Immersive Audio: The Future of Sound in Broadcast

Hey there! So, let’s talk about immersive audio, a technology that’s been on the horizon for a while now. It’s been making waves in certain areas like music production and live sound, but when it comes to broadcast, it’s still finding its footing. But don’t worry, we’ll get there!

First, let’s take a look at the different formats available for immersive audio. We’ve got Dolby Atmos, which has been around since 2012 and offers up to 128 individual tracks and 64 speaker feeds. Then there’s Auro-3D, a channel-based system introduced in 2006 that comes in various formats. We also have 360 Reality Audio by Sony, which uses object-based spatial technology to create a 360-degree audio experience. And let’s not forget about MPEG-H Audio, developed by MPEG for broadcast and streaming applications, and the 22.2 system developed by NHK.

Now, despite all these amazing formats, the infrastructure for immersive audio in broadcast is still a work in progress. The distribution chain from networks to individual stations is not quite ready to handle the new formats, and the number of NextGenTV-capable home sets is still relatively small. Plus, broadcasters are still figuring out how to make 3.0 content compatible with the 1.0 world most people are living in.

But hey, we’re not giving up! According to Dennis Baxter, an educator and sound design consultant, the key to bringing immersive sound to the home is through sound bars. And broadcasters need to go beyond just putting crowd sounds in overheads and surround channels. They need to find new ways to create immersive mixes that truly enhance the viewer’s experience.

There are some exciting developments happening, though. Audio-Technica has introduced an 8-channel surround microphone, and Sennheiser has a new spatial-audio system for live-broadcast applications. And sports divisions and organizations are starting to embrace immersive audio, with NBC Sports using Dolby Atmos for Notre Dame home games and the NHRA using it for drag races. Even future Olympics broadcasts will be in Atmos!

So, immersive audio for broadcast sports is definitely on the rise. It’s just waiting for the infrastructure to catch up. And trust me, it will. We’re on the road to a future where immersive audio becomes the norm, not just a novelty. Stay tuned!