dolby media encoder se userguide

Dolby Media Encoder SE User’s Manual

Issue 3

®

Dolby Laboratories, Inc.

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IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED THAT DOLBY LABORATORIES’ LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, IN TORT, UNDER ANY WARRANTY, IN NEGLIGENCE, OR OTHERWISE, SHALL NOT EXCEED THE COST OF REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS OR ACCUSED INFRINGING DEVICES, AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL DOLBY LABORATORIES BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGE TO SOFTWARE OR RECORDED AUDIO OR VISUAL MATERIAL), COST OF DEFENSE, OR LOSS OF USE, REVENUE, OR PROFIT, EVEN IF DOLBY LABORATORIES OR ITS AGENTS HAVE BEEN ADVISED, ORALLY OR IN WRITING, OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

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Part of the software embedded in this product is gSOAP software. Portions created by gSOAP are Copyright © 2001‐2009 Robert A. van Engelen, Genivia inc. All Rights Reserved. THE SOFTWARE IN THIS PRODUCT WAS IN PART PROVIDED BY GENIVIA INC AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL,

ii Dolby® Media Encoder SE User’s Manual

EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

Dolby, Pro Logic, and the double‐D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. MLP Lossless and Surround EX are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.© 2011 Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved.

Issue 3S11/21928/24101

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Overview1.1 Enhancements in This Version...........................................................................................1

1.2 Contents .............................................................................................................................2

1.3 Send Us Questions or Feedback........................................................................................2

Chapter 2 Installing Dolby Media Encoder SE2.1 Installing the Application.....................................................................................................3

2.2 Using the Dolby Media Producer iLok ................................................................................3

Chapter 3 Immediate Encoding3.1 Choosing Settings for the Job ............................................................................................5

3.1.1 Choosing a Format and Target ................................................................................63.1.2 Using the Channels Tab ..........................................................................................73.1.3 Specifying Encoder Setup......................................................................................103.1.4 Entering Job Information on the User Info Tab ......................................................12

3.2 Queuing the Job for Encoding .........................................................................................13

3.3 Queuing a Dolby TrueHD Job for Blu-ray Disc .................................................................13

3.4 Monitoring Progress .........................................................................................................13

Chapter 4 Encoding Options4.1 Dolby Digital Options ........................................................................................................15

4.1.1 Channel Tab Options .............................................................................................154.1.2 Encoder Settings....................................................................................................164.1.3 Downmix ................................................................................................................164.1.4 Preprocessing ........................................................................................................164.1.5 Timecode ...............................................................................................................19

4.2 Dolby Digital Plus Options ................................................................................................20

4.2.1 Channel Tab Options .............................................................................................214.2.2 Encoder Settings....................................................................................................214.2.3 Blu-ray Disc Secondary Audio ...............................................................................214.2.4 Downmix ................................................................................................................234.2.5 Preprocessing ........................................................................................................234.2.6 Timecode ...............................................................................................................24

4.3 Dolby TrueHD Options .....................................................................................................24

4.3.1 Channel Tab Options .............................................................................................244.3.2 Encoder Setup .......................................................................................................264.3.3 Downmix ................................................................................................................264.3.4 Preprocessing ........................................................................................................274.3.5 Timecode ...............................................................................................................27

4.4 MLP Lossless Options......................................................................................................28

4.4.1 Encoder Settings....................................................................................................284.4.2 Downmix ................................................................................................................28

Dolby® Media Encoder SE User’s Manual iii

4.4.3 Preprocessing ........................................................................................................284.4.4 Timecode ...............................................................................................................28

Chapter 5 Setting Up for Encoding .............................................................................................29

Chapter 6 Managing the Job Queue with the Job List6.1 Using the Action Buttons ..................................................................................................32

6.2 Using the Context Menu ...................................................................................................32

Chapter 7 Advanced Features7.1 Using Hot Jobs .................................................................................................................33

7.2 Using Duplicates and Templates ......................................................................................34

7.2.1 Job Duplicates .......................................................................................................347.2.2 Job Templates .......................................................................................................34

7.3 Using the Punch List Tab .................................................................................................35

7.3.1 Updating Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus Files...............................................367.3.2 Encoding Multiple Small File Segments for Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus ..387.3.3 Selecting Seamless Branching Points in Dolby TrueHD Files ...............................38

7.4 Using the Preview Player .................................................................................................39

7.5 Reading and Saving the Log ............................................................................................40

7.6 Printing Job Editor Information .........................................................................................41

7.7 Troubleshooting................................................................................................................42

7.7.1 Encoding Problems................................................................................................42

Chapter 8 Projects and Jobs8.1 Creating a Project .............................................................................................................43

8.2 Changing Project Properties.............................................................................................44

8.3 Continuing Work on Existing Projects...............................................................................45

8.4 Job Definition....................................................................................................................45

Chapter 9 Application Menus9.1 Dolby Media Encoder SE Menu .......................................................................................47

9.2 File Menu..........................................................................................................................47

9.3 Job Menu..........................................................................................................................48

9.4 Window Menu...................................................................................................................49

9.5 Settings Menu...................................................................................................................50

Chapter 10 Reference Information10.1 Dolby Laboratories Contact Information ...........................................................................51

10.2 Dolby Professional Technologies .....................................................................................51

10.3 Dolby Digital .....................................................................................................................51

10.4 Dolby Digital Plus .............................................................................................................52

10.4.1 Features ................................................................................................................5210.4.2 Benefits..................................................................................................................53

10.5 Dolby TrueHD...................................................................................................................53

10.5.1 Features ................................................................................................................5310.5.2 Benefits..................................................................................................................5410.5.3 Compatibility with Current A/V Receivers ..............................................................54

iv Dolby® Media Encoder SE User’s Manual

10.6 MLP Lossless ...................................................................................................................54

10.7 Dolby Surround Pro Logic ................................................................................................54

10.8 Dolby Pro Logic II .............................................................................................................55

10.9 Dolby Digital Surround EX ...............................................................................................56

10.10Dolby Headphone............................................................................................................56

10.10.1 Features ..............................................................................................................5610.10.2 Benefits................................................................................................................56

Appendix Preparing Secondary Audio and Automation in Pro ToolsA.1 Important Audio Preparation Information..........................................................................57

A.2 Examples..........................................................................................................................58

A.3 Exporting .aaf Files from Pro Tools ..................................................................................58

Dolby® Media Encoder SE User’s Manual v

List of Figures

Figure 3-1 Opening Window ................................................................................................................... 5Figure 3-2 Job Editor .............................................................................................................................. 6Figure 3-3 Encoder Setup Tab.............................................................................................................. 11Figure 3-4 User Info Tab....................................................................................................................... 12Figure 3-5 Job Editor Window Action Buttons ...................................................................................... 13Figure 3-6 Auto Setup Dolby Digital Job window.................................................................................. 13Figure 3-7 Progress Report .................................................................................................................. 13Figure 3-8 Locked Legend .................................................................................................................... 14Figure 4-1 Dynamic Range Control Profile Schematic ......................................................................... 17Figure 4-2 Dolby Digital Plus Channel Tab Options ............................................................................. 20Figure 4-3 Dolby TrueHD Channel Options .......................................................................................... 25Figure 5-1 Speaker Configuration Dialog Box ...................................................................................... 29Figure 6-1 Job List Encoder Queue ...................................................................................................... 31Figure 6-2 Encoder Queue Action Buttons ........................................................................................... 32Figure 7-1 Punch List Tab of the Job Editor ......................................................................................... 36Figure 7-2 Preview Player Arrow .......................................................................................................... 37Figure 7-3 Preview Player..................................................................................................................... 40Figure 7-4 Log Tab ............................................................................................................................... 41Figure 8-1 Project Information Window................................................................................................. 44Figure 8-2 Job List: Project View .......................................................................................................... 45Figure 9-1 Dolby Media Encoder SE Menu .......................................................................................... 47Figure 9-2 File Menu............................................................................................................................. 48Figure 9-3 Job Menu............................................................................................................................. 49Figure 9-4 Window Menu...................................................................................................................... 49Figure 9-5 Settings Menu...................................................................................................................... 50Figure 10-1 Dolby Pro Logic II Speaker Configuration ........................................................................... 55

