feature audio for video
Programme supplies have long been aware
Feature sponsored that surprise level changes in broadcast audio
by Dolby
can cause irritation to viewers, especially if it
results in them having to adjust the volume
every time they switch channel. While these
differences in loudness are most common
between television programming and
advertisements, they can also exist within the
same programme. Peter Poers, managing
director of Junger Audio, reports.
Sound judgement
W
ith the migration to broadcasters and play-out centres management.
HDTV services the where there is a need to control level The new cards draw on 20-plus
problem of loudness over more channels. years of experience in dynamic range
becomes even more Jünger Audio’s Level Magic products processing. Thanks to their complete
relevant as the audio are based on a multi-loop dynamic integration and control within the
for most digital HD range control principle in combination C8000 frame system, we believe they
services is transmitted in multichannel with adaptive controlled processing provide Level Magic customers with a
coded format. The most common algorithms. The Level Magic processor solution that is far more effective than
standard used is the AC-3 responsible for this automatic non- anything else on the market.
multichannel digital audio coding destructive normalisation process Our new 5.1 suite comprises six
format, which is also known as Dolby works with a multi-loop simultaneous main components. Firstly, there is the
Digital. The reason why audio levels combination of slow changes (AGC), new HD/SD SDI board (C8404), which
are such a big issue for HDTV fast changes (Transient Processing) is capable of handling four HD/SD SDI
broadcasters is because there is often and Look Ahead peak limiter groups or 16 channels simultaneously
a remarkable difference in loudness
between PCM stereo tracks and
Jünger
management. (with auto detection on de-
All of our units are easy to operate embedding). To enable the
related 5.1 coded AC-3 streams.
Audio’s Level
as users only have to input a small processing of such DSP demanding
Combating this problem requires an Magic number of settings when they begin signals as Dolby, we have integrated
intelligent approach that allows
products are
using the system. Once these are in Delay functionality - video (up to four
broadcasters to automatically monitor
based on a
place, the system achieves optimum frames) and audio (16x160ms) - to
and adjust audio levels from any
number of sources, while still allowing
multi-loop
results by reviewing all other the boards, but also ensured that it is
parameters necessary for inaudible capable of generating a clocking signal
the dynamics of the programme to be
dynamic
processing and automatically for the C8000 frame, and finally
maintained. In this way, viewing
range control
controlling them in response to offered full security with a bypass
enjoyment is not diminished because principle in changes in the programme signal. relay for fail safe operation.
the programming still sounds exciting
combination
With the advent of HDTV, we have Having received the signals, the
without becoming noticeably louder.
with
been adding new tools to our C8000 next module in our 5.1 suite is the
At Jünger Audio our solution to the
loudness issue is Level Magic, a
adaptive
frame based Level Magic solution so C8601 Dolby Decoder. This allows
that we can offer an integrated Dolby E and D streams to be extracted
sophisticated adaptive loudness
controlled
workflow solution for managing Dolby and integrated in the C8000 bus
control algorithm that is incorporated processing coded 5.1 audio signals in production, system. Up to eight channels are
2
4
.
into a number of different products.
algorithms
ingest and play out. automatically detected (E/D/PCM),
These range from stand-alone units Our aim is to offer an outstanding and decoded with their metadata.
such as the b46, the d06 and the integrated workflow solution that At this stage, signals are routed to

o
n

P
a
g
e

d07, through to our modular fame- incorporates signal monitoring and the C8086-8 Level Magic Surround
based system known as the C8000, smart 5.1/2.0 fail over switching, module, which is an eight channel
which is targeted at larger including programme metadata DSP card that incorporates a new
C
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t
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22 l ibe l may/june 2009 l www.ibeweb.com
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