International. The Advanced Television Systems Committee, ATSC, has begun its technical review of the three proposals received for the complete audio system that will bring a more immersive audio experience for living room and mobile viewers, with the ATSC 3.0 television broadcast standard, which is currently under development.
Significantly enhancing the capabilities of the current multi-channel digital television audio system, ATSC 3.0 audio is expected to "provide consumers with a more compelling, personalized and immersive experience," said ATSC President Marcos Richer.
The three proponents of the Dolby Laboratories audio system, DTS, and an alliance of Fraunhaufer, Qualcomm and Technicolor, submitted detailed technical proposals for the audio subsystem for ATSC 3.0:
The three proposed systems will be tested separately and in their entirety, as end-to-end, comprehensive systems for ATSC 3.0 signal audio. The goal is to establish the ATSC 3.0 standard audio system this fall.
Summary of Dolby's proposal:
"The Dolby audio system offers a practical, scalable and flexible set of tools built into state-of-the-art technology and proven technical knowledge. It enables the most efficient production, distribution and delivery of consumer dissemination experiences for all audiences today and in the future. This global solution encompasses content creation, distribution/sharing and consumer delivery that makes next-generation consumer broadcast and includes transparent support for today's consumer outreach experiences. At the heart of the system is Dolby AC-4, the next-generation broadcast codec. Rooted in generations of broadcast audio experience, Dolby AC-4 provides the content and device industries with a solid foundation to collaboratively build cutting-edge audio experiences that meet the needs of consumers of diverse interests and abilities."
Summary of the DTS proposal:
"DTS:X is the next generation of DTS codec-based technology. It is the successor to DTS-HD. DTS:X offers the ultimate in flexibility, immersion and interactivity for listeners of all forms of entertainment The DTS:X solution for ATSC 3.0 is an end-to-end broadcasting chain that includes support for key elements, including loudness. It will be delivered with industry support and certification that DTS has done with brands that account for nearly 90 percent of AV receivers at home. DTS is also working with a wide range of infrastructure partners to ensure broadcasters have options in building a complete system."
Summary of the proposal by Fraunhofer, Qualcomm and Technicolor:
"MPEG Audio-H is a comprehensive set of functionalities designed around a highly efficient core audio codec. The design offers a wide variety of technologies to address different needs and to enable practical combinations of these technologies to form versatile. For the playback of immersive content it is possible to use channels based and / or sound scene-based technology in combination with audio objects. Audio objects are also joined by interactivity and customization capabilities to the mix. Improved loudness and dynamic range processing allow adaptation to the audio characteristics of specific devices. Flexible rendering technology is included to allow the best adaptation of content to the actual listening environment and compensate for misplaced speakers. For 5.1 surround sound, bitrates from 96 to 256 kbps deliver good to excellent quality, while immersive playback can be achieved with audio broadcast data usage rates of 384 kbps."
