Both are considered luminaries in the industry, the two fathers of audio data reduction based on psychoacoustics: Günther Theile and Karlheinz Brandenburg. Their reputation radiates far beyond Germany and even Europe and the results of their basic research and developments have long been part of everyday audiophile life. During the opening event of the 32nd Tonmeistertagung (November 8 to 11, 2023), they were each ceremoniously awarded the VDT e. V.'s highest honor, the VDT Medal of Honor.

The very personal laudations were held by Helmut Wittek (for Günter Theile) and Thomas Sporer (for Karlheinz Brandenburg) and emphasized that the two honorees have fundamentally changed the world with a great deal of passion for the cause and with extraordinary human qualities.

Günther Theile receives the VDT Medal of Honor for his research and developments (especially on psychoacoustics and MPEG-1 Layer II). His laudation was held by Helmut Wittek.

Karlheinz Brandenburg also received a medal of honor, primarily for his work on MPEG-1 Layer III. His laudatory speech was given by Thomas Sporer. Both Theile and Brandenburg had already advanced audio data reduction in the 1990s with different approaches.

The Medal of Honor was introduced in 2002 to honour individuals who have rendered outstanding services to the audio engineering profession and the audio industry in general. It has been awarded 23 times to date. A list of the honorees is published on our website.