Dolby® Media Encoder SE User’s Manual vii

List of Tables

Table 3-1 Dolby Digital Channel Configuration Modes...........................................................................7Table 3-2 Dolby Digital Plus Channel Configuration Modes...................................................................8Table 3-3 Dolby TrueHD Eight-Channel Presentation Channel Configuration Modes ...........................9Table 3-4 Dolby TrueHD Six-Channel Presentation Channel Configuration Modes ..............................9Table 3-5 Dolby TrueHD Two-Channel Presentation Channel Configuration Modes...........................10Table 3-6 Dolby TrueHD Encoding Passes ..........................................................................................14Table 4-1 Dolby Digital Encoder Setup Options ...................................................................................16Table 4-2 Dolby Digital Downmix Options ............................................................................................16Table 4-3 Dolby Digital Preprocessing Options ....................................................................................16Table 4-4 Dolby Digital Timecode Options ...........................................................................................19Table 4-5 Dolby Digital Plus Encoder Setup Options ...........................................................................21Table 4-6 Blu-ray Disc Secondary Audio Options ................................................................................21Table 4-7 AAF File Channel Order .......................................................................................................22Table 4-8 Dolby Digital Plus Bitstream Information Options.................................................................23Table 4-9 Dolby Digital Plus Preprocessing Options ............................................................................23Table 4-10 Dolby Digital Plus Timecode Options ...................................................................................24Table 4-11 Eight-Channel Presentation Encoder Setup Options ...........................................................26Table 4-12 Six-Channel Presentation Encoder Setup Options...............................................................26Table 4-13 Two-Channel Presentation Encoder Setup Options.............................................................26Table 4-14 Dolby TrueHD Preprocessing Options .................................................................................27Table 4-15 Dolby TrueHD Timecode Options.........................................................................................27Table 4-16 MLP Lossless Timecode Options .........................................................................................28

Dolby® Media Encoder SE User’s Manual ix

Enhancements in This Version

Overview

Welcome to Dolby® Media Encoder SE. It is one of the Dolby Media Producer professional software products designed to support all Dolby audio codecs used in mastering DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, and Blu-ray Disc™ formats.

Dolby Media Encoder SE delivers powerful mastering features with comprehensive project and file-management capabilities. It is a file-based, non-real-time encoder that can be used locally or over a network. An intuitive Apple® Mac® OS® X interface gives you easy access to the powerful feature set.

1.1 Enhancements in This Version

The new version of the Dolby Media Encoder SE includes several features that make encoding even more efficient:

• New direct-to-job encoding lets you bypass setting up a project• New automatic output file naming speeds up your job setup• New hot folders for drag-and-drop batch encoding• New file splitting after encode option for Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus • Supports Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 encoding for Blu-ray Disc and other applications• Supports Dolby Digital Plus secondary audio stream encoding for Blu-ray Disc,

including importing Advanced Authoring Format (.aaf) automation files• Supports Dolby TrueHD seamless branching encoding• Supports Dolby Pro Logic® II and Pro Logic IIx downmix options• Supports two-channel stereo interleaved files

Dolby® Media Encoder SE User’s Manual 1

Overview

1.2 Contents

This book includes these chapters:

• Installing Dolby Media Encoder SE• Immediate Encoding• Setting Up for Encoding• Encoding Options• Managing the Job Queue with the Job List• Advanced Features• Projects and Jobs• Application Menus• Reference Information

1.3 Send Us Questions or Feedback

If you have questions or comments about this document, please contact technical publications.

If you have technical questions about this product/technology, please contact technical support.

2 Dolby® Media Encoder SE User’s Manual

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Encoder SE User’s Manual&body=Please%20type%20your%20comments%20here,%20leaving%20the%20subject%20line%20in%20place%20to%20route%20them%20to%20the%20right%20people.%0A%0A

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Encoder SE User’s Manual&body=Please%20type%20your%20comments%20here,%20leaving%20the%20subject%20line%20in%20place%20to%20route%20them%20to%20the%20right%20people.%0A%0A

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Dolby Media Encoder SE&body=Type your comments here. Leave the subject line intact to insure proper routing.

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Chapter 2

Installing Dolby Media Encoder SE

The installation process, which uses the simple steps typical of installations on the Apple®

Macintosh® computer, is covered in two sections:

• Installing the Application• Using the Dolby Media Producer iLok™

2.1 Installing the Application

The Dolby® Media Encoder SE is automatically installed into the Applications/Dolby Media Producer folder on the Macintosh hard drive. You may move it after installation.

To install the application:

1. Insert the CD into the optical drive. The CD opens automatically.

2. Read the introduction, then click Continue.3. Read the license agreement. You may also print and save it for your records. Click

Continue to proceed.4. Click Agree to accept the license agreement and proceed with installation. Click

Disagree to cancel the installation.5. Select a destination drive. Click Continue.

When the system has completed the installation, it automatically opens your Web browser to allow you to log into www.dolbysupport.com. The site allows you to open an account, if you have not already done so, and to register your product.

Registering your product allows you to receive technical support, notice of future upgrades, and access to the Dolby User Forum community, where you can interact with other Dolby Media Producer users as well as Dolby specialists around the world.

6. When you are ready, close the technical support window and click Close on the installer to complete the installation. The software requires you to restart your computer.

2.2 Using the Dolby Media Producer iLok

One iLok USB smart key containing a unique license is packaged along with your Dolby Media Encoder SE CD. Insert the iLok into an available USB port before opening the application. Leave the iLok key inserted in the USB port while the software is in use.

Caution: Do not lose your iLok. Keep it as safe and secure as you would any other valuable piece of equipment. Losing the iLok is the same as losing the product.


http://www.dolbysupport.com

Installing Dolby Media Encoder SE

The iLok website allows to you to manage the licenses for all your iLok-protected applications in one place. Registration is simple. To register your license:

1. Go to www.ilok.com.2. Follow the directions to sign up for a free account.3. Download and install the iLok client software.4. Log in to your account.5. Synchronize your iLok with your account.6. View the licenses on your newly registered iLok.7. Add and edit the name of the iLok for differentiation if you own multiple iLoks.

Consider Subscribing to iLok Zero Downtime Coverage

The Zero Downtime Program enables iLok owners to immediately replace licenses in case an iLok is broken, lost, or stolen. See www.ilok.com for program details and restrictions.


http://www.ilok.com

http://www.ilok.com

Choosing Settings for the Job

Immediate Encoding

The Dolby® Media Encoder SE is designed to let you get right to work. Encoding is done in the steps covered in these sections:

• Choosing Settings for the Job• Queuing the Job for Encoding• Monitoring Progress

When the application starts, it displays the opening window, shown in Figure 3-1.Figure 3-1

Figure 3-1 Opening Window

To get started immediately click Setup a New Job to Encode. For the definition of a job, see Job Definition.

3.1 Choosing Settings for the Job

In the job editor shown in Figure 3-3, you select the settings for your encoding job.


Immediate Encoding

Figure 3-2

Figure 3-3

Figure 3-2 Job Editor

The steps for each job are described in the next four sections:

• Choosing a Format and Target • Using the Channels Tab • Specifying Encoder Setup• Entering Job Information on the User Info Tab

3.1.1 Choosing a Format and Target

The format and target chosen for the job have a direct impact on the encoding options available to you. Choose them with care.



Choosing a Format

For each job you must choose one of four formats:

• Dolby Digital • MLP • Dolby Digital Plus • Dolby TrueHD

The default format is Dolby Digital.

Choosing a Target

The format you choose determines the range of targets available.

• If the format is Dolby Digital, the targets are DVD-Video and Blu-ray Disc™. • If the format is Dolby Digital Plus, the targets are Blu-ray Disc and Standard (for

other file-based applications).• If the format is Dolby TrueHD, the targets are Blu-ray Disc and Standard (for other

file-based applications). • If the format is MLP, the available target is DVD-Audio.

The default target is DVD-Video.

Choosing Multiple Targets

When the format is Dolby Digital, you can choose more than one target. When the format is Dolby TrueHD, the system automatically selects Blu-ray Disc and Standard.

When you choose two targets, the system produces a single encoded file that is compatible with both selected targets, not a separate file for each target. Attributes of these multiple-target files are restricted to the lowest applicable limit.

3.1.2 Using the Channels Tab

Use this tab in the job editor shown in Figure 3-2 for selecting a channel configuration and source files and specifying a destination path. Choose a channel configuration, choose the source files you wish to encode, then name and select the destination where you want to store the encoded file.

Selecting a Channel Configuration and Source Files

The channel selection available is affected by the format of the job. The Channel Config field displays the options available in the chosen format. All supported formats are listed in the following five tables. Choose one for your job.

Table 3-1 Dolby Digital Channel Configuration Modes

Channel Configuration Encoding Scheme1.0: Mono Single Center channel.2.0: Stereo Two-channel stereo Left, Right.2.0: Lt/Rt Two-channel Left, Right (flagged as a matrix-encoded Lt/Rt signal).5.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs Left, Right, Center, Low-Frequency Effects (LFE), Left Surround, Right Surround.


