DOLBY DIGITAL / AC-3 ENCODING USING THE ARGUS ENCODER

Document Part Number 9050-0520

Contents
Introduction .................................................................................... 5
Getting Started ............................................................................................ 5

Dolby Parameter Control Application ........................................... 6

Configuration Control Property Page ....................................................... 6
Dolby Enabled ................................................................................................. 6 Time Code Start .............................................................................................. 6 Start Delay ....................................................................................................... 7 Data Rate ........................................................................................................ 7 Figure 1. Configuration Control Property Page ....................................................... 7 Sample Rate .................................................................................................... 8 Audio Coding Mode ......................................................................................... 8 Audio Bandwidth .............................................................................................. 8 Bit Stream Mode .............................................................................................. 8 Coupling Frequency ........................................................................................ 8 Dialog Normalization ....................................................................................... 9 Dialog Normalization Channel 2 ..................................................................... 9 Enable Low-Frequency Effects ....................................................................... 9

Bitstream Info Property Page ..................................................................... 9

Center Mix Level ............................................................................................. 9 Surround Mix Level ......................................................................................... 9 Dolby Surround Mode ................................................................................... 10 Copyright Bit .................................................................................................. 10 Original Bit Stream ........................................................................................ 10 Info Exists ...................................................................................................... 10 Mix Level ........................................................................................................ 10 Figure 2. Bitstream Info Property Page ................................................................. 10 Room Type ..................................................................................................... 11 Channel 2 Info Exists, Channel 2 Mix Level, Channel 2 Room Type ........... 11

Preprocessing Property Page .................................................................. 11

Digital De-emphasis ...................................................................................... 11 DC High-pass Filter ....................................................................................... 11

Contents (Cont)
Bandwidth Low-pass Filter ............................................................................ 11 LFE Low-pass Filter ...................................................................................... 12 90-Degree Phase Shift .................................................................................. 12 3 dB Attenuation ............................................................................................ 12 Figure 3. Preprocessing Property Page ................................................................ 12 Compression Characteristic .......................................................................... 13 RF Overmodulation Protection ..................................................................... 13

Input/Output Property Page ..................................................................... 13

Input Channel Assignments .......................................................................... 13 Figure 4. Input/Output Property Page .................................................................... 13 Output Mode .................................................................................................. 14 Stream Number ............................................................................................. 14 Time Codes ................................................................................................... 14 Audio Output .................................................................................................. 14 File Format .................................................................................................... 14 Playback Clock Source ................................................................................. 14

Block Diagram ........................................................................................... 14 Typical Installation .................................................................................... 14

Figure 5. AC-3 Encoder Block Diagram ................................................................. 15 Figure 6. Typical Installation Layout ....................................................................... 15

Copyright 2002, Vela LP

Rev. 0, Feb 2002

Dolby Digital / AC-3 Encoding Using the Argus Encoder

Introduction
The ability to encode an Dolby Digital/AC-3 stream in addition to the standard MPEG audio and video streams is an optional feature available with Velas Argus software release 2.6.1 and later. The Momentum-designed Opus encoder board, which the Argus uses for Dolby Digital/AC-3 encoding, is a 24-bit multi-channel digital audio processor for the PCI bus. Among its features are the following: Four stereo digital (AES) inputs One stereo digital audio output SMPTE time code input 80 MHz, 24-bit digital signal processors (DSPs) High-speed PCI bus Standard Dolby Digital 5.1 encode program AES/EBU or S/PDIF digital audio I/O formats RS-422 interface Included audio input/output cable A comprehensive software application accompanies the encoder board to complete the Dolby Digital/AC-3 encoding solution for the Argus. A block diagram of the system can be found in Figure 5. A drawing that shows the Momentum board in a typical Argus encoder configuration is can be found in Figure 6.

Getting Started
In order to maximize your use of the Dolby Digital/AC-3 encoding solution for the Argus, you must first: Install the Momentum encoder board in an unused PCI slot.
Argus is a registered trademark of Vela LP. Dolby is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories. All other trademarks, brand names, or product names appearing in this publication are registered to the respective companies or organizations that own the names or trademarks.

