Audio levels in Broadcasting have become increasingly diverse and different over the last decades. Despite clear guidelines and recommended practices, the general use of peak measurement in audio metering and the development of more and more sophisticated level processors have led to over-compression of audio signals with the questionable aim of being louder than the competition.
Loudness measurement
This attitude has especially impacted the audio quality of advertisements and promos with very little dynamic range. Already considered a hopeless situation, the introduction of loudness level metadata and especially the introduction of an international standard of loudness measurement (ITU-R BS.1770) is a light at the end of the tunnel.
A few broadcasters and even whole countries have addressed the loudness issue thoroughly, and their experience shows that it is possible to solve that problem to the advantage of the consumer. It is now the time – also because most European broadcasters are in the transitional phase of switching to HDTV – to establish a new paradigm in audio levelling: the switch from peak measurement to loudness measurement. With widespread adoption of this approach, consistent loudness not only within a channel, but also between different channels will be within reach – thus finding the “Rosetta Stone” of Audio Broadcasting.
Kick-off at IBC 2008
To improve the Loudness situation at international level, EBU TECHNICAL launches a new Group: P/LOUD. Chaired by audio veteran Florian Camerer, this group aims to investigate the current situation, evaluate metering devices and dynamic range processors, create guidelines for metering and level control and encourage adoption of a new standard of audio control.
The Group will hold its first meeting during IBC 2008 (on Saturday 13 Sep). If you are interested in participating in this work, then please visit the wiki at: wiki.ebu.ch/loud