Measuring Loudness Across Applications
Loudness Remains the single biggest topic of viewer complaints, affecting everything from traditional broadcast through to OTT & Podcasts
Whether it’s the difference between the loudest and quietest parts within a single programme, between multiple programmes that contribute to channel output or the differences experienced when switching between channels, viewers should expect a consistent and uniform audio experience without having to reach for the remote.
Loudness measurement specifications from the ITU (ITU-R Recommendation BS.1770), along with recommendations from the EBU (EBU R128) and ATSC (A/85) have been created to help address this challenge and provide consistency throughout the broadcast chain and ultimately to the viewer at home.
POST-PRODUCTION
Short and long-form content is increasingly subject to exacting broadcast delivery standards which stipulate target Loudness and True Peak values. Engineers need to ensure that these criteria are met and a loudness log can be created which can be used to validate the completed project.
ln a typical post-production environment, audio sources may be transported as SDl, AES or MADI. In this environment, the SAM-Q-SDI provides Momentary, Short-Term and Integrated Loudness measurements which are displayed using Loudness level meters and a numerical readout.
This same loudness data can also be monitored over an ethernet network and logged for later reference, enabling the finished project to be checked for compliance and kept as a record.
Playout, Master Control and Transmission
Customer complaints about excessive loudness level may occur when commercials or programmes cause the viewer to continually adjust the volume on their television. Whether the culprit is a commercial which is perceived to be louder than everything else, a programme containing explosive effects or the transition between different programmes, it is important that the output of the TV channel is being monitored at Playout, Master Control or Transmission. As the last point in the broadcast chain before a programme Is ultimately distributed and delivered to the home, it is now becoming increasingly important for the control room to be equipped with the necessary tools to ensure all content meets the relevant loudness specification in order to guarantee the quality of service viewers expect.
Far from being a traditional rackmount audio monitor, the SAM-Q can simultaneously analyse mono, stereo or surround audio formats whilst also providing Short-Term, Momentary and Integrated loudness data over an Ethernet network. The logging of such data can be reviewed in the event of customer complaints and helps to identify any remedial action required to improve and maintain quality of service. When serving engineering positions in a Playout, Master Control or Transmission Suite, the SAM-Q is an ideal accompaniment to existing video and audio signal analysis tools and combined loudness logging can be used to maintain consistent channel performance.
Live Production
Although it can be impossible to anticipate the highs and lows within a live show or sporting event, it is important that the Sound Engineer mixing the programme maintains the target level across the duration of the production.
Equipped with the SAM-Q-SDI, audio engineers can periodically observe Loudness and True Peak readings, using loudness bar graphs and numerical displays. With its 8 independent loudness probes, the SAM-Q-SDI can measure and display the performance of a 5.1 audio mix and a 2.0 downmix simultaneously.
Whilst many mixing consoles are equipped with high-resolution Audio channel meters, not all are capable of measuring loudness values or share those values over an Ethernet network for logging and display.
The SAM-Q-SDI is an ideal solution to loudness measurement and logging within a live broadcast production environment because it not only provides the sound engineer with a visual check of loudness performance, but it also enables the loudness performance to be viewed remotely over an Ethernet network. During and after production rehearsals for a TV Show or event, the loudness history can be reviewed and, if appropriate, any potential areas of concern identified, allowing the sound engineer to anticipate and adjust the audio mix accordingly, helping to ensure that target loudness values are being adhered to without compromising the production.
Interested in a solution like this one?
Book a call with our technical team.
Our Solutions
Audio Monitoring
Listen, measure, control and troubleshoot with award-winning AMUs
Control Solutions
Flexible, modular vendor agnostic applications and interfaces for control, orchestration, automation, monitoring and disaster recovery
Power Management
Intelligent PDU solutions with remote control and monitoring
Our Commitment to Excellence
With an impressive history of industry awards and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of what's possible, TSL stands as a beacon of innovation. Our installed user base and repeat customers are testaments to our leadership in developing solutions that meet and exceed our clients' expectations worldwide.
Join us as we continue to listen to, enable, and empower professionals across the globe with superior technology that anticipates the future needs of their industry.
Testimonials
Trusted By