Immediate Encoding

5.1 Dolby Digital Surround EX™: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs

Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround (flagged as having a matrix-encoded rear channel).

5.1: L, R, C, Ls, Rs (Cs), LFE 5.1: Cs source file will be downmixed into the Ls/Rs prior to encoding. An option of standard or Dolby Pro Logic® IIx downmixing is available.

5.1: L, R, C, Ls, Rs (Lrs, Rrs), LFE 5.1: Lrs, Rrs source files will be downmixed into the Ls/Rs prior to encoding. An option of standard or Dolby Pro Logic IIx downmixing is available.

2.0: Encoded using Dolby Headphone technology

Two-channel flagged as a Dolby Headphone preprocessed mix. (Dolby Media Encoder SE does not create a Dolby Headphone preprocessed mix.)

3.0: L, C, R Left, Center, Right.3.0: L, R, S Left, Right, Mono Surround.3.1: L, R, S, LFE Left, Right, Mono Surround, LFE.3.1: L, C, R, LFE Left, Center, Right, LFE.4.0: L, C, R, S Left, Center, Right, Mono Surround.4.0: L, R, Ls, Rs Left, Right, Left Surround, Right Surround.4.1: L, R, Ls, Rs, LFE Left, Right, Left Surround, Right Surround, LFE.4.1: L, C, R, S, LFE Left, Center, Right, Mono Surround, LFE.5.0: L, R, C, Ls, Rs Left, Right, Center, Left Surround, Right Surround.

Table 3-2 Dolby Digital Plus Channel Configuration Modes

Channel Configuration Encoding Scheme1.0: Mono Single Center channel.2.0 Stereo Two-channel stereo Left, Right.2.0 Lt/Rt Two-channel Left, Right (flagged as a matrix-encoded Lt/Rt signal).5.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround.5.1 Dolby Digital Surround EX: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs

Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround (flagged as having a matrix-encoded rear channel).

5.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs (Cs) 5.1: Cs source file will be downmixed into the Ls/Rs prior to encoding. An option of standard or Dolby Pro Logic IIx downmixing is available.

5.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs (Lrs, Rrs) 5.1: Lrs, Rrs source files will be downmixed into the Ls/Rs prior to encoding. An option of standard or Dolby Pro Logic IIx downmixing is available.

6.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Cs Left, Right, Center, Left Surround, Right Surround, Center Back Surround.7.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Lrs, Rrs Left, Right, Center, Left Surround, Right Surround, Left Rear Surround, Right Rear

Surround.2.0: Encoded using Dolby Headphone technology

Two-channel flagged as a Dolby Headphone preprocessed mix. (Dolby Media Encoder SE does not create a Dolby Headphone preprocessed mix.)

3.0: L, C, R Left, Center, Right.3.0: L, R, S Left, Right, Mono Surround.3.1: L, R, S, LFE Left, Right, Mono Surround, LFE.3.1: L, C, R, LFE Left, Center, Right, LFE.4.0: L, C, R, S Left, Center, Right, Mono Surround.4.0: L, R, Ls, Rs Left, Right, Left Surround, Right Surround.4.1: L, R, Ls, Rs, LFE Left, Right, Left Surround, Right Surround, LFE.4.1: L, C, R, S, LFE Left, Center, Right, Mono Surround, LFE.5.0: L, R, C, Ls, Rs Left, Right, Center, Left Surround, Right Surround.6.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Cvh Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround, Center Vertical Height.6.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Ts Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround, Top Surround.7.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Lc, Rc Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround, Left Center, Right Center.7.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Lvh, Rvh Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround, Left Vertical Height, Right

Vertical Height.

Table 3-1 Dolby Digital Channel Configuration Modes (continued)

Channel Configuration Encoding Scheme



7.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Lw, Rw Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround, Left Wide, Right Wide.7.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Cvh, Ts Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround, Center Vertical Height,

Top Surround.7.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Ts, Cs Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround, Top Surround, Center

Surround.7.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Cvh, Cs Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround, Center Vertical Height,

Center Surround.

Note: Use Dolby Digital Plus for Blu-ray Disc only for 6.1- and 7.1-channel configurations. For mono through 5.1-channel configurations, always use Dolby Digital for Blu-ray Disc.

Table 3-3 Dolby TrueHD Eight-Channel Presentation Channel Configuration Modes

Channel Configuration(Eight-Channel Presentation) Encoding SchemeCopy of 2-channel The 8-channel presentation will output the 2-channel presentation.Copy of 6-channel The 8-channel presentation will output the 6-channel presentation.6.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Cs Left, Right, Center, Left Surround, Right Surround, Center Back Surround.7.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Lrs, Rrs Left, Right, Center, Left Surround, Right Surround, Left Rear Surround, Right

Rear Surround.6.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Cvh Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround, Center Vertical Height.6.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Ts Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround, Top Surround.7.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Lc, Rc Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround, Left Center, Right Center.7.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Lvh, Rvh Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround, Left Vertical Height,

Right Vertical Height.7.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Lw, Rw Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround, Left Wide, Right Wide.7.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Cvh, Ts Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround, Center Vertical Height,

Top Surround.7.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Ts, Cs Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround, Top Surround, Center

Surround.7.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs, Cvh, Cs Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround, Center Vertical Height,

Center Surround.

Table 3-4 Dolby TrueHD Six-Channel Presentation Channel Configuration Modes

Channel Configuration(Six-Channel Presentation) Encoding SchemeCopy of 2-channel The 6-channel presentation will output the 2-channel presentation.Downmix of 8-channel The 6-channel presentation will output a downmix of the 8-channel presentation.1.0: Mono Single Center channel.5.1: L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs Left, Right, Center, LFE, Left Surround, Right Surround.3.0: L, C, R Left, Center, Right.3.1: L, C, R, LFE Left, Center, Right, LFE.4.0: L, R, Ls, Rs Left, Right, Left Surround, Right Surround.5.0: L, R, C, Ls, Rs Left, Right, Center, Left Surround, Right Surround.

Table 3-2 Dolby Digital Plus Channel Configuration Modes (continued)

Channel Configuration Encoding Scheme


Immediate Encoding

After choosing a channel configuration, indicate the source file locations. You can type a

path and name for the source files, or click the button to browse to the source file location.

If you make a mistake, click the Clear button to the left of the channel identifier to erase the highlighted entry. Holding <control> while clicking a Clear button clears all source file entries.

Encoding Options on the Channels Tab

You can encode 5.1 Dolby Digital from larger sets of input files. See Section 5.1.1 for details.

You can encode a core 5.1 stream along with 6.1 or 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus. See Section 5.2.1 for details.

You can set different encoding parameters for each Dolby TrueHD presentation. See Section 5.3.1 for details.

Specifying a Destination Path

After you choose source files, the system fills in the destination path, encoded file name, and file extension automatically. The destination path defaults to the source file directory. The file name defaults to the name of the first source file. The file extension is automatically set to the selected format. The file extension updates dynamically if the format is changed.

You can change these values if you wish by typing new names or browsing to a new location. The Destination Path field is also used to specify the name and location of an encoded file to update in the Punch List tab.

3.1.3 Specifying Encoder Setup

Dolby Media Encoder SE automatically inserts values for each metadata parameter required by the selected output format. You can make changes to the metadata settings using the drop-down lists and dials displayed on any of the Encoder Setup tabs.

A different set of options is available for each format. Details are given in four separate sections:

• Dolby Digital Options

Table 3-5 Dolby TrueHD Two-Channel Presentation Channel Configuration Modes

Dolby TrueHD(Two-Channel Presentation) Encoding SchemeIndependent 2-channel stereo Left, Right (2-channel format defined in Dolby TrueHD encoder). Downmix of 6-channel The 2-channel presentation will output a downmix of the 6-channel presentation.Downmix of 8-channel The 2-channel presentation will output a downmix of the 8-channel presentation.

Tip: The file selector is intelligent. When you double-click a source file, the system selects the whole set automatically if it detects a complete set of files that follow file name conventions that ensure automatic file selection.



• Dolby Digital Plus Options • Dolby TrueHD Options • MLP Lossless Options

The Encoder Setup tab shown in Figure 3-4 is a sample. Figure 3-4

Figure 3-3 Encoder Setup Tab

Encoder Settings is the default tab. When it is active, you can adjust the settings for dialogue level and data rate. The exact options available are determined by the selected format.

When Downmix is active, you can adjust those settings.

When Preprocessing is active, you can adjust the settings for dynamic range control, filtering, and surround attenuation.


