Minnetonka Audio Advances Automation with File-Based Loudness Control

Minnetonka Audio Software, Inc., a leader in production software for motion 

picture, broadcast surround sound applications, and consumer electronics,

announced two new products at NAB for the broadcast and post-production

industries. On demo, an all new AudioTools Server configuration, the AudioTools

Loudness Control Server, and a new release of AudioTools AWE.

Addressing the recent governmental initiatives and regulations regarding

loudness control, the AudioTools Loudness Control Server (ALCS) is an

enterprise?level software suite for faster-than-realtime automated

processing, measurement and control of loudness in audio and video

programs. ALCS seamlessly integrates with existing Service Oriented

Architectures without any need for additional hardware. With industry

standard interfaces like SOAP Web Services and watched folders via XML

commands built in, ALCS is ready for unattended operation.

As a specialized example of the many configuration possibilities of the

AudioTools Server platform, AudioTools Loudness Control Server provides

automated loudness control of audio files in both linear PCM and encoded

formats, such as Dolby E or Dolby Digital (Plus). In compliance with both

ITU-R BS.1770 and EBU R 128, and in accordance with the Commercial

Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, AudioTools Loudness Control

Server performs loudness measurement and metering, reporting and

diagnostics, validation and compliance assurance, and correction and

control of the audio essence. Processing is performed "in place," directly

on remote file servers without need of lengthy local file copies. ALCS can

also perform essence extraction, replacement and insertion, and optional

reconfiguration of the audio payload from MXF or QuickTime files. In cases

where the incoming file format is MXF, the AudioTools MXF module is used to

rapidly extract the relevant audio streams using ReWrap?, which extracts

only the relevant audio and significantly speeds up data processing.

Also at NAB 2011, the premier of the latest release of AudioTools AWE, a

compact, stand-alone entry-level solution for intelligent batch processing

of digital audio assets. Existing files can be post-processed or

re-purposed quickly and easily in a completely predefined way. With over

two-dozen different signal and file processing functions, AudioTools AWE

allows engineers to specify an end-to-end file handling and DSP chain of

actions that can run automatically. With new features to enhance operation,

along with performance and stability improvements, AudioTools AWE version

1.6 significantly reduces repetitive work loads. The new release adds

complete support for the Dolby E format, allowing post houses and DTV

workgroups to have all the capabilities of a hardware solution in a single

stand-alone software application.

"At this year's NAB, we're showcasing our range of workflow automation

products, from entry-level to enterprise," said John Schur, President of

Minnetonka Audio. "AudioTools Server's broad capabilities, from loudness

control to quality control, are unequaled by any other system, while

AudioTools AWE lets any production group, regardless of size, get into the

automation game."

AWE version 1.6 adds support for three new options: SurCode for Dolby? E

Stream Player, plus SurCode for Dolby? E Decoder and Encoder. SurCode for

Dolby? E Stream Player automatically decodes Dolby E content, performing a

real-time downmix to stereo using embedded metadata parameters. As a

complement to a complete Dolby E workflow or a low cost quality control

solution for the production chain, SurCode for Dolby? E Stream Player

easily integrates the Dolby E format into existing workflows across

platforms and applications, providing more choice for video post production

professionals. Version 1.6 also supports the all-inclusive SurCode for

Dolby? E Decoder and Encoder plug-ins for facilities that require in-depth

functionality across all of their production platforms.

AudioTools AWE is included at no charge as part of the SurCode for Dolby? E

Bundle. For information call Minnetonka Audio at 1-952-449-6481 or visit

the website at www.minnetonkaaudio.com.