DTV Audio Mixing for Maximum Impact and Compatibility

Abstract

With the advent of digital television transmissions, new opportunities and challenges have emerged for audio production. What began as a simple monaural audio production can now be produced with the same sonic quality and 5.1 channel experience that viewers have been able to experience in the cinema for many years. — The rapid acceptance and growth of DVD, with its full 5.1 channel audio capability and component video is proof that consumers want better sound and picture in their homes. Until terrestrial digital television broadcasting began in November 1998, consumers had a better audio and video system available to them from DVD and DSS. The broadcasters were left behind. — Now that the broadcasters have the capability to carry 5.1 channel audio with digital television transmissions, there are many questions to be answered about how to best accomplish the audio mixes for these programs. The purpose of this paper is to provide a basic starting place for the audio mixer, station management and engineering personnel as they embark on the 5.1 channel audio production experience.