theibcdaily Cost-effective audio description Screen Systems By Ian McMurray
Recent research indicates that users would be happy with computer generated speech for audio description if it leads to more provision, according to Screen Systems. Where provision is being increasingly mandated, the economics may
suggest that text to speech is a viable alternative to using voice talents, particularly for non- premium channels. As part of its work with spoken subtitles, Screen Systems has extended the technology’s potential to providing what the company says is cost-effective audio description. It has developed an output driver for its Polistream subtitle and caption
transmission system which connects internally in the same way as all other output encoders. This specialist Polistream module receives ‘subtitle texts’ and renders them using SAPI 5 to drive a text to speech engine to produce an audio snippet. If the duration of the rendered audio is too long, it will be re-rendered with a faster spoken rate, up to a maximum configured speed increase. The
Computer speech: A new driver has been developed for Polistream
audio snippet is then presented for output when the ‘subtitle text’ goes ‘on-air’. If an audio snippet is queued for output but behind more than four seconds of existing audio data, then the previous audio snippet will be cut with a fade over 50ms so that the audio does not get progressively late in abnormal conditions. Screen has also developed a module for its MediaMate offline
Mains distribution product showcased dB Broadcast By Heather McLean
An upgraded version of dB Broadcast’s intelligent mains distribution unit is being showcased. The latest Cardinal iMDU is now capable of handling inrush currents that could rise to 200A at switch on and 60A per
individually switched output. Both dual input and single input versions of the Cardinal iMDU now benefit from this improved design. Modern high efficiency
switch mode PSUs can exhibit very high inrush currents even though their steady state load may be just a few amps. dB Broadcast recognised that equipment manufacturers are increasingly making use of
switch mode power supplies and that customers need inrush current protection in their equipment rack mains distribution design. It has responded by incorporating an inrush limiting circuit that restricts the current at switch on to 40A and by fitting high inrush rated relays for the 12 individually switched mains outputs.
In addition to the new
inrush current capabilities, the Cardinal iMDU provides intelligence for mains distribution with features such as an intuitive web-based user interface to remotely configure and control outputs, SNMP traps and email messaging that can send alerts when faults occur, including loss of supply power. The units have an error log to record events and an optional
processing framework. The spoken subtitles module allows ‘subtitle text’ files to be rendered to 48 khz stereo .wav files, with or without a control track, and behaves in a similar way to the Polistream implementation in terms of timing of audio and use of audio files. The generated audio file may then be attached to the media and played out alongside existing audio. 1.C49
external temperature and humidity sensor to monitor environmental conditions in the equipment rack. “The upgraded specification of the Cardinal iMDU range means it can now cope with a greater range of modern broadcast equipment. It is a great choice for system managers wanting to make sure their installations are ready for the demands made by current and future equipment,” said Tom Swan, sales and marketing director at dB Broadcast. 10.A28
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