look into the future of film-making and interactive television Module 3 : A forum, 3D FORUM which will provide an opportunity for designers, programmers and potential users of 3D animated images in the television worlds to establish a dialogue on today's possibilities of using computer graphics techniques in television programme productions Module 4 : A seminar, Multimedia, which will present the options for the creation and distribution of multimedia productions in new digital formats, focusing particularly on multimedia broadcast technology. A general overview will be presented in a one-day tutorial. It will provide an outlook on the audiovisual world from computer-generated digital images to virtual worlds. It will also show their practical applications to interactive compact disk and their use in television and the cinema. Structured in 3 panels, the tutorial will address the following topics: * What will be the animation systems in the year 2000? * How to simulate life in virtual worlds? * New trends and developments in digital TV around the world More than one hundred speakers from the most renowned institutions from research labs to technology institutes or universities and from audiovisual programme production companies to software editors and television corporations will confront their views and visions in software knowledge, programme production and multimedia distribution and management. Sessions, panels and workshops provide from the direct involvement of participants through discussions with questions from the floor. The programme is attractive both by its breadth and scope as well as by the level and reputation of its speakers in the different aspects of multimedia. In parallel to the Conference, equipment manufacturers, software developers, computer graphics and animation specialists will demonstrate pilot applications, new products or latest developments in the multifaceted area of multimedia, hence bridging theory and practice. WHO SHOULD ATTEND computer graphics and animation specialists : who need to discuss and to know what is the state-of-the-art in research in this rapidly changing field, the new methods of creating 3D worlds and computer-generated films computer systems manufacturers : who must know how to adapt their systems to support video, audio and communication value-added resellers and application developers : who need detailed information on potential users and their requirements telecommunication companies : who need to ensure how they can optimize revenues from the increasing demand for video and multimedia communications or who develop digital television products cable and satellites companies : who need to know how to improve their market shares and enter new markets broadcasters who need to know how to take advantage of digital wireless broadcasting which provides universal coverage and can support a wide range of data type in the multimedia environment producers and professional in audiovisual communications : who have experience in using computer-generated pictures in their production or who have an interest in starting to create or commission computer-generated programmes A press conference is scheduled to take place at the CICG on the opening day at 12:00 followed by a press luncheon. An information brochure together with registration details will be sent in the coming days. For additional information, please contact: Mrs Francine Lambert Chief, Press and Public Information,ITU Tel: +41 22 730 5969 Fax: +41 22 730 5939 Internet: francine.lambert@itu.ch Mr Philippe Coeytaux DigiMedia '94 secretariat Tel: +41 22 705 7656 Fax: +41 22 320 2927