LANCASTER, Pa. — Feb. 23, 2009 — The 81st Academy Awards® ceremony was broadcast last night with the help of the Linear Acoustic e2 (e-squared) multichannel audio and metadata distribution system. The 5.1 channel surround sound telecast aired live from Hollywood's Kodak Theatre.
"Having great 5.1 surround sound accompany HD pictures is a necessity with an event of this magnitude," said Tad Scripter, Engineer In Charge for the 81st Academy Awards. "The Linear Acoustic e-squared system was one of the multichannel audio paths used for distributing the program for broadcast. This is one of the most watched broadcasts in the world, with entertainment moments that are preserved for history, so audio quality and reliability was critical for us."
The e2 (e-squared) format is implemented in Linear Acoustic StreamStacker-HD hardware which creates a bitstream capable of carrying up to 16 audio channels plus audio metadata over a single AES connection. The e-squared format is scalable, highly error-resilient, supports all video rates without conversion, and can be edited or switched like a standard AES signal.
"We are honored to have provided some of the equipment and support staff for this prestigious event," said Tim Carroll, president and founder of Linear Acoustic. "We are gratified that our technology and people were part of an outstanding audio experience for viewers."
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About the Oscars
"Oscar®," "Oscars®," "Academy Awards®," "Academy Award®," "A.M.P.A.S.®" and "Oscar Night®" are the trademarks, and the ©Oscar® statuette is the registered design mark and copyrighted property, of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
About Linear Acoustic
Linear Acoustic, a Telos company, is the leading authority in loudness control and upmixing solutions for digital television. The company designs and manufactures the award-winning AERO range of audio processing solutions and licenses key technologies such as UPMAX 5.1 channel upmixing to OEM partners. The company participates in standards work within the AES, IEEE, BKSTS and EBU, is a member of the ATSC, and is a sustaining member of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. Linear Acoustic is also proud to have provided its UPMAX:neo™ 5.1-channel upmixer for NBC's coverage of the Beijing Summer Games. More information is available at www.linearacoustic.com.
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