more on Audio levels

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Matt Murray <mattm () optonline net>
Date: December 7, 2005 8:23:41 PM EST
To: dave () farber net, gjones () ScottStringfellow com
Cc: mattm () optonline net
Subject: Re: [IP] Audio levels

Usually, the local spots are inserted into the network feed by semi- 
automated switchers and tape decks. The network sends out a specific  
DTMF tones to trigger the machines (one to five second to pre-roll  
tapes pre-cued to that time amount) and the local switcher to cuts/ 
inserts the tape deck to air (cutting the network feed). Then another  
set of tones to return to the network one minute later. Typically  
this is three insertions an hour. DTMF=Dual Tone Multi Frequency

How often your local cable company goes over those decks is probably  
limited at best. So if the level at each machine strays, or the head- 
end makes an adjustment to the network, the local decks stay at the  
same level audio levels can and will be all over the map. It is  
probably different path configurations at each cable system, so don't  
engrave this in stone.

As Phil Spector created the "Wall of Sound," the limiters and  
compressors all along the network feed and cable systems, will make  
the spots seem louder than regular program material. I used to have  
this discussion with my wife. She didn't want to hear the reasons  
from the "audio guy." I gave upafter awhile.

Consider, master control does limiting and compression (L&C) leaving  
the playback. At the uplink, there might be a touch more. The cable  
systems downlink or at their head end might add L&C, and then your  
own TV has some "auto" level controls. The poor audio track has been  
beaten to death by the time you hear it. It always killed me, you  
work a ton of hours on a track, only to have it crushed by the time  
you hear it at home.

Matt Murray
I still remember doing "direct-to-disk" recordings in the seventies.  
Analog at its best.

The world is going Hi-Def to view it on an iPod?!?

MattM () optonline net


----- Original Message -----
> Begin forwarded message:

> From: gjones () ScottStringfellow com

> I thought I was alone!!!!  I knew we were not imagining things   It is
> not just Comcast.  We have Cox in our office - watch CNBC all day.   
> The
> national commercials are at LEAST 50% louder than the programming.   
> The
> local inserts are the worst, minimum of a double.  I kid you not!!!  I
> am on my third remote because I am constantly picking it up to hit the
> mute button.  I, and everyone else in the office, now have it muted
> almost all day - not exactly what CNBC would like to hear.
>
> I have called and made numerous complaints, but all they say is we  
> need
> to move to digital.  Wrong answer.
>
> What are the questions I should ask to get them to fix this?  Who  
> should
> I have my complaint elevated to?  Can they actually do anything about
> it?  CNBC is an analog channel on the system.

> Thanks.



-------------------------------------
You are subscribed as lists-ip () insecure org
To manage your subscription, go to
 http://v2.listbox.com/member/?listname=ip

Archives at: http://www.interesting-people.org/archives/interesting-people/