Dolby Digital / AC-3 Encoding Using the Argus Encoder

Connect the supplied input/output cable to the boards D-connector. Install the software for the Momentum Dolby Digital/AC-3 encoder, making sure that the Momentum microcode is located in the directory from which the FMTestApp (or EDL Editor) application is run. The Momentum microcode is comprised of three files: enc13.cld, enc23.cld, and enc33.cld. Before starting the application, make certain that the registry key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Vela Research\Broadcast Argus\EncoderConfig\AC3Installed is set to 1.

Before cueing for an encode, use the Dolby Parameter Control Application to activate Dolby Digital/AC-3 encoding and to set all of the Dolby-related parameters.

Dolby Parameter Control Application

Most of the parameters related to Dolby Digital/AC-3 encoding can be set using the Dolby Parameter Control Application. The one notable exception to this rule is the setting of the PID when the Dolby Digital/AC3 stream is to be included in a transport stream. The Dolby PID is set using the Mux property page of RegCtrlPnl. The Dolby Parameter Control Application has four property pages: Configuration Control, Bitstream Info, Preprocessing, and Input/Output.

Configuration Control Property Page

It is from the Configuration Control property page (Figure 1) that you turn Dolby Digital/AC-3 encoding on or off and that you set the bit rate and sample rate of the AC-3 stream. The following properties are represented on the Configuration Control page: Dolby Enabled Check this checkbox if and only if you wish to include a Dolby Digital/ AC-3 stream in the next encoded file. Time Code Start Check this checkbox if and only if you wish to use the mark-in and mark-out of the VTR component to control the start and stop of the next Dolby Digital/ AC-3 encode. Several requirements must be met in order to use this option: 1. VTR control must be enabled. Use the VTR Control page on the EDL Editor or the VTR property page on RegCtrlPnl to enable VTR control.

Dolby Digital / AC-3 Encoding Using the Argus Encoder

Figure 1. Configuration Control Property Page

2. The Momentum board must be supplied with a time-code input signal. For example, the time-code-out of the tape deck might be connected to the time-code-in cable supplied with the Momentum encoder. 3. The mark-in and mark-out supplied through the EDL Editor or through RegCtrlPnl must be valid time codes that will be provided to the Momentum encoder by the time-code generator. 4. Prior to the encode, the tape must be pre-rolled to a point well ahead of the mark-in. Start Delay The numeric value in this field specifies the number of milliseconds that the Argus encoder will wait after starting the Momentum encoder before starting the IBM audio and video encoders. The default value is 75 msec. A negative value may be provided. If the value is negative, the IBM audio and video encoders will be started before the Momentum encoder is started. This value can be adjusted to guarantee proper synchronization of the video and Dolby Digital/AC-3 content. Data Rate This field specifies the speed in kilobits per second at which the Dolby

Dolby Digital / AC-3 Encoding Using the Argus Encoder

Digital/AC-3 data will be transmitted. Values range from 32 kbps to 640 kbps. Data rates that are supported by the encoder depend on the selected audio coding mode (see below). Generally speaking, the fewer the channels included in the bit stream, the lower the data rate. Sample Rate The sample rate field specifies the transmission frequency of the Dolby Digital/AC-3 bit stream. Because the Momentum encoder does not include a sample rate converter, you should in most cases check the Auto checkbox next to the sample rate field, thereby slaving the sample rate to that of the input signal. Audio Coding Mode This field specifies the number and configuration of full-bandwidth audio channels to be encoded within the AC-3 bit stream. The audio coding mode is designated as two numbers, m and n, where m is the number of front channels and n is the number of rear (or Surround) channels. The exception to this notation is the 1+1 selection, representing dual-mono, where two completely separate channels are included in the bit stream. Audio Bandwidth The bandwidth of the audio is adjusted automatically by the Momentum encoder, which usually maintains the full audio spectrum bandwidth of 20 kHz. In some cases, however, especially where the audio data rate is decreased to an exceptionally low value, it may be useful to decrease the audio bandwidth as well. The optimum choice of audio bandwidth depends on both the audio coding mode and the data rate. In most cases, you should allow the encoder to adjust the audio bandwidth automatically (just check the Auto checkbox). Bit Stream Mode This parameter identifies the type of service that the Dolby Digital/AC-3 bit stream conveys. Its setting does not affect the encoding process, but merely provides vendor-specific information to the decoder. Coupling Frequency This parameter identifies the frequency at which the encoder starts to use high-frequency channel coupling. The setting is ignored if the audio coding mode is 1+1 or 1/0. In most cases, you should allow the encoder to adjust the coupling frequency automatically (just check the Auto checkbox).

