AERO.qc Ingest Quality Controller
The AERO.qc allows users to fix loudness problems automatically and in real time as audio enters the plant and is fed into the ingest server. This ingest quality control system from Linear Acoustic provides all of the tools necessary to get audio loudness right. The AERO.qc uses the ITU BS.1770 loudness-measurement specification, coupled with proprietary signal evaluation techniques, to evaluate each piece of content and make adjustments. Operator intervention can range from full control of measurement and audio adjustment to highly automated processing that requires little oversight. Front-panel metering offers instant go/no-go feedback and precise loudness adjustment. In addition to ITU BS.1770 loudness metering, the unit offers 5.1-channel loudness processing and UPMAX upmixing. Options include Dolby® E/AC-3 decoding, metadata generation and monitoring, an eight-channel analog output, and HD-SDI input and outputs.

AERO.pro Production Audio Maximizer
The Linear Acoustic AERO.pro production audio maximizer enables users to achieve commanding sound quality in news and other locally produced content. The processor takes control of audio quality, providing specialized processing that makes it easy to combine studio content with prerecorded spots, insertions, and live remotes without fear of overload or audible side effects. By helping to ensure that sound quality is maintained all the way to the viewer, the AERO.pro gives local content the same high-impact sound that previously characterized only network-produced audio. The AERO.pro features multiband stereo processing, along with analog and digital inputs and outputs.

AERO.airTM Transmission Loudness Manager
The next-generation AERO.airTM 10-channel TV audio processor from Linear Acoustic (previously called the AEROMAX-5.1:XL) represents the world's first TV audio processor to feature built-in Dolby® Digital (AC-3) encoding. Engineered on the foundation of the company's supremely successful first-generation digital television processors, the AERO.air system enables broadcasters to deliver compelling 5.1-channel surround sound while saving time, money, and space.

The comprehensive AERO.air solution is equipped with a loudness controller, upmixer, and metadata manager, as well as full-time, two-channel downmixing to support legacy analog paths. Built-in AutoMAXTM processing fixes two-channel audio that is broadcast wrongly signaled as 5.1 channels. The processor accepts 5.1 network audio, two-channel local audio, and digital or analog auxiliary/EAS stereo audio. HD-SDI audio input and internal Dolby Digital (AC-3) encoding are available as options.

AERO.oneTM DTV Audio/Loudness Manager
Inconsistent DTV audio loudness, the leading complaint of television viewers, is solved easily by the Linear Acoustic AERO.oneTM DTV Audio/Loudness manager. This third-generation audio processor offers broadcasters a simple and cost-effective solution for guarding against loudness shifts and loss of surround sound. Built-in loudness control, metadata control, and optional transmission encoding make AERO.one an ideal solution for affiliate stations seeking to match local and network content and thus deliver a seamless surround-sound experience for their viewers.

Upmixing is provided by the renowned Linear Acoustic UPMAX algorithm, which provides compelling 5.1-channel audio with complete downmix compatibility. The AERO.one also includes the new AutoMAX-II auto-detection algorithm, which smoothly and automatically bypasses upmixing when applied content is already 5.1 channels. Optional Dolby® Digital (AC-3) encoding and HD-SDI input and outputs are available.

LAMBDATM Professional Digital Audio and Metadata Monitor
Designed to enable audio and metadata monitoring throughout the entire broadcast chain, the Linear Acoustic LAMBDATM professional digital audio and metadata monitor displays and reproduces up to 16 audio channels from AES or embedded HD-SDI input. The system accepts audio metadata via 9-pin serial input or extracts it from the VANC space of an applied HD-SDI input. Audio and metadata are displayed in combination to allow for accurate monitoring. Included loudness monitoring per ITU BS.1770 standard enables operators to verify program loudness quickly and accurately.

Any channel, channel pair, or downmix can be monitored through the powerful two-way, digitally amplified speaker system, a front-panel headphone connector, rear-panel balanced analog, or AES digital output. Optional Dolby® E/AC-3, decoding can be performed internally on any discrete AES input or any embedded audio channel. All encoded metadata can be displayed and applied to the decoded audio and metering signals. Future Ethernet connectivity will provide access to all metering information for remote monitoring and "glass cockpit" applications.

UPMAX:neoTM 5.1 Channel Production Upmixer
The Linear Acoustic UPMAX:neoTM eases the challenge of creating consistent, continuous 5.1 channel audio at a high standard of quality. The innovative audio processor creates an infinitely adjustable multichannel signal that is completely downmix-compatible and also serves as a uniquely effective solution for integrating legacy two-channel material into today's 5.1-channel programs.

Based on the award-winning upMAX 2251 product, the UPMAX:neo provides advanced processing in a compact, rugged 1-RU chassis. UPMAX:neo combines the proven Linear Acoustic UPMAX algorithm with a special broadcast version of the DTS Neo:6® algorithm to extend broadcasters' upmixing options and enable the creation of a natural surround-sound field with precise localization of sound elements. Additional upmixing capabilities have been incorporated to offer increased flexibility in post-production applications. Metadata input is standard, along with GPI inputs to control upmixing.

MetaMAXTM Series LA-5180 Audio Metadata Frame Synchronizer and Generator
The Linear Acoustic LA-5180 audio metadata frame synchronizer and generator is critical to the successful creation and continuity of metadata for proper audio encoding. Useful in digital television transmission, and remote and studio production, the flexible unit accepts professional audio metadata via a standard RS-485 serial input or as delivered inside the VANC space of an HD-SDI stream. The LA-5180 allows for easy on-the-fly correction of incoming errors; rewriting of all parameters; and reversion to fully adjustable, internally generated values output via serial and HD-SDI. The system can also be used as a stand-alone generator, with eight presets for both Dolby® E and AC-3 metadata. Audio Metadata Analysis System (AMAS) software is an available option. AMAS allows user-definable go/no-go monitoring of critical metadata parameters, analysis of potential audio-damaging metadata interaction, display of Dolby E guard band position (baseband AES and SDI), and presentation of other important signal integrity information. Windows®-compatible AMAS software connects to the LA-5180 via Ethernet and provides visual alarms, as well as a time- and timecode-stamped log file.

StreamStacker-HDTM e2 (e-squaredTM) Codecs
At IBC2008, Linear Acoustic will be showcasing the latest version of its award-winning StreamStacker-HDTM high-density audio distribution system, which is capable of carrying multiple programs with surround sound, audio metadata, and associated auxiliary data. With this latest version, StreamStacker-HD now carries Dolby®-compatible metadata and also generates and regenerates metadata in both the encoder and decoder, facilitating simple editing or correction of parameters.

StreamStacker-HD users will benefit from the improved performance of the DTS Coherent Acoustics encoder upon which the system is built, as well as increased error resilience and a GPI-controlled soft-bypass mode to allow the system to be installed in series with other coding systems such as Dolby E to support legacy content. A software development kit (SDK) allows OEM customers to incorporate a software version of the e2 decoder into their products.

Stand 8.C11

Christina H. Carroll Vice President, Sales & Marketing Tel: +1 717-735-3611 Fax: +1 717-735-3612