Article Overview

  1. The CMN-LA loudness analyzer
  2. A variety of metering, metadata readout, alarming and data logging
  3. Based on the ITU-R BS.1770 standard used in ATSC A/85 and EBU R128
  4. About Harris Corporation
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Harris Corporation and TC Electronic Extend Strategic Relationship by Unveiling New Loudness Analyzer to Measure Audio Levels

posted:

03/04/2010

Cooperating on Loudness

Harris Corporation is ramping up its audio loudness strategy and product portfolio as the U.S. Congress considers legislation to reduce volume level variations between programs and advertisements. In collaboration with TC Electronic, Harris will unveil a new loudness analyzer tool to verify audio program integrity at the production side during the 2010 NAB Show to be held April 12-15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (Booth N2502).

The CMN-LA loudness analyzer

Harris first collaborated with broadcast/pro audio innovator TC Electronic two years ago when Harris unveiled loudness monitoring technology in its Videotek® QuiC™ media analysis server. This year, the collaboration has produced the Harris® Videotek® CMN-LA loudness analyzer, a comprehensive audio measurement instrument made for content producers and distributors seeking to verify program integrity.

The CMN-LA loudness analyzer is built into the same chassis as the Videotek Compact Monitor series of video and audio waveform monitor/vectorscopes. It incorporates the TC Electronic-created radar display, which shows loudness on short-terms meters, graphs covering periods from one minute to 24 hours, and numeric display of the long-term center of gravity (average loudness) and consistency (loudness range).

A variety of metering, metadata readout, alarming and data logging

“The research TC Electronic has done in loudness measurement and their involvement in global standards makes them an ideal company to work with on the timely subject of audio loudness,” said David Guerrero, vice president and general manager of Harris Videotek test and measurement solutions, Harris Broadcast Communications. “Several countries are considering laws governing the loudness of interstitials, such as commercials, compared to programs. International program distributors are seeking standards that will allow one version to be used in many countries. The new Harris-TC Electronic collaboration helps to verify audio integrity in support of such requirements.”

The CMN-LA loudness analyzer provides a variety of metering, metadata readout, alarming and data logging about the audio content under analysis. Integrated within the Compact Monitor, the loudness analyzer’s short depth makes it ideal in a quality control monitoring rack or on the meter bridge of an audio console.

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Based on the ITU-R BS.1770 standard used in ATSC A/85 and EBU R128

“The method of measuring audio loudness and loudness range has become standardized from production through to ingest and broadcast, creating a transparent loop based on the ITU-R BS.1770 standard used in ATSC A/85 and EBU R128,” said Thomas Lund, manager of pro audio development at TC Electronic A/S. “TC has been involved with the actual development of the standard for years, and good experience from the QuiC collaboration made it easy for us to work with Harris for program audio analysis. The CMN-LA is bound to become an indispensable tool, and we’re excited that our unique radar display with its descriptors has become part of such a comprehensive analyzer.”

The CMN-LA loudness analyzer joins the complete range of Harris audio loudness solutions for content producers and broadcasters. Harris offerings include the DTS Neural Loudness Control solution to measure short-, medium- and long-term audio content and control loudness during the transitions between programs and commercials. Harris and digital technology company DTS Inc. have collaborated to assist broadcasters in adhering to the recently developed ATSC A/85 Recommended Practice to address loudness, and ensure all audio content stays within the defined range.

DTS Neural Loudness Control solutions also will be on display at the 2010 NAB Show within the Harris 6800+™ and NEO® modular platforms, as well as the X85™/X75™ 1RU multiple application processors.

Harris Broadcast Communications offers products, systems and services that provide interoperable workflow solutions for broadcast, cable, satellite and out-of-home networks. The Harris ONE™ solution brings together highly integrated and cost-effective products that enable advanced media workflows for emerging content delivery business models.

About Harris Corporation

Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and more than 15,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services.

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