IBC is a yearly focal point for the EBU's loudness work. Maybe it is because the famous PLOUD Group started during IBC in 2008 or because it simply is a good moment to dissimenate and gather information. Anyhow, this year too the EBU's loudness work will be presented at the EBU stand, 10.F20. Unlike last year, no equipment will be shown. Instead, there will be hourly presentations on loudness, and key experts will be available to answer questions on the PLOUD work on a one-to-one basis. That no meters or loudness processors are shown at the EBU booth, does not mean there are no developments, in fact it's quite the opposite. A quick count of the number of companies providing EBU R 128 in products goes well over 30, so it is simply not practical to show them all!
Implementing EBU R 128
At the user side uptake is strong too. Several countries have already started implementing EBU R 128 or have mandated it for the contribution of material, such as commercials. Others are finalising their planning. It seems 2012 will be a transitional year for a number of broadcasters in Europe and that the audience at home will become more and more aware of the positive effect of loudness normalisation. With regard to standardisation, the PLOUD work has succesfully led to an update of the ITU-R algorithm, which is now numbered BS.1770-2. The main difference is the addition of the EBU "relative gate". To keep in step, the EBU has updated its documents too (see the August versions of R 128, Tech 3341, Tech 3342 and Tech 3343), shifting the gating level from -8 to -10 LU. The result is that loudness metering across the world is more in line than ever. |
Earlier this summer RTVE produced |
Time for training?
So is PLOUD done? Can we close the group? Should the more than 300 people on the mailing list start looking for other exciting e-mail conversations to follow? Actually the answer is currenlty unknown. Behind the scenes at this IBC, PLOUD broadcasters will meet to map out the future of the EBU's loudness work. It is likely the attention will shift from specifications to sharing implementation experiences and training, but exactly how is still to be decided. So if you want to learn more about PLOUD, the loudness recommendation, or how to adopt it in your organisation, or if you want simply to share what you think that the EBU should focus on next, please do drop by the EBU stand (10.F20). We look forward to seeing you there!