Press
Loudness control on every level
Friday 31st August 2012
The control of loudness has become a serious issue in digital TV and multiple platform broadcast around the world. As such, the European Broadcast Union established a working party many years ago to determine ways of assessing loudness to address the use of disparate reference levels. This research culminated in the publication of recommendation ITU-R BS.1770-2 ‘Algorithms to measure audio programme loudness and true peak audio level.’ The result is a definition of a reliable objective measurement of the subjective programme loudness, allowing material from varying sources to be compared impartially and the loudness matched with a high degree of consistency. In addition, the EBU issued the R128 recommendation guideline to define ‘Loudness normalisation and permitted maximum level of audio signals.’
In the UK, the Digital Production Partnership (DPP), an initiative formed by the BBC, ITV, C4, Sky, Channel Five, S4C and UKTV to help producers and broadcasters maximise the potential benefits of digital production, has agreed a common file format for file-based delivery of programmes, which includes conformity of stereo and 5.1 track layout and adherence to the EBU R128 Loudness standard. This new DPP technical standard has important implications for facilities providing finished programmes and content to broadcasters, specifically in reference to the loudness monitoring and metering of such content.
As these and other loudness standards gain traction in the UK and Europe those in the media supply chain are adopting a mix of hardware and software technologies for both linear and non-linear environments. HHB has a comprehensive selection of products that enable audio professionals involved in OB and live production, post production, playout and archive to integrate these new standards into their workflow.
Call 020 8962 5000 or email sales@hhb.co.uk for further information.
Recommended products for loudness control:
TC Electronic
LM2 Stereo Loudness & Peak Meter
DB2 Loudness Correction Processor
DB-4 Broadcast Transmission Processor
Dolby
Nugen Audio
VisLM-H Loudness Metering Plugin
LM-Correct Avid Audiosuite Loudness Correction Plugin
LMB Loudness Management Batch Processor Plugin
DK Technologies
Click below to download the DPP's Technical and Metadata Standards for File-based programme delivery in the UK.