Immediate Encoding

When Timecode is activated, you can enable or disable embedding timecode, and choose the timecode format and start points. You can also choose to prepend silence to the file.

3.1.4 Entering Job Information on the User Info Tab

Dolby Media Encoder SE automatically populates the fields on the User Info tab shown in Figure 3-4. The job name defaults to a sequence number in the project name, the facility is carried over from the previous facility name, and the login is based on the computer user name. You can change the job name and the facility entry. If you accept the system defaults, you need not check this screen.

Figure 3-5

Figure 3-4 User Info Tab


Queuing the Job for Encoding

3.2 Queuing the Job for Encoding

To queue a job for encoding when all necessary setup work is complete, click the Encode button shown in Figure 3-5 at the top right of the job editor, shown in Figure 3-5.

Figure 3-6

Figure 3-5 Job Editor Window Action Buttons

3.3 Queuing a Dolby TrueHD Job for Blu-ray Disc

The Blu-ray Disc specification requires a Dolby TrueHD job to have an accompanying Dolby Digital soundtrack (with a data rate of up to 640 kbps). These two encodes are multiplexed in authoring and presented to the consumer as a single soundtrack choice. The home listener’s player automatically selects the highest quality version it supports. The Blu-ray Disc specification refers to this combined track as Dolby Lossless.

To simplify your work flow, the Encode button for Dolby TrueHD jobs launches a pop-up that offers you the option to Auto Setup Dolby Digital Job as shown in Figure 3-6.

Figure 3-7

Figure 3-6 Auto Setup Dolby Digital Job window

When you click Yes, the system automatically launches a Dolby Digital job editor with all the appropriate settings copied from your Dolby TrueHD job. The default data rate is 640 kbps. You can click Encode to send the job immediately, or make any necessary changes.

3.4 Monitoring Progress

The system reports encoding progress as a percentage complete at the bottom of the job editor screen.

Figure 3-8

Figure 3-7 Progress Report


Immediate Encoding

Because Dolby TrueHD encoding is a multipass process that can take time, Dolby Media Encoder SE provides additional information about the pass state. The passes areshown in Table 3-6.

After a job has been queued, its attributes can no longer be changed. The job editor displays the legend Locked. When encoding finishes, the legend changes to Completed—Locked, as shown in Figure 3-8. Encoded jobs are automatically locked to ensure that you always have an accurate record of your encode. A locked job can always be duplicated if you wish to reuse its settings.

Figure 3-9

Figure 3-8 Locked Legend

Table 3-6 Dolby TrueHD Encoding Passes

Pass Encoder Action1 Analyze2 Encode3 Minimize data rate4 Optimize latency5 Verify (optional, selected by clicking Run Verification After Encode in the Encoder Setup Options tab)6 Seamless connection preparation and file splitting


Chapter 4

Encoding Options

This chapter includes details of the specialized encoding options for each format:

• Dolby Digital Options • Dolby Digital Plus Options • Dolby TrueHD Options • MLP Lossless Options

4.1 Dolby Digital Options

The following options are available when encoding material as Dolby® Digital for a DVD or Blu-ray Disc™:

• Channel tab options• Encoder settings • Downmix • Preprocessing • Timecode

4.1.1 Channel Tab Options

On the channel tab, you must choose one of 17 supported channel configurations, with outputs ranging from mono to 5.1. You have a choice of two-channel configurations: either stereo, Lt/Rt, or Dolby Headphone encoded. You can also choose standard 5.1-channel Dolby Digital or 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround EX™.

If you need to produce Dolby Digital 5.1-channel files from 6.1 or 7.1 source files, the Dolby Media Encoder SE can do so automatically. It downmixes the source files first, and then encodes. Choose 5.1–L,R,C,LFE,Ls,Rs(CS) for 6.1 source files. Choose 5.1–L,R,C,LFE,Ls,Rs(Lrs,Rrs) for 7.1 source files. The channels in parentheses are the ones not present in the encoded output; these channels will be downmixed into the main 5.1 channels prior to encoding.

You can choose either a Dolby Pro Logic® IIx downmix, or a standard 5.1 Dolby Digital downmix. Dolby Pro Logic IIx is the default.

The downmix options on this tab are quite distinct from those on the Downmix tab. On this tab you are indicating source channels that will be downmixed before the 5.1 bitstream is encoded.

Warning: The Dolby Media Encoder SE does not create an Lt/Rt or Dolby Headphone processed track. These channel configurations set metadata in the encoded stream that identifies how the tracks were created to a downstream decoder.


Encoding Options

4.1.2 Encoder Settings

You have the dialogue level and data rate options listed in Table 4-1.

4.1.3 Downmix

The options defined on this tab are quite distinct from the downmix options on the Channels tab. On this tab you are defining metadata to be included in the encoded stream for use by playback decoders downstream.

You have the options defined in Table 4-2.

4.1.4 Preprocessing

The Preprocessing tab determines whether several optional processes are applied to your source files as part of the encoding process:

• Dynamic Range Control• Channel Bandwidth Lowpass Filter• LFE Lowpass Filter• DC Highpass Filter• Surround Channel 90-Degree Phase-Shift• Surround Channel 3 dB Attenuation

These are discussed in separate sections. Your choices are listed in Table 4-3.

Table 4-1 Dolby Digital Encoder Setup Options

Parameter Range Dialogue level The default is –27. The range is –1 to –31.Data rate Based on the chosen format, target, and number of input channels, the system

automatically selects the most common data rate and generates a list of alternatives. To change the system default, choose a rate from the drop-down list.

Table 4-2 Dolby Digital Downmix Options

Parameter RangeLt/Rt Center The default is –3 dB. There are seven choices between –6

and +3 dB.Lt/Rt surround The default is –3 dB. There are five choices between

–infinity and –1.5 dB.Lo/Ro Center The default is –3 dB. There are seven choices between –6

and +3 dB.Lo/Ro surround The default is –3 dB. There are five choices between

–infinity and –1.5 dB.Preferred downmix The default is Surround. Other options are Not Indicated,

Stereo, and Pro Logic II.

Table 4-3 Dolby Digital Preprocessing Options

Parameter Range Line mode profile The default is Film Standard. There are five other options. RF mode profile The default is Film Standard. There are five other options.Channel bandwidth lowpass filter

On or Off.


Dolby Digital Options

Dynamic Range Control

Dynamic range presets let you choose the compression characteristic that could be applied to the Dolby Digital bitstream during decoding. These compression presets aid playback for two-channel downmix overload protection or late night listening modes selected by the user. The Dolby Media Encoder SE includes five compression presets designed to be appropriate for typical content. Choose the profiles that you feel sound best for your program, regardless of the profile name.

The dialogue level value determines the position of the null band where the signal is neither boosted nor attenuated. The null band is designed to protect dialogue from having either cut or boost applied when dynamic range control is applied in the decoder. This is one of the reasons why proper setting of dialogue level metadata is important.

Figure 4-1 shows how the compression modifies the dynamic range.Figure 4-1

Figure 4-1 Dynamic Range Control Profile Schematic

Music Light (No Early Cut Range)

Max boost: 12 dB (below –65 dB)Boost range: –65 to –41 dB (2:1 ratio)Null band width: 20 dB (–41 to –21 dB)Cut range: –21 to +9 dB (2:1 ratio)

Music Standard

Max boost: 12 dB (below –55 dB)Boost range: 55 to –31 dB (2:1 ratio)Null band width: 5 dB (–31 to –26 dB)Early cut range: –26 to –16 dB (2:1 ratio)

LFE lowpass filter On or Off. DC highpass filter On or Off. Surround channel 90-degree phase shift

On or Off.

Surround channel3 dB attenuation

On or Off.

Table 4-3 Dolby Digital Preprocessing Options (continued)

Parameter Range

Input LevelLow High

BoostRange

NullBand

Centered atthe DialogueLevel Setting

CutRange

CutRange

EarlyDialogue Level

Setting

Low

Hig

h

UnityGain

OuputLeve

l


Encoding Options

Cut range: –16 to +4 dB (20:1 ratio)

Film Light

Max boost: 6 dB (below –53 dB)Boost range: –53 to –41 dB (2:1 ratio)Null band width: 20 dB (–41 to –21 dB)Early cut range: –26 to –11 dB (2:1 ratio)Cut range: –11 to +4 dB (20:1 ratio)

Film Standard


Speech


Channel Bandwidth Lowpass Filter

Click Channel Bandwidth Lowpass Filter to apply a lowpass filter with a cutoff near the maximum audio bandwidth to be encoded, typically a 20 kHz lowpass for high data rates.

LFE Lowpass Filter

This choice is available only when the LFE channel is enabled.