Dolby Digital / AC-3 Encoding Using the Argus Encoder

Dialog Normalization This parameter allows for uniform reproduction of spoken dialog when decoding any AC-3 bit stream. Its value indicates how far the subjective dialog level of the encoded program falls below digital 100% full scale (0 dBFS). The setting (between -1 and -31 dB) is not used directly by the Dolby Digital/AC-3 decoder, but is used by a section of the sound reproduction system to set the audio reproduction volume. Dialog Normalization Channel 2 This parameter serves the same purpose as the Dialog Normalization setting, described above; however, it applies to the second channel of a dual-mono bit. It is ignored if the audio coding mode is not 1+1. Enable Low-Frequency Effects This setting enables or disables the optional low-frequency effects channel. This LFE channel of limited bandwidth (<120 Hz), which is intended to be reproduced at a level +10 dB with respect to the full-bandwidth channels, allows high sound pressure levels to be provided for lowfrequency sounds. Because the LFE channel is optional, it should not be used exclusively to deliver essential low-frequency data. If there is no input to the LFE channel, the LFE Effects checkbox must be left unchecked, or the encode will fail.

Bitstream Info Property Page

The parameters exposed on this property page (refer to Figure 2) specify the bit stream information sub-code data that is embedded in the encoded Dolby Digital/AC-3 bit stream. These settings are informational only. They do not affect the actual data in the encoded audio stream, but are used in the decoding process in a vendor-specific manner. Center Mix Level This setting specifies the attenuation to be applied to the center channel when down-mixing. It is ignored if the audio coding mode does not include a center channel. Surround Mix Level This setting specifies the nominal down-mix levels of the Surround channels with respect to the left and right channels. It is ignored if the n value of the m / n audio coding mode specification is 0 (in other words, if there are no Surround channels).

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Dolby Digital / AC-3 Encoding Using the Argus Encoder

Figure 2. Bitstream Info Property Page

Dolby Surround Mode This setting specifies whether or not a two-channel Dolby digital bit stream is conveying a Dolby Surround encoded program. This parameter appears in the bit stream only when the audio coding mode is set to 2/0. Copyright Bit The setting of this checkbox indicates whether or not the included audio content is protected by copyright. Original Bit Stream The setting of this checkbox specifies whether the AC-3 content is an original bit stream (checked) or just a copy of the original (unchecked). Info Exists This setting specifies whether or not audio production information (mixing level and room type) exist within the AC-3 bit stream. Mix Level Active only when the Info Exists checkbox is checked, this setting indicates the absolute acoustic Sound Pressure Level (SPL) of an individual channel (usually the center channel dialog level) during the final audio

Dolby Digital / AC-3 Encoding Using the Argus Encoder

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mixing session. The peak mixing level, ranging from 80 to 111 dB SPL, is the acoustic level of a sine wave in a single channel whose peak reaches digital 100% full scale (0 dBFS) in the PCM representation. The absolute SPL is typically measured using pink noise at -20 or -30 dB RMS with respect to the peak RMS sine wave level. The Mix Level value is not normally used within the Dolby Digital decoder, but may be used by other elements in an audio system. This setting appears in the stream only when the Info Exists checkbox is checked. Room Type This setting indicates the type and calibration of the room used for the final audio mixing session. It is not normally used within the Dolby Digital decoder, but may be used by other elements in an audio system. This setting appears in the stream only when the Info Exists checkbox is checked. Channel 2 Info Exists, Channel 2 Mix Level, Channel 2 Room Type These settings all apply to the second channel in a dual-mono bit stream when the audio coding mode is set to 1+1. They are ignored if the audio coding mode is not 1+1. Please refer to the descriptions of Info Exists, Mix Level, and Room Type, above, for a complete description of each of these parameters.

