For producers of programming destined for DTV broadcast and for release in Dolby Digital on DVDs, Dolby Labs highlighted at AES its LM100 broadcast loudness meter as an invaluable tool for measuring the subjective loudness of programs.
The LM100 employs Dialogue Intelligence and it measures both two-channel PCM and stereo analog (baseband) audio, as well as multichannel Dolby Digital and Dolby E.
The LM100 employs Dialogue Intelligence, specifically developed to analyze the input signal and only measure program loudness during the presence of speech, giving users an intelligent tool to quantify the level of the speech in their programs. The LM100 measures both two-channel PCM and stereo analog (baseband) audio, as well as multichannel Dolby Digital and Dolby E.
An optional version provides measurement of in-the-clear analog CATV and off-air NTSC RF signals. LM100 applications include postproduction, cable head-end, direct broadcast satellite, network origination centers, and turnaround uplinks.
Sean Richardson, audio engineer and post production manager for Starz Encore Group, said he’s been working with the LM100 logging loudness measurements in the Starz Encore mixing rooms and at various points in the transmission chain.
“In the mixing rooms the LM100 provides a more accurate way to measure dialogue for program content,” Richardson said. “When measuring and collecting data from the transmission stream, I made significant discoveries that may help resolve audio level loudness issues. Also, I have been able to build guidelines for outside content delivery and on-air programming that keep dialogue levels closer, helping maintain continuity during broadcast,” he continued.
For more information visit Dolby Labs at: www.dolby.com/professional/TVAudio/broadcast_loudness.html.
