Recipes for Creating and Delivering Next-Generation Broadcast Audio

Next-generation audio systems and codecs allow content creators to engage their audiences with more accessible, immersive, and personalized sound experiences. While these systems provide a great deal of flexibility in the amount of audio that can be delivered and the amount of control given to consumers, the industry can benefit from a set of predefined operating profiles for the first incarnations of next-generation audio. This paper provides a practical overview of some basic audio profiles and mechanisms for delivering stereo, surround, personalized, and immersive content in next-generation audio systems. Legacy stereo and surround content benefits from new system features, including enhanced loudness management and improved dialogue intelligibility for premixed sources. Personalized and immersive content can be created and delivered in ways that ensure that every consumer receives a premium experience across every device. New delivery systems and encoders ensure seamless and robust switching between different content types and layouts.