The VB440 now supports ST 2110-31 and -41 SADM monitoring, enhancing its capabilities for managing immersive audio in live, uncompressed production settings. This addition builds on the probe’s previous integration of monitoring standards for Dolby’s audio technologies, including ATMOS, making it a unique solution in IP production environments, especially for broadcasters focused on immersive audio in live contexts.

Challenges of Immersive Audio in Live Production

Traditionally, immersive audio is paired with an Audio Definition Model (ADM) file containing necessary metadata for playback. However, in live settings, creating an ADM file separately isn’t feasible. Instead, the metadata must be serialized directly in the audio stream. Although one method involves using an audio track as a data carrier, this can introduce drawbacks. The ST 2110-41 standard offers an alternative by allowing metadata to be serialized and sent separately from the audio stream, though this method may complicate synchronization between audio and metadata.

VB440’s Solution to Synchronization Challenges

The VB440 addresses these synchronization challenges by providing monitoring and decoding of ST 2110-41 data. It not only identifies synchronization issues as they occur but also detects network anomalies that could cause future disruptions. This proactive detection enables broadcasters to prevent errors before they impact the production. The VB440’s interface presents both the audio and metadata streams clearly, allowing users to monitor the status of immersive audio broadcasts in real time.

Comments from Bridge Technologies Leadership

Simen Frostad, Chairman of Bridge Technologies, commented on the new features, stating that the VB440 continues to push the boundaries of live IP production capabilities. He highlighted the device’s role in addressing the demands of broadcasting a major global sporting event later in the year. Frostad expressed enthusiasm about demonstrating the full capabilities of the VB440 to broadcasters and the broader industry at NAB 2024, emphasizing its potential impact across various events and productions.

News source: https://bridgetech.tv/