Paul Treleaven wins SMPTE Excellence in Standards award
Paul Treleaven, IABM’s Technology Specialist Consultant, has recently been honored by SMPTE with its prestigious Excellence in Standards award, which recognizes individuals or companies who have been actively involved in advancing Society standards activities and processes. The official citation for Paul reads:
SMPTE awards the 2024 Excellence in Standards Award to Paul Treleaven, in recognition of his continuous efforts to ensure prompt dissemination of information within SMPTE to partner organizations and the general public. Treleaven ensured timely and effective information exchange and collaboration with SMPTE partner organizations as Liaison Chair. He produced quarterly meeting reports and gave the public an invaluable window into ongoing SMPTE activities. He has also contributed to developing transparent, effective, and accountable standards as chair and as secretary of several technical committees. SMPTE acknowledges Treleaven for his dedication to the standards process.
At the ceremony, SMPTE expanded on its citation on Paul’s many contributions over the years as follows:
“This award recognises the tireless work Paul does in keeping the information flowing smoothly between SMPTE, our partner organizations and the public. His contributions to creating clear and accountable standards as chair and secretary of various technical committees further highlights his commitment to the society.
“Paul produces orderly meeting reports and also provides vital glimpses into SMPTE activities. His contributions to creating clear and accountable standards as chair and secretary of various technical committees further highlights his commitment to the society. Kudos to Paul for making the standards process not just effective but also more transparent and accessible – and maybe a little more fun than it used to be.
“As both an end user and an active developer, Paul’s being recognized tonight for his 52 years of diligent work with advancing SMPTE standards globally. Paul has worked tirelessly to balance the detailed work of standards with the need to be transparent to all stakeholders involved, including the general public. Starting his career in broadcast engineering with the BBC, he designed the interpolation system for the Ace four field standards converter. Paul then co-founded Avitel, designing and manufacturing video, audio and timecode distribution and processing equipment. A SMPTE fellow, Paul has served as an international region governor, the chair and Secretary of SMPTE technology committees and standards liaison chair. He is the technology consultant for the IABM, representing them at SMPTE, AES standards meetings and AV technology committees. He is also a member of the UK national standards body, IEC TC 100. Paul loves camping, hiking, scuba diving, flying and, of course, traveling, which he does frequently for standards meetings and between his home in Arizona and the UK. Congratulations and thank you. Paul.”
Paul was typically modest in his response: “When I received the award email, I thought it was asking for nominations – I was shocked when I realized I’d actually been given the award. SMPTE, thank you very much.
“Really, I must give a lot of credit to the IABM who have sent me to SMPTE standards meetings for over 20 years; for their vision that Standards benefit our whole community – suppliers and consumers alike.
“I remember my first SMPTE standards round at Dolby, San Francisco in 2002. I knew no-one and had to adjust from having been a standards user to being a standards maker! I’m grateful to Merrill Weiss, Bill Miller and Hans Hoffmann for showing me the ropes and making me feel welcome that time.
“And, of course, I will thank my wife, Debbie, for all the tolerance and support she has given me.
“Cheers, SMPTE.”
