ATSC Digital Audio Quality, Technology, Issues

[Codec_fan]

I was watching the FIFA confederation cup on CBC HD OTA and notice that Radio-Canada (SRC) was not showing the games in french. The were only offering the web stream. Since CBC offers other language beside english on its web stream like Panjabi for HNIC. Why don't they send multiple audio stream like french when its sister station is not broadcasting ? They could also increase their rating with some spanish during the world cup.

Thanks,

[Walter Dnes]

Originally Posted by Codec_fan

I was watching the FIFA confederation cup on CBC HD OTA and notice that Radio-Canada (SRC) was not showing the games in french. The were only offering the web stream. Since CBC offers other language beside english on its web stream like Panjabi for HNIC. Why don't they send multiple audio stream like french when its sister station is not broadcasting ? They could also increase their rating with some spanish during the world cup.

Thanks,

Given that ATSC can carry half-a-dozen audio feeds, why not go whole-hog and carry that many? I wonder if its possible to go one better, and take say 20 audio streams. Then feed English+French and the next top 4 languages, by population, on a station by station basis. I can see Chinese being important in Vancouver, Portuguese and Italian in Toronto, etc, etc.

[classicsat]

It is really how the receiver/ATSC/PSIP system can handle multiple Audio streams.

Ideally, you'd press an Audio button and gel a list of available audio feeds you can choose from, or get a different sub-channel number for the main audio plus different audio.

According to my TV manual (Soyo), apart from the MTS/SAP button on the remote (which seems to be written in reference to analog TV), it is hard to tell how to select a different digital audio program.

[stampeder]

While the ATSC standard and equipment can do it, the budget for simultaneous translation services would be huge, and I would say goes against the CBC's mission statement let alone its funding.

Here's a business model that might be of interest to large ethnic groups in specific linquistic areas of Canada: (such as Punjabi in Surrey, BC, etc.) approach the authorities and the CBC for affiliate rights to broadcast the original CBC ATSC feed stripped of its audio streams, which are replaced with overdubbed, real-time translation into one or more languages. Since the original CBC station is still running in the market, simsubbing could also be allowed for local commercials in those specific languages.

This frees up the CBC from having to make public policy decisions that might be considered against its mission statement and for which some Canadians may take exception.

[Walter Dnes]

Originally Posted by stampeder

While the ATSC standard and equipment can do it, the budget for simultaneous translation services would be huge, and I would say goes against the CBC's mission statement let alone its funding.

I'm not thinking of simultaneous translation, but rather picking up audio feeds from a foreign broadcaster. As long as the timing isn't more than a couple of seconds out, it should work for stuff like international soccer matches. A totally made up example... Greece versus Brazil; pick up a feed from a Brazilian radio station and a Greek radio station. There's bound to be one covering the game for each participant.

[recneps77]

Or for sports games - forget translation.. surely they could afford to pay someone to be a commentator in french considering the extra viewers they'd gain.

[monomono]

Am I the only one who gets a loud popping sound with certain Dolby Digital programs? It happens during commercials and end credits, mostly with NBC (channel 2.1) and occasionally CBC (5.1). It sounds horrendous. Channel strength is 100% and picture is perfect. I'm in NE Toronto.

I'm using the tuner in a Panasonic plasma (TH58PZ700), with optical out to a newer Denon receiver (AVR789).

[DdDave]

I had some pops last night on 2.1 on my Samsung LCD, but I've never noticed any using my converter boxes, I have an Insignia and a Zenith (which are actually the exact same).

[57]

I've heard this as programming changes from DD5.1 to DD2.0, however, it's usually on inexpensive HTiB systems and I wouldn't expect that from your Denon, although the source of the problem might be the TV output, or the original programming if you don't see, er hear it on other channels.

CBC always sends a DD5.1 signal, but most programmes are 2 channel (coming out the LF & RF only), while others are actually DD5.1.

[Quinplex]

I often hear audio distortions that sound like a warbling static, especially (for some reason) on commercials and credit sequences (or that little two note Law and Order bit they play on the titles...)

CBC is especially bad, but it happens on other channels as well. I thought I was the only one!

I have a 50" Panasonic Viera. Can't remember the model # offhand, sorry. I use an RCA antenna purchased at FutureShop (lousy, I know).

[Jase88]

I've noticed this problem on occasion...very loud when it happens.

[ota_canuck]

I've had the same audio problem, but usually only on Buffalo 7.1 WGRZ.

Periodically I hear a sharp snap and then the volume or tone changes slightly. It's more noticeable when I'm running the audio through my old but powerful Techniques stereo amplifier with the volume cranked and the bass boost turned on. [Those big speakers really make a 'snap'.]

It almost seemed like a static charge & then a discharge of static in the speakers. I thought it was just a problem with my audio set-up.

[bentoronto]

Live and learn, yesterday I discovered that one of the sub-channels on the local Buffalo PBS station has their FM classical music station (94.5) carried as a "language" and their AM station as another "language." Found this kind of by accident on a website called "remotecontrol."

On my remote control, these are accessed through the button marked "MTS."

First, can somebody help me with the nomenclature.

Second, what are the specs for the audio? It sounds cleaner and crisper than my regular FM radio and I sure can't get Buffalo from Toronto with my current FM radio set-up. Sometimes first impressions of clean-and-crisp are deceptive and based on some funny-stuff audio processing. My Marantz A/V receiver seems to think that audio/radio is broadcast in Dolby (5.1??).

Are there HDTV-only radio stations? Where is digital radio (aside from satellites) - is it hidden in HDTV spectrum like FM is hidden between SDTV channels 6 and 13?

Any helpful discussion greatly appreciated.

[JamesK]

It should sound better because the digital sound system is much better than FM broadcast supports. As an example, compare CDs, which have been around for over 20 years, with what you hear via FM.

The signal is not hidden. It's simply carried as part of the TV signal, which can support mulitple streams. Also, FM radio is just above Ch 6 and well below Ch 7. It's nowhere near Ch 13.

[Jase88]

On the analog side of things, this audio channel is referred to as "SAP" (second audio program). In the digital world, it's often referred to as "alternate audio".

The quality on digital depends on the broadcaster (i.e. simple stereo or 5.1, etc). Though the general quality will obviously be better than analog, as digital transmission elminates much of the noise and interference that one typically experiences with an analog OTA broadcast.

Some digital OTA TV broadcasters carry radio simulcasts as a digital sub-channel. For example, PBS Rochester carries their local University of Rochester station as digital channel 16.7. When tuning this station, you'll get a blank screen and only hear the audio of the radio station.