Audio Engineers Fret Over HD Audio MultiChannel News HD UpDate Oct. 27, 2005
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/index.asp?layout=nocclamp&doc_id=1340005964&cache=FALSE&preview=TRUE You can't see audio, so implementation problems for the Dolby 5.1 audio used in HD have escaped wide attention. But, at the Audio Engineering Society convention held earlier this month in New York, engineers vented numerous complaints that consumers and broadcasters are also soon likely to appreciate: The embedded audio standard in HD compounds frame delays already likely to exist from use of Dolby E in the pre-broadcast distribution environment, according to Rocky Graham of Dolby. Without innovative use of metadata to limit differentials between audio and video, audiences may note lip-sync problems. The simpler solution, adding black frames to video, adds up over a broadcast day, to limit available commercial time and reduce revenue. Loudness problems in which spots or even program inserts blare out at high volume are worse than ever in HD, says Tim Carroll of Linear Acoustics. Most are caused by local insertions, so local affiliates need to ride volume controls or see more consumer complaints. He also notes that a potential requirement for "descriptive visual" audio for sight-impaired viewers is now before Congress. If passed, it will greatly tighten and complicate use of what may seem to politicians and advocates like abundant HD audio tracks. Buried dialog is a serious issue for mono or even stereo listeners to material mastered for 5.1 audio, says Alan Kraemer of SRS. Consumer dissatisfaction is likely to set in if viewers can't hear well without what seems like too much fiddling around with receiver controls. Kraemer has consulted widely with ESPN, whose Ted Szypulski also mentions this. Surround acquisition is far more complicated than current miking and mixing, adds Kraemer, calling for more preproduction work, better gear, and more labor at the mixing console. Audio quality issues are compounded by how consumers listen. According to Dave Wilson of the Consumer Electronics Association, a new study commissioned by that group shows that 66% of HDTV listening is still through the TV set's speakers. Only 41% of HD viewers have a home theater; just 24% have a subwoofer. ================================ George Antunes, Political Science Dept University of Houston; Houston, TX 77204 Voice: 713-743-3923 Fax: 713-743-3927 antunes at uh dot edu Reply with a "Thank you" if you liked this post. _____________________________ MEDIANEWS mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
