The EBU has launched the ADM Implementers Group (ADM-IG), a new industry initiative designed to drive the practical deployment of Audio Definition Model (ADM) and Serial ADM (S-ADM) across modern broadcast workflows. Established under the auspices of the EBU, the group provides a structured forum where broadcasters and technology providers can jointly address implementation challenges, with a strong emphasis on interoperability and operational readiness.
The ADM-IG reflects a broader industry shift: while ADM is already standardised and increasingly mandated in delivery specifications, consistent, end-to-end implementation remains uneven. By focusing on real-world integration, from production through to playout and distribution, the group aims to close that gap and accelerate adoption of Next Generation Audio (NGA) capabilities.
A number of technology vendors have already joined as founding participants, representing different parts of the audio and media supply chain. These include Ateme, BBright, Jünger Audio, Marquise Technologies and Telos Alliance. Their combined expertise spans encoding, processing, quality control, and monitoring, positioning the group to tackle both technical and workflow-level issues. Visitors at the upcoming NAB Show in Las Vegas will be able to take a closer look at the ADM-related capabilities and implementations of several of the participating companies exhibiting there.
Broadcaster engagement is of course central to the initiative. Founding EBU Members currently involved include BBC R&D, BR/ARD and Rai. These organisations have been instrumental in the development of ADM and continue to play a key role in shaping its practical application within production environments.
The group builds on earlier demonstrations of a complete ADM/S-ADM chain, where partners showcased a full “ADM Studio Set-up” covering ADM file creation, MXF wrapping and quality control, playout server integration, and encoding in both AC-4 and MPEG-H formats. This reference architecture serves as a baseline for ongoing work within the ADM-IG, particularly in validating interoperability between different vendor implementations.
To structure its activities, the ADM-IG is organised into dedicated workstreams. Alongside regular technical exchanges, the group will also host webinars and plug-fests, with a first interoperability-focused event planned for Q2 2026.
To join the group, refer to the EBU Audio Systems group page, and register your interest with Paola Sunna, [email protected].