Preprocessing Property Page

The settings on the Preprocessing property page (Figure 3) control the manner in which the incoming PCM data is processed before being sent to the encoding algorithm. Digital De-emphasis When an incoming PCM signal has been digitally emphasized, it is usually advisable to de-emphasize that signal before encoding it. If you check the Auto checkbox, the AC-3 encoder will decide, based on the incoming audio, whether or not to apply de-emphasis. DC High-pass Filter This checkbox either enables (checked) or disables a DC filter for all input channels. Bandwidth Low-pass Filter This checkbox either enables (checked) or disables a low-pass filter for all input channels.

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Dolby Digital / AC-3 Encoding Using the Argus Encoder

Figure 3. Preprocessing Property Page

LFE Low-pass Filter This setting is used to activate a 120 Hz low-pass filter applied to the LFE input channel. If the digital signal fed to the LFE input does not contain information above 120 Hz, you may disable this filter. 90-Degree Phase Shift This feature is used to generate multichannel AC-3 bit streams that may be down-mixed in an external two-channel decoder to create an output that is truly compatible with Dolby Surround. 3 dB Attenuation This setting applies a 3 dB cut to the Surround channels of a multichannel film sound track when it is being transferred onto a format for consumer home theater playback. This feature is available because cinema sound track Surround channels are mixed 3 dB hot relative to the front channels in order to account for cinema amplifier gains. Home theater Surround gains are calibrated differently, thus requiring a -3 dB adjustment to the Surround tracks.

Dolby Digital / AC-3 Encoding Using the Argus Encoder

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Compression Characteristic This setting specifies the characteristic curve of the Dynamic Range Compression algorithm. If the compression characteristic setting is enabled during the encode, a Dolby decoder will refer to this setting to reduce the audio program's dynamic range. Available selections for this parameter include Film Standard, Film Light, Music Standard, Music Light, and Speech. RF Overmodulation Protection This setting determines whether or not a RF preemphasis filter is used to prevent RF over-modulation in set-top-box decoders.

Input/Output Property Page

The Input/Output property page allows you to control parameters directly related to the incoming and outgoing digital signals. See Figure 4. Input Channel Assignments The six controls in the left-most column (labeled Input Channel Assignments) allow you to associate each of the six input channels with a specific channel of the source audio (left, right, center, left Surround, right Surround, and LFE). If the audio coding mode does not identify the channel as an active input, then the channel assignment is ignored.

Figure 4. Input/Output Property Page

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Dolby Digital / AC-3 Encoding Using the Argus Encoder

Output Mode The data signal sent by the encoder has an information field specifying what format the data is in. The options are: (1) Consumer-Professional 32-bit, (2) Professional 16-bit channel 1, and (3) Professional 16-bit channel 2. A Dolby Digital/AC-3 decoder will use this value in a vendorspecific manner. Stream Number This setting specifies the data stream number to be inserted into the preamble of the IEC958 AC-3 output data. The valid range for this parameter is 0 through 7, with a default value of 0. Time Codes This settings specifies whether or not SMPTE time code packets are to be included in the encoder output. Audio Output This parameter determines the value of bit 1 (the audio/non-audio bit) of the channel status information contained in the IEC958 output. Annex B of ATSC A/52 recommends setting this bit to 1 (non-audio data) in professional mode to indicate the presence of AC-3 data within the IEC 958 interface. The bit must be set to 1 in the consumer mode. File Format This parameter is used in determining the format of recorded disk files. Playback Clock Source This parameter determines the source of the master audio clock during playback from a disk file. When this parameter is set to Internal Synchronization (0), the encoder will use one of the on-board oscillators, matching the detected sampling frequency of the disk file. When the clock source parameter is set to External Synchronization (1), the encoder uses the recovered clock from the digital input signal.

Block Diagram
The illustration in Figure 5 shows system flow within the Dolby Digital/ AC-3 encoder, the system PCI bus, and the Vela Argus encoder.

Typical Installation
Figure 6 shows the Momentum Opus Dolby Digital/AC-3 encoder board as typically installed in a Vela Argus rack-mount encoder system.

Dolby Digital / AC-3 Encoding Using the Argus Encoder

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Figure 5. AC-3 Encoder Block Diagram

Figure 6. Typical Installation Layout

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