5.1 Surround Dolby E mixing

As of February 2009, the standard distribution audio format for all broadcast projects will be Dolby E, a transition that will enhance the quality of all of our home viewing experience. After local hub distribution of Dolby E audio, the new Dolby E will be decoded to Dolby Digital 5.1 to be piped into our homes. This Dolby Digital 5.1 is the very same format we enjoy in movie theaters nationwide. However, it marks a significant change that we in the sound industry will have to accommodate. It will change the way we do business. And for many of us, it probably already has.

Rich Macar was featured in a piece by David Weiss for Mix. Read it here...

Every sound design studio will need to confront issues associated with the intricacies of DolbyE. Every facility will need to purchase, install, and calibrate sufficient Dolby E processors to regulate, encode, and test every final mix for broadcast. They will also need to become familiar with the film standard of dialogue to dynamic range ratios by controlling and monitoring the LeqA standards that have been used for years in feature film mixing.

However, the transition to Dolby E or Dolby Digital is exciting. Among other benefits consumers will find in Dolby E, the dialogue level will be controlled using a Dolby concept called DialNorm, which equalizes the sound on every channel, virtually eliminating the need to adjust the volume from channel to channel or between programming and commercials because of a difference in audio levels. This level of DialNorm will be stored within the digital signal in metadata that will communicate directly with your TV box and communicate and auto adjust within milliseconds the dialogue levels of different channels, programs and commercials

This new standard will provide a home viewing experience with high quality sound that equals that of the movie theater. All new spots can be created with intricate “Hollywood sound” and sound design professionals need not worry that viewers will miss the nuances of their creations. Even in cases where the picture is not in high definition, high quality sound will be delivered.

From the perspective of a boutique sound design studio, we believe the transition should start early so we are completely prepared to deliver the best quality sound ahead of schedule. It will keep our clients happy and confident with our continued first-up philosophy to invest early in new technologies preparing for this new quality of television experience.

Currently, Buttons is set up to deliver all projects in Dolby E. Our audio suites are Dolby-certified-accurate and equipped with Meyer HD1 speaker systems tuned by Bob Hodas in San Francisco, CA. Each room includes the latest ProTools HD audio post systems, equipped to complete 5.1 surround sound design and cinema mixing with layback to Dbeta in ProLogicII and Dolby E for HDTV and Digital Cable Delivery.

By integrating this technology ahead of schedule, it generates a level of confidence in our ability to deliver projects in the new standard with accuracy, dependability, and professionalism.