53 TECHFEED Live Audio
senior manager of technical standards at Fraunhofer IIS, a prime mover behind the MPEG-H 3D audio technology. “The differences in production for the various content types are mainly related to whether the content creator intends to use immersive and object-based audio,” he explains. “While for a sports broadcast, the scenario in which the commentator is an object that can be altered, and even replaced, might be quite common, the use of object-based audio in a music production is not as obvious. Especially for live production, the content providers will stick with an immersive channel- based approach. For a studio music production, the use of object-based audio is a viable way, as demonstrated by Sony’s announcement of the 360 Reality Audio format based on MPEG-H at CES 2019. For entertainment productions, immersive and object-based audio can be used to generate an enhanced user experience.” Whatever roadmaps individual broadcasters eventually adopt, there is a consensus that NGA will reach its full potential when it is accompanied by effective personalisation and interactivity features. Although the adjustment of
crowd noise and selection of team-specific commentaries resonate with sports producers, there are numerous potential benefits for other types of content – from music to documentaries to drama. “Improved accessibility – thanks to the option of customising the dialogue level to the personal needs of the user – is a killer feature for the broadcasters, since it removes the source of most of the complaints they receive today,” says Murtaza. Meanwhile, “the personalisation of the user experience – for example, by enabling a choice between different commentaries – allows the content provider to create a unique offering for its viewers.” A drama producer at a UK broadcaster recently told FEED that writers and directors are still in the formative stages of thinking about ways NGA might enhance dramatic content. But with streaming services beginning to offer Dolby Atmos productions, the momentum is bound to pick up. For live music, though, the benefits already seem more tangible and well- understood, so expect to see a significant increase in the number of immersive broadcasts of concerts and festivals.
IMMERSIVE AND OBJECT-BASED AUDIO CAN BE USED TO GENERATE AN ENHANCED USER EXPERIENCE
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