Click LFE Lowpass Filter to apply a 120 Hz lowpass filter to the LFE input channel. This filter should always be enabled unless you are absolutely sure that your LFE source has no audio above 120 Hz. It is best to leave the filter on, as there is no adverse effect from doing so.

The LFE lowpass filter is an eighth-order lowpass filter with unity gain at low frequencies and a steep rolloff at the upper edge of the LFE bandwidth (–3 dB above 120 Hz).

DC Highpass Filter

Click DC Highpass Filter to block DC from being encoded. This is important, as a DC offset requires some amount of data rate to encode (even though it is not audible), thereby wasting bits. The DC highpass filter should always be enabled unless the encoding engineer is absolutely sure that there is no DC in the input audio.

The DC highpass filter is a first-order highpass filter with unity gain across the entire audible spectrum, and a rolloff at very low frequencies (–3 dB below 1 Hz).


Dolby Digital Options

Surround Channel 90-Degree Phase-Shift

This option is available only when surround channels are present in the source.

Click Surround Channel 90-Degree Phase-Shift to ensure the best experience for users who decode and listen to your 5.1-channel program downmixed to a 2/0 Lt/Rt or Dolby Pro Logic signal.

If you are satisfied with your surround-decoded downmix without the use of this filter—or if, for example, your program is a multichannel music program with discrete instrumentation in all channels—it is appropriate to turn this feature off.

Surround Channel 3 dB Attenuation

This option is available only when surround channels are present in the source.

Click Surround Channel 3 dB Attenuation to apply a 3 dB attenuation to the surround channels’ source files prior to encoding.

This is appropriate when encoding a multichannel soundtrack created in a room with film-style calibration for consumer home theater playback. Cinema soundtrack surround channels are recorded +3 dB relative to the front channels in order to account for cinema calibration standards. Home theater surround speakers are calibrated differently with all channels playing back at the same level.

4.1.5 Timecode

The timecode choices available when the format is Dolby Digital are listed in Table 4-4.

Table 4-4 Dolby Digital Timecode Options

Parameter Range Include timecode in output file By default, timecode is not embedded in the file. Click to

embed it.Output file frame rate The default is 29.97. There are eight other options.

Timecode embedded in a .bwf file does not contain the frame rate.

Output file start timecode Any valid timecode value entered by the user. The client imports the embedded timecode start frame from a .bwf as the default start point. You can change it.

Specify time range to encode By default, no range is specified and the entire file is encoded. Click to specify a range.

Frame rate(for specifying time range to encode)

The default is 29.97. There are nine other options, including real time.

Encode from Any valid time value.Encode to Any valid time value.Prepend silence Set a number of seconds of silence to add at the beginning

of the file.


Encoding Options

4.2 Dolby Digital Plus Options

The following options, shown in Figure 4-2, are available when encoding material as Dolby Digital Plus:

• Channel Tab Options• Encoder Settings • Downmix • Preprocessing • Timecode

Figure 4-2

Figure 4-2 Dolby Digital Plus Channel Tab Options


Dolby Digital Plus Options


When you encode 6.1 and 7.1 channels, the encoder automatically creates the core 5.1 channels for legacy or six-channel players. If the 6.1 source has a Cs channel or a 7.1 source has Lrs/Rrs, the core 5.1 can be created as standard 5.1-channel Dolby Digital or 5.1 Dolby Pro Logic IIx by clicking a button. The default is Dolby Pro Logic IIx.

Clicking Blu-ray Secondary Audio enables several new options on the Encoder Setup tab.


When the format is Dolby Digital Plus, you always have the options listed in Table 4-5.

4.2.3 Blu-ray Disc Secondary Audio

One of the most compelling features of the Blu-ray Disc format is its ability to include secondary audio tracks for interactive features. This feature set, called BonusView (or Blu-ray Profile 1.1), supports up to 5.1 channels of secondary audio that lets viewers enjoy, for instance, a director’s commentary accompanying a movie, or a picture-in-picture feature with its own surround soundtrack. BonusView support is required in all new Blu-ray Disc players. Dolby Media Encoder SE supports BonusView with three additional options listed in Table 4-6.

To access these new options, choose Blu-ray Secondary Audio on the Channels tab.

Users can import .aaf automation metadata from Pro Tools® to embed dynamic mix metadata. Importing an .aaf file negates the primary soundtrack gain feature.

Data Rates

The secondary audio encoder supports the following data rates specified by Blu-ray Disc:

• 224–256 for 5.1 audio• 96–256 for 2.0 audio• 56–256 for 1.0 audio

Table 4-5 Dolby Digital Plus Encoder Setup Options

Parameter Range Dialogue level The default is –27. The range is –1 to –31.Data rate Based on the selected format, target, and number of input channels, the system

automatically selects the most common data rate and generates a list of alternatives. To change the system default, choose a rate from the drop-down list.

Table 4-6 Blu-ray Disc Secondary Audio Options

Parameter RangePrimary soundtrack gain –inf (infinity) or –50 to +12

dBFade in/out frames 0 to 10AAF file name


Encoding Options

Metadata Processes

You can embed metadata for the secondary audio using either of two processes:

• Choosing a fixed primary soundtrack gain and a number of fade-in/fade-out frames• Importing metadata from an .aaf file

Using Primary Soundtrack Gain

The primary soundtrack gain value tells the player how much attenuation to apply to the primary soundtrack when secondary audio is used. This is a static value that will not change throughout the encode. The range is –inf dB or –50 dB to +12 dB in 1 dB increments.

The fade-in/fade-out frames value sets the number of frames over which secondary audio fades in and out. The range is 0 to 10.

Using an Advanced Authoring Format Automation File

If you choose an .aaf file name, the system deactivates primary soundtrack gain and fade-in/fade-out frames and instead inserts dynamic gain metadata from the selected .aaf automation file.

There are important conditions that .aaf files must meet to be usable.

Advanced Authoring Format File Requirements

The .aaf file may contain either a single channel or multiple channels of mix metadata.

If you use a single-channel .aaf file, that single automation channel is applied to all the secondary audio channels. It can apply up to 50 dB of attenuation.

If you use a multichannel .aaf file:

• The .aaf file must contain a separate automation track for each audio channel. • The number of channels in the .aaf file must match the number of channels of

audio in the secondary stream.• The channel order in the .aaf file must match Table 4-7.

• The file may apply up to 28 dB of attenuation per channel.• A secondary audio track cannot be mixed in a Blu-ray Disc player if the number of

audio channels in a secondary audio track exceeds the number of audio channels in a primary audio track.

• Secondary and primary audio start times and frame rate must match.

Table 4-7 AAF File Channel Order

Channel File1 Left2 Right3 Center4 LFE5 Ls6 Rs


Dolby Digital Plus Options

• Exported .aaf file start time and frame rate must match the secondary audio file(s) in which they will be embedded.

The secondary audio encoder scans your .aaf file prior to encoding and advises you if you have exceeded any of the listed conditions. You can then either remix your .aaf file to comply or agree to have the Dolby Media Encoder SE limit your automation to the Blu-ray specification attenuation restrictions.

If your .aaf file is longer than the secondary audio source files, Dolby Media Encoder SE will trim off the excess data.

If your .aaf file is shorter than the secondary audio source files, Dolby Media Encoder SE will use the last attenuation value in the file through the end of the audio encode.

For detailed information on preparing secondary audio and automation in Pro Tools, see Preparing Secondary Audio and Automation in Pro Tools.

4.2.4 Downmix

The options defined here are quite distinct from the downmix options on the Channels tab. On this tab you are defining metadata to be included in the encoded stream for use by playback decoders downstream. This metadata instructs a decoder how to downmix for a two-channel output.

The available options are listed in Table 4-8.

4.2.5 Preprocessing

When the format is Dolby Digital Plus, you have the options listed in Table 4-9.

Note: Attenuation levels, channel configurations, and fade resolution limitations are determined by the Blu-ray Disc specification.

Table 4-8 Dolby Digital Plus Bitstream Information Options

Parameter Range Lt/Rt Center The default is –3 dB. There are seven choices between –6

and +3 dB.Lt/Rt surround The default is –3 dB. There are five choices between

–infinity and –1.5 dB.Lo/Ro Center The default is –3 dB. There are seven choices between –6

and +3 dB.Lo/Ro surround The default is –3 dB. There are five choices between

–infinity and –1.5 dB.Preferred downmix The default is Pro Logic II. Other options are Not

Indicated, Surround, and Stereo.

Table 4-9 Dolby Digital Plus Preprocessing Options

Parameter Range Line mode profile The default is Film Standard. There are five other options.

