The EBU has published two new versions of its Loudness specifications: an update of EBU Tech 3344 and the Slovenian version of EBU R 128 . But more importanty than the publications are of course the implementations of the EBU's Loudness work. There are now at least some 40 manufacturers supporting EBU R 128 in products and many broadcasters are preparing to implement the recommendation.
France mandates EBU R 128 from 2012
According to the French audiovisual regulator's "Déliberation n0 2011-29" (which was published in the Republic's official journal last week) the French digital television platform will follow the EBU R 128 Recommendation from 2012. The loudness of short programmes must be normalised to -23 LUFS per 1st of January 2012, live programmes will follow on 1st July and end the end of 2012 the rule will be valid for all programmes. The Loudness Range (LRA) is expected to reach 5 LU at a minimum.
Distribution guidelines
A key aspect for the DTT introduction is to coordinate the introduction with distribution operators and CE manfacturers. The basis for this are the EBU Loudness Distribution Guidelines (EBU Tech 3344), which were recently updated. To help distributors and manufacturers of home equipment impement the new loudness specifications, the EBU is organising a special Loudness Distribution Workshop on 8 and 9 December in Geneva. This free event is warmly recommended for professionals working for distributors, such as cable operators and CE companies.
More events
The EBU event is the first major event to focus on distribution aspects of Loudness measurement and normalisation. This does not mean the production side is ignored, on the contrary. This week the AES convention in New York includes various presentations on Loudness and on 16th December the IBE organises the first Loudness Summit in London, supported by the EBU. The one-day event will be hosted by Florian Camerer, the chair of the EBU PLOUD Group.