AudioMedia - February 2009 - (Page 47)

and the new multi-channel waveform monitors. There has been much debate, which still continues with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), as to what the final specification should be, but for us, any change in the specification will mean a simple software update for the users. We have noticed that more and more countries around the world are becoming concerned about loudness of commercials and programmed material as more consumers complain to the broadcasters and the regulatory authorities.” Kelley believes that Italy and the UK seem to be at the forefront of integrating these requirements into the broadcasting culture. There is broad agreement throughout the industry of the importance of tackling the problem. “The issue of perceived differences in loudness in the home is a hot issue for broadcasters today for both stereo and multiWhat Does I t M ean? channel audio, especially when comparing So what will the regulations mean to the companies audio levels between programmes and that produce monitoring equipment for the advertisements,” says Randy Conrod, Product broadcast industry? These days, as most hardware Manager of Digital Products, Harris Broadcast is basically ‘software in a dedicated box’, it should Communications. “Real-time measurement and be a relatively simple procedure for companies to control of loudness from the broadcast facility upgrade their equipment to cope with the new guarantees a consistent viewer experience. rules. Companies such as DK-Technologies and This is achieved by addressing the subtleties Dolby both announced new products at the of how humans perceive loudness compared AES that would comply with the new regulations, to VU meters – which speaks directly to the and more will surely follow. The broadcast audio ITU-R BS regulation that measures audio monitoring industry is a relatively small sector, programme loudness and true peak-audio levels.” and the manufacturers of equipment designed Thomas Hansen, DK’s Technical Director, to check broadcast output are quite aware says: “ There are many applications where of the issues viewers have with advert volume it is necessar y to measure and control levels. “DK-Technologies welcomed the BCAP the perceived loudness of audio signals. regulations, and their decision to adhere to ITU BS Examples of this include television and radio and specifications,” says Richard Kelley, broadcast applications, where the nature and Sales and Marketing Director of the company. content of the programme material changes “We were able to manufacture both a low cost frequently. In these applications the audio entry level product for programme checking, as content can continually switch between music, well as introduce the measurement scales into speech, and sound effects. Such changes in the industry standard surround sound meters the content of the programme material can Calrec Audio Media Ads 28/8/08 12:28 Page 2 It’s quite informative to read the original consultation document, and to follow the processes that led to the new regulations. For instance the original rule’s statement that ‘ads must not be excessively noisy or strident’ was originally scrapped, but then re-introduced af ter considering the balance between technical observations and viewer perception. Other participants believed that the new PPM rules could lead to even more compression of the audio in adverts, while there was a significant disagreement as to whether the new regulations would actually improve anything. But the overall view was that the situation would ultimately be improved under the new rules, and a substantial majority agreed that the existing regulations needed amendment. Limiting LOUDNESS UDNESS I N F O R MAT I O N Broadcasting levels and digital audio W www.ebu.ch/en/technical/trev/trev_ index-ac.html ITU-R BS 1770 algorithm W http://webs.uvigo.es/servicios/biblioteca/uit/ rec/BS/R-REC-BS.1770-1-200709-I!!PDF-E.pdf result in significant changes in subjective loudness. Moreover, various forms of dynamic processing are frequently applied to the signals, which can have significant effect on its perceived loudness.” The new rules came into force on July , (with a grace period of two months), but only time will tell if a quick wrist action with the volume on the TV remote control will still be required when watching commercial television broadcasts. ∫ I n nex t month's Audio Media, STEPHEN BENNETT will look at the range of monitoring products that wil help you to comply with the new standards. ITU-R BS 1770 loudness and peak measuring W www.itu.int/md/dologin_ md.asp?lang=en&id=R00-CACE-CIR-0396!!PDF-E WHATEVER THE ACTION CALREC AUDIO MAKES THE NEWS calrec.com There are no second chances in live broadcast. That’s why demanding broadcasters in Europe, Asia and across the USA choose Calrec consoles for national and international news applications. Whatever the story, we are making the headlines. From the smallest regional news stations to the largest, multi-control room, national news centres, demanding producers know they can rely on Calrec to deliver hard-hitting, must-watch news content. Our consoles are renowned for automatic redundancy and incredibly intuitive control surfaces – all you need to get you on the air fast, and keep you on the air. If that sounds like good news to you, get the full story at calrec.com Putting Sound in the Picture http://www.ebu.ch/en/technical/trev/trev_index-ac.html http://www.ebu.ch/en/technical/trev/trev_index-ac.html http://webs.uvigo.es/servicios/biblioteca/uit/rec/BS/R-REC-BS.1770-1-200709-I!!PDF-E.pdf http://www.itu.int/md/dologin_md.asp?lang=en&id=R00-CACE-CIR-0396!!PDF-E http://www.calrec.com http://www.calrec.com http://www.calrec.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of AudioMedia - February 2009

AudioMedia - February 2009 Contents Recording News Post News Broadcast News GEO Focus: USA What's Up UK NAMM Review For the Record Project Profile: Hallelujah HHB CDR882 KORG MR-20005 Chandler Germanium Brauner Phanthera Final Cut: Lesbian Vampire Killers SE Electronics RNR1 The Royal Opera House Fairlight XYNERGI Limiting Loudness Product Sampler: Studio Consoles Video Guide AMSR News Stone Temple Pilots Fly Again Rode M2 Yamaha IM8 Series

AudioMedia - February 2009

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