For details, see Dynamic Range Control.RF mode profile The default is Film Standard. There are five other options.

For details, see Dynamic Range Control.


Encoding Options

4.2.6 Timecode

When the format is Dolby Digital Plus, you have the timecode options listed in Table 4-10.

4.3 Dolby TrueHD Options

The following options are available when encoding material as Dolby TrueHD for a Blu-ray Disc:

• Channel Tab Options • Encoder Settings • Downmix • Preprocessing • Timecode


Dolby TrueHD Features

When the format is Dolby TrueHD, the system presents channel configuration and source-file options for each of the three presentation types: eight, six, and two channels.

Channel bandwidth lowpass filter

On or Off. For details, see Channel Bandwidth Lowpass Filter

LFE lowpass filter On or Off. For details, see LFE Lowpass Filter DC highpass filter On or Off. For details, see DC Highpass FilterSurround channel 90-degree phase shift

On or Off. For details, see Surround Channel 90-Degree Phase-Shift

Surround channel3 dB attenuation

On or Off. For details, see Surround Channel 3 dB Attenuation

Table 4-10 Dolby Digital Plus Timecode Options

Parameter Range Include timecode in output file By default, timecode is not embedded in the file. Click to

embed it.Output file frame rate The default is 29.97. There are eight other options. timecode

embedded in a .bwf file does not contain the frame rate.Output file start code Any valid timecode value entered by the user. The client

will import the embedded timecode start frame from a .bwf file as the default start point. You can change it.

Specify time range to encode By default, no range is specified and the entire file is encoded. Click to specify a range.

Frame rate (for specifying time range to encode)


Encode from Any valid time value.Encode to Any valid time value.Prepend silence Set a number of seconds of silence to add at the beginning

of the file.

Table 4-9 Dolby Digital Plus Preprocessing Options (continued)

Parameter Range


Dolby TrueHD Options

Presentations define what each particular player will use to play back audio. A two-channel player will use the two-channel presentation, a six-channel player will use the six-channel presentation, and an eight-channel player will use the eight-channel presentation.

Each presentation can be:

• Independent (that is, independent source files can be used in that presentation)• A copy• A downmix

Figure 4-3

Figure 4-3 Dolby TrueHD Channel Options

The system defaults to a six-channel independent presentation as shown in Figure 4-3, with the eight-channel presentation being a copy of the six-channel presentation, and the two-channel presentation being a downmix.


Encoding Options

4.3.2 Encoder Setup

Most Dolby TrueHD encoder setup is done separately for each independent or downmixed presentation. A presentation that is a copy of another has no other setup features.

Eight-Channel Presentation

Six-Channel Presentation

Two-Channel Presentation

Restart Point in Access Units

You can also change the frequency of restart points in the encoded file. The default is a restart point every 128 access units. You can make them more frequent, but doing so increases file size.

Run Verification After Encode

Deselecting this button control allows you to skip the verification of the Dolby TrueHD encoding process. By default, the Dolby Media Encoder SE runs the verification pass.

4.3.3 Downmix

The downmix options are configurable. For the 8- to 6-channel downmix you can choose:

• Dolby Pro Logic IIx • Standard • Custom

Note: Having more than one independent presentation impacts file size and data rate.

Table 4-11 Eight-Channel Presentation Encoder Setup Options

Parameter Range Dialogue level The default is –31. The valid range is –1 to –31.

Table 4-12 Six-Channel Presentation Encoder Setup Options

Parameter Range Dialogue level The default is –31. The valid range is –1 to –31.Dolby Digital Surround EX The default is Not Dolby Digital EX Encoded. Other options are Not

Indicated and Dolby Digital EX Encoded.

Table 4-13 Two-Channel Presentation Encoder Setup Options

Parameter RangeDialogue level The default is –31. The valid range is –1 to –31.Two-channel format The default is Dolby Surround Encoded. Other options are Dual, Mono,

Stereo (Not Surround Encoded), and Dolby Headphone Encoded.


Dolby TrueHD Options

For the 6- to 2-channel downmix you can choose:

• Dolby Pro Logic II • Standard • Custom

If you choose Custom, you must click Open at the bottom on the window to open the custom downmix page and choose the channels you wish to include, as well as their levels.

4.3.4 Preprocessing

Preprocessing setup is performed separately for each independent presentation.

4.3.5 Timecode

Timecode options are listed in Table 4-15.

Table 4-14 Dolby TrueHD Preprocessing Options

Parameter RangeDynamic range control The default is Film Standard. There are five other options. For

details, see Dynamic Range Control.Surround channel 3 dB attenuation

On or Off. For details, see Surround Channel 3 dB Attenuation.Note: This parameter does not apply to the two-channel presentation.

Apply apodization filter On or Off.When applied, the apodization filter assists in minimizing the ringing effect that can occur in some analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog filters. Apodization filters can aid in decoding efficiency and improve the response of the audio through many A/D converters. The apodization filter is applicable only to source files with a sampling rate of at least 88.2 kHz.

Allow noise shaping On or Off.When applied, noise shaping reduces the entropy of the low-level noise in the least significant bits of a 24-bit source file. Minimizing this noise can aid in coding efficiency without affecting audio quality. Noise shaping will have no effect on 16-bit source files.Enabling Apply Noise Shaping applies to all independent presentations.

Table 4-15 Dolby TrueHD Timecode Options

Parameter RangeInclude timecode in output file On or Off. Output file frame rate The default is 29.97. There are eight other options. Timecode

embedded in a .bwf file does not contain the frame rate.Output file start timecode Any valid timecode value entered by the user. The client

will import the embedded timecode start frame from a broadcast .wav file as the default start point. You can change it.

Specify time range to encode On or Off. Frame rate (for specifying time range to encode)


Encode from Any valid time value.Encode to Any valid time value.


Encoding Options

4.4 MLP Lossless Options

The following options are available when encoding material for a DVD-Audio using MLP Lossless™:

• Encoder Settings • Downmix • Preprocessing • Timecode


On this tab, you can change the restart point frequency. The default is every 128 access units.

4.4.2 Downmix

On this tab, you can select the channels to be included in the two-channel downmix and specify a separate attenuation for each channel.

4.4.3 Preprocessing

On this tab, you have two options:

• Surround channel 3 dB attenuation • Apply apodization filter

When applied, the apodization filter assists in minimizing the ringing effect that can occur in some analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog filters. Apodization filters can aid in decoding efficiency and improve the response of the audio through many A/D converters. The apodization filter is only applicable to source files that are 88.2 kHz or higher in sample rate.

4.4.4 Timecode

On this tab, you can choose to specify a time range to encode.

Prepend silence Set a number of seconds of silence to add at the beginning of the file.

Table 4-16 MLP Lossless Timecode Options

Parameter RangeSpecify time range to encode On or Off. Encode from Any valid time value.Encode to Any valid time value.Frame rate The default is 29.97. There are nine other options, including real

time. Prepend silence Set a number of seconds of silence to add at the beginning of the file.

Table 4-15 Dolby TrueHD Timecode Options (continued)

Parameter Range


Chapter 5

Setting Up for Encoding

Before you can encode with the Dolby® Media Encoder SE, you must set up speakers and I/O devices if you intend to use the built-in preview player. This task is handled on the Settings menu. shown in Figure 5-1.

The integrated preview player allows you to listen to both source and encoded files through I/O devices set up in the Speaker Configuration dialog box shown in Figure 5-1. Use the Speaker Configuration... command on the Settings menu to open this box. Use it to assign channel locations to supported I/O devices attached to your computer.

Figure 5-1

Figure 5-1 Speaker Configuration Dialog Box

Occasionally, some setup work is necessary before the Dolby Media Encoder SE recognizes an I/O device. The following sections contain important tips for setting up some of the most common devices.

Using Digidesign Pro Tools I/O

Using a Digidesign® I/O product requires that the CoreAudio driver be installed on the local machine. This driver is available from www.digidesign.com. When it is properly installed, launching Dolby Media Encoder SE will automatically launch the Digidesign CoreAudio application.


http://www.digidesign.com

Setting Up for Encoding

If the driver is properly installed but is not recognized, take two steps:

1. Make sure that Pro Tools® is not currently using the Pro Tools I/O before attempting to access it from the application.

2. Reboot your computer.

Using M-Audio I/O

Using an M-Audio® I/O product requires the installation of the M-Audio driver and software furnished with your device. This software may also be available at www.m-audio.com.

Using MOTU I/O

Using a MOTU™ I/O product requires the installation of the MOTU driver and software furnished with your I/O device. This software may also be available at www.motu.com.

