The EBU has published concise guidance on the loudness parameters for short-form content, such as commercials, bumpers, and trailers. The new publication is a supplement to the popular EBU R 128 loudness recommendation. The new guidance is based on an analysis of the practial application of EBU R 128 in the media industry. It is aimed to help harmonize the loudness parameters used by broadcasters especially for advertisements, and to answer questions frequently posed by professional users.
Same basis, one extra parameter
The basis of Loudness measurement/normalisation for short-form content is the same as for longer programmes:
1. Programme Loudness -23 LUFS +/- 0.5 LU
2. Max. True Peak Level: -1 dBTP
But to avoid overly dynamic short-form programmes, the EBU recommends to use one additional parameter, as follows:
3. Max Short-term Loudness: -18 LUFS OR Max. Momentary Loudness: - 15 LUFS.
No use for LRA
The use of the Loudness Range measurement (LRA) is not useful for short-form content, as the LRA is based on a statistical analysis of the content's short-term loudness (3-second-window). For short-form content there are not enough data points for a meaningful result.
More details
Please read the EBU R 128 supplement for all details.