David Baylor, former executive vice president for DIRECTV, Inc, and a trustee of Harvey Mudd College, will explain how satellites are essential for broadcast television, cable TV and direct broadcast satellite systems. According to Baylor, much of the space technology developed for defense purposes has found broader commercial use, but "the broadest impact for the average person has been the application of space technologies to providing telecommunications and entertainment." Though many consumers subscribe to satellite broadcasters DIRECTV and DISH Network, "most people don't understand how integrated satellites are with," and make possible, "the total television experience."

Baylor has spent over 30 years in the television industry, the last 25 pioneering the use of satellites for television production and distribution. Through February 2004, Baylor oversaw engineering, technology, and systems development and integration support for the worldwide operations of DIRECTV, a unit of Hughes Electronics Corporation. He also directed broadcast operations for the company.

Before working at DIRECTV, Baylor served stints at NBC and PBS. He serves on the West Coast advisory council for the Howard University Department of Radio, TV and Film; sits on the board of directors of the North American Broadcasters Association; and is a member of the Los Angeles Urban League's Technology Board. A fellow of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, he is also a member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers, the Society of Satellite Professionals International and the NATAS Technical Emmy Awards selection committee. He is the 1997 recipient of the Black Engineer of the Year Award for Career Achievement. Baylor studied electrical engineering at the University of Maryland.