Caution: The Digidesign CoreAudio application contains a number of settings, including hardware setup and output volume control, that can affect audio playback from your preview player. Check these settings carefully.

Caution: The M-Audio application contains a number of settings, including hardware setup and output volume control, that can affect audio playback from your preview player. Check these settings carefully.

Caution: The MOTU application contains a number of settings, including hardware setup and output volume control, that can affect audio playback from your preview player. Check these settings carefully.


http://www.motu.com

http://www.m-audio.com

Chapter 6

Managing the Job Queue with the Job List

Clicking Encoder Queue on the application startup window, or choosing Job List from the Window menu, opens the job list.

The job list window allows you to see and manage several sections of the Dolby® Media Encoder SE.

View Project

You can open multiple projects and view the jobs encoding, completed, and queued in that project.

You can open a submitted job and duplicate it for use in a new encode for the selected project.

View the Encoder Queue Active Jobs

You can see all the active and completed jobs on any encoder server to which the client has access.

You can pause jobs, move them up or down in the queue, and remove them.

You can open a submitted job and duplicate it for use in a new encode.

View Encoder Queue Archived Jobs

You can see all the jobs autoarchived by the encoder.Figure 6-1

Figure 6-1 Job List Encoder Queue

By default, jobs are displayed in this order:

1. Jobs currently being encoded. 2. Jobs queued for encoding. 3. Jobs completed, sorted by completion time. The most recently completed jobs are

listed at the bottom.


Managing the Job Queue with the Job List

You can change the sort order by clicking the heading of any column to sort by that value. Clicking Queue Order returns to the default sort order.

6.1 Using the Action Buttons

The action buttons shown in Figure 6-2, located at the upper right of the Encoder Queue Jobs window, move a selected job up or down in the queue, pause, or remove it. Only jobs that are not yet encoded can be moved, paused, or resumed. Any job can be removed. To select a job, highlight it in the list. Holding <command> or <shift> when you click allows you to select a number of specific jobs for identical action.

When a job is paused, the Pause button changes to Resume when the paused job is highlighted. Click Resume to continue encoding.

Figure 6-2

Figure 6-2 Encoder Queue Action Buttons

6.2 Using the Context Menu

When you right-click a job, the system provides five action options:

• Move up: Moves the highlighted job up one position in the queue• Move down: Moves the highlighted job down one position in the queue• Pause: Pauses and resumes processing of the highlighted job • Open...: Opens the job editor window for the highlighted job• Remove: Removes the highlighted job from the queue


Chapter 7

Advanced Features

The Dolby® Media Encoder SE provides a comprehensive set of tools to make encoding more efficient and to store relevant job setup information. The following sections describe these tools:

• Using Hot Jobs• Using Duplicates and Templates• Using the Punch List Tab • Using the Preview Player • Reading and Saving the Log• Printing Job Editor Information

7.1 Using Hot Jobs

A hot job is a folder that is created from a job edit window into which you can drag and drop sets of source files. The system then automatically sets up and queues jobs using the folder’s chosen settings. The folder can be used to automatically set up as many separate encoding jobs as you like.

To create a hot job folder:

1. Click New Hot Job on the Job menu in the job list window.A job edit window opens, with the Submit button now labeled Save.

The hot job folder name is repeated from the Job Name field on the User Info tab. The default is Hot Job, but this can be changed. The source file section is grayed out because the source files you use will be the ones dropped into the folder.

2. Choose a destination path. This is the location for your encoded jobs.3. Choose settings on the Encoder Setup tabs that will apply to all the jobs generated by

the folder. 4. Click the Save button.

The folder appears on the desktop.

To encode a job, simply drag and drop the source files into the hot job folder.

Note: The encoded file name defaults to the name of the first file, normally Left or Center.The files you drop in must conform to the file-naming convention discussed in Dolby Laboratories Contact Information on page 51.If the number of files or naming convention do not match the hot job setting, you will get a pop-up job rejected notice.Multiple jobs created using identically named source files are identified in the encoded file name by a number appended to the source file name: myjob.ac3, myjob(2).ac3, myjob(3).ac3.


Advanced Features

The files you drop are not physically moved or copied into the hot jobs folder. They are only pointed to.

You can open, review, and change settings in the hot job folder any time by double-clicking the folder itself. Clicking the Save button when updating is completed saves the updates and closes your hot job.

If you close the window using the upper left corner close button, a pop-up will warn you to save changes or they will be lost.

7.2 Using Duplicates and Templates

The duplication and template features of the Dolby Media Encoder SE allow you to make copies of a job’s settings on the fly and to save them separately for reuse.

7.2.1 Job Duplicates

Job duplicates are useful when you want to reuse the settings of an existing job, and also when you want to use the punch list, shown in Figure 7-1, to update segments of an existing job. Making a duplicate is also the only way to change the settings of a job that is completed.

To duplicate a job:

1. Open the job you wish to duplicate in the job editor dialog box.2. Choose the Duplicate Job command in the Job Edit window or on the Job menu.

The system opens a job with identical settings and _copy appended to its name. All settings are the same, except the destination is empty.

7.2.2 Job Templates

Saving common job settings as a template saves you time by eliminating the need to re-create it step by step.

To save a template:

1. Open the job (completed or new) you wish to save as a template.2. Choose the Save as Template command on the Job menu.

The system opens a standard Save dialog box with the application template directory selected.

We recommend that templates be stored in this directory so they are easily located by the client in the future. You can save them in another directory of your choice.

3. Enter a name for the template, and choose a destination for it.4. Click Save.

The system saves the file with a .djt extension.

Once saved, a template can be used in two ways. You can apply it to an entire project by entering it in the Select Job Template field in the project information dialog box shown in Figure 8-1. When a template is selected, new jobs opened in that project will use that template instead of the application default.You can also load it for an individual job by choosing the Load Template... command on the Job menu.


Using the Punch List Tab

Choosing Load Template... automatically displays the templates in the application template folder. You can also browse to other directories. Once you click a template, a new job edit window will open with that template’s settings.

Choosing Delete Template opens the template folder and allows you to select a template to delete.

7.3 Using the Punch List Tab

The Punch List tab, Figure 7-1, has three important functions, which are discussed in the following sections.

• Updating Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus Files• Encoding Multiple Small File Segments for Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus• Selecting Seamless Branching Points in Dolby TrueHD Files


Advanced Features

Figure 7-1

Figure 7-1 Punch List Tab of the Job Editor

The system automatically determines the correct function based on the job’s format, target, and destination path, as described in the following section.

7.3.1 Updating Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus Files

When Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus is the format, and a previously encoded file is selected as the target in the destination path, the punch list tab can be used to punch in and out of an encoded file. In this instance the text at the top of the punch list tab will read Punch In Points. You do this, as in the previous versions, by selecting in and out points to punch.


Using the Punch List Tab

Preparing to Punch

To start the punching process:

1. Duplicate the original job as described in Section 7.2.1. If you do not have the original job, you can punch in from a new job editor dialog box, but you must manually enter all the appropriate settings such as data rate and metadata .

2. Identify the encoded file you want to punch into in the Destination Path field of the Channels tab. When you select an encoded file as the destination, the system displays a confirmation alert. You must agree to replace the file to proceed.

3. Open the updated or repaired source files originally used to encode the file.

Choosing Punch Points

Punch points can be entered in three ways:

• By entering them directly• By moving through the file with the timcode slider• By playing the file with the preview player and choosing points as it plays

To add a punch point directly, click the + button. The system automatically adds a new entry to the list. Enter the timecode values.

You can use the timecode slider to locate the points. Slide the slider to beginning of the punch point and type 0 (zero), then slide to the end and type 0 again.

To find a punch point using the preview player:

1. Open the preview player by clicking the arrow in the lower right margin of the job window, as shown in Figure 7-2.

Figure 7-2

Figure 7-2 Preview Player Arrow

2. Using the preview player, listen to the encoded file. 3. When you identify the in point of the audio that needs to be repaired, type 0. 4. When you identify the out point of the audio that needs to be repaired, type 0 again. 5. Continue through the file, marking as many segments as necessary by typing 0 at the

beginning and the end of each segment.

Preview Player Arrow


Advanced Features

Encoding a Punch List

When you have added all necessary entries, click Encode to process them.

The punch list uses the timecode embedded in the encoded file to determine where to insert the new audio. Two things are essential for doing a proper insertion:

1. The timecode setting in the job editor must match the embedded timecode in the encoded file, both for the first frame and frame rate. Using a duplicate of the original job will help ensure this is the case.

2. The audio start point in the source files used to encode the inserted selection must match that in the encoded file. For example, if the source files contain audio silence prior to the start of program audio that is not present in the encoded file, the punch-in will not occur in the correct location in your encoded file.

