Former deputy technical director of the EBU, Dr David Wood, was honoured in Hollywood last night at the SMPTE Annual Technical Conference. He received the SMPTE Progress Medal for his career as a scientific and innovative leader in the broadcasting industry, dedicating his life to educating all constituents and proactively seeking a fair consensus for all.
David Wood retired from the EBU in June, but is still active in the community. On behalf of the EBU he chairs the World Broadcasting Unions Technical Committee and leads a number of work areas at the ITU, the International Telecommunications Union. He also has a more public-facing role, presenting the "David Wood on..." series of videos that explain technology concepts in easy-to-understand terms.
David Wood accepting the SMPTE Progress Medal at the Loews Hollywood Hotel last night. Also pictured are SMPTE executive director Barbara Lange, SMPTE president Peter Lude, and the host of the ceremony Rob Weller.
EBU Director of Technology & Innovation, Lieven Vermaele congratulated Dr. Wood, saying: "I am pleased to see that David's unequalled contribution in the technical domain on behalf of public service media has been recognized once again. I'm pleased that we can continue to benefit from his insights."
SMPTE, the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, is a professional membership association, and is a worldwide leader in motion-imaging standards and education for the communications, technology, media, and entertainment industries. Its Progress Medal recognizes outstanding technical contributions to the progress of engineering phases of the film and TV industries, and is awarded for an invention, research, or development which has resulted in a significant advance in technology.