Deleting a Punch Entry

To remove an entry from the list, highlight it, then click the – button.

7.3.2 Encoding Multiple Small File Segments for Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus

When Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus is the format, and the destination path defines a location and name for a file to be encoded, the punch list tab can be used to select points where the encoded file will split into different segments. In this instance, the text at the top of the tab reads Separate Output File Points. You choose and indicate timecode points where the splits will occur.

In this case, the file is first completely encoded as a single file, then split into the segments defined in the punch list window. Encoding a single long file and then splitting it up is the preferred method, especially when the segments are meant to be played back joined together, as it keeps the dynamic range control words contiguous where files are joined. The system delivers to you both the entire file (encoded as one piece), and the segment files (split at the points you chose).

The only user option is the Include Overlap Frame field. This is generally required when the segments will be used for branching in Blu-ray Disc™ authoring. The feature will include one overlap frame at each side of each split point (not including the start of the first segment and end of the last). Refer to your specific delivery specs for directions on whether to use this feature.

7.3.3 Selecting Seamless Branching Points in Dolby TrueHD Files

When the format is Dolby TrueHD, and the destination path defines a location and name for a file to be encoded, the Punch List tab can be used to select locations for seamless branching points in the encoded file. In this instance the text at the top of the tab reads Seamless Branch Points. The encoder automatically encodes the entire file, inserting branch points (restart headers) at the selected points. The system then splits the file into the various segments.

The system delivers both the entire file (in one piece) and the segment files (split at the points you chose).


Using the Preview Player

When Dolby TrueHD is selected as the format and a previously encoded file is selected as the target in the destination path, the Punch List tab is grayed out, as punching in to Dolby TrueHD is not allowed.

7.4 Using the Preview Player

The preview player shown in Figure 7-3 is a useful tool for identifying locations in your encoded file to set punch-in and punch-out points. It also allows you to listen to both the encoded file and the updated source files.

Note: The preview player does not downmix. Only channels assigned to an I/O can be heard. Also note that dialogue level metadata in an encoded file is not applied to the output so that an encoded file and the source files can be compared at the same listening level when preparing for a punch.


Advanced Features

Figure 7-3

Figure 7-3 Preview Player

7.5 Reading and Saving the Log

The encoder automatically creates a log for each job and stores it on the Log tab shown in Figure 7-4. It lists all successful step completions and any error conditions that occur.


Printing Job Editor Information

Figure 7-4

Figure 7-4 Log Tab

7.6 Printing Job Editor Information

You can print out a completed list of all your job information at any time. The Apple® print menu gives you the option to save it as a .pdf file. Page 1 lists all the format and target information, as well as the source files used and the destination path. Page 2 lists all the settings: data rate, metadata, and so on. Page 3 lists the job log.


Advanced Features

7.7 Troubleshooting

7.7.1 Encoding Problems

The first step in troubleshooting an encoding problem is viewing the job’s log. Correct any error conditions noted there and resubmit the job.


Chapter 8

Projects and Jobs

The Dolby® Media Encoder SE uses projects to organize encodes and job information.

Project Definition

A project file contains all the encoding information of all the jobs that were encoded in that project. So, much like you would use a folder to hold and organize related documents on your computer, a project file is used to manage related encoding jobs.

Using a Project

A project can be used many different ways to help you manage your encoding jobs and make it easy to find previously encoded job edits, enabling you to review job logs, encoder settings, and files used, just to name a few.

Here are some common ways you can use projects:

1. Create a project for a particular movie. Then encode all your jobs for that movie in that project. All the job encoding information for that movie is kept together.

2. Create a project file for a particular customer. Then encode all your jobs for that customer in that project. All the job encoding information for that one customer is kept together.

3. Create a project for each day or week in your facility. Then encode all your jobs for that day or week in that project. All the job encoding information for that day or week is kept together.

4. Create a separate project for each user. All the job encoding information for each user is kept separate.

5. Create a separate project for each encode you do. That project file will contain all the information on that one encode.

8.1 Creating a Project

When you start the application, the project information window shown in Figure 8-1 appears.

The first time you use the application, click New Project to open the project information window, and enter information for the new project. The encoder stores information in five fields in the project information window, as shown in Figure 8-1:

• Project Name: Required.• Facility: Optional; allows users to designate the site where the encoding work was

done. Beginning with your second project, the facility is automatically filled with the last value you entered.

• User Log In: Automatically filled in with the current user’s network name.


Projects and Jobs

• Select Job Template: Optional; if you browse to a .djt template file or enter its location here, the system uses that template for each new job you create in that project. Templates are now always stored in a system template location. Clicking the browser button always takes you to that location automatically. Doing this makes templates more user-friendly later on.

• Comments: Optional; allows users to enter information for later reference.Figure 8-1

Figure 8-1 Project Information Window

Save the project once all the desired information has been entered. Click OK to open a standard Save dialog box.

You can save the project .dpp file with any name you choose at any desired location. The file name does not need to match the project name.

Once the project has been saved, the encoder opens the Job View window and a job editor, as shown in Figure 3-2, allowing you to begin the encoding process.

8.2 Changing Project Properties

After a project has been created and saved, you can view and change its properties using the Project Properties... command on the File menu. This command opens the project information window shown in Figure 8-1.

You can edit any of the four properties fields:

• Project Name


Continuing Work on Existing Projects

• Facility • Select Job Template • Comments

Figure 8-2

Figure 8-2 Job List: Project View

8.3 Continuing Work on Existing Projects

You can continue work on existing projects.

In the project information window shown in Figure 3-1, click one of the following commands:

• Open Project: Allows you to browse for a project either locally or on the network. When you locate the project, click Open. The system launches the Project Jobs window shown in Figure 8-2, where you can open an existing job or create a new one.

• Recent Project: Allows you to open the highlighted project on the drop-down list. You may also scroll through the list, click another project to highlight it, and then click Recent Project again.

The system then launches the Project Jobs dialog box, where you can open an existing job or create a new one.

8.4 Job Definition

In this application, a job is the information used to create an encoded file, not the encoded file itself. Job files are kept in the project file in which they were created. A job is created by launching a job editor to select source files, the destination of your encoded file, metadata settings, and much more. When you finish selecting settings for your encoding job, queued for encoding. Once you queue a job, you are free to create a new job or resume work on other encoding jobs while the submitted job is encoded.

Completed jobs can be duplicated to save time when creating a new job with the same settings. Jobs can also be accessed later, so you can review the settings and source files that were used and where the encoded file was stored. You now have the ability to keep detailed records of all the job encoding done in your facility for future reference.


Chapter 9

Application Menus

These sections describe the active Dolby® Media Encoder SE menus:

• Dolby Media Encoder SE Menu • File Menu • Job Menu • Window Menu • Settings Menu

9.1 Dolby Media Encoder SE Menu

The Dolby Encoder SE menu shown in Figure 9-1 contains commands for:

• Obtaining version information about the program • Hiding either the encoder Client windows or all other program windows • Quitting the Dolby Media Encoder SE

Figure 9-1

Figure 9-1 Dolby Media Encoder SE Menu

9.2 File Menu

The File menu shown in Figure 9-2 contains the following commands relating to encoder projects:

• New Project: Starts a new project• Open Project...: Opens a stored project• Open Recent: Opens a project on the system’s recent list• Close: Closes the current project• Save: Saves the current project• Save As...: Saves the current project with a new name


Application Menus

• Project Properties...: Opens the project properties dialog box• Print Job Info...: Opens a standard dialog box, allowing you to print a detailed job

report (equivalent to clicking the Print button on the job editor)Figure 9-2

Figure 9-2 File Menu

9.3 Job Menu

The Job menu contains the following commands relating to jobs:

• New Job...: Opens the job editor dialog box and starts a new job in the current project. • Duplicate Job...: Creates an exact duplicate of the selected job with the suffix _copy.

All fields except the destination are copied. An entry saying Job Duplicate from Xxxxxx is added to the log. This command makes it easy to redo a job that has already been encoded and is therefore locked.

• New Hot Job...: Opens the job editor dialog box and starts a new job in the current project. This job automatically goes to the head of its queue when submitted for encoding.

• Encode: Queues the job; equivalent to clicking the Encode button in the job editorcorrect? dialog box.

• Delete Job...: Removes the selected job; equivalent to clicking the Remove button on the Encoder Queue Jobs dialog box.

• Pause Processing: Pauses processing; equivalent to clicking the Pause button on the Encoder Queue Jobs dialog box.

• Resume Processing: Resumes processing; equivalent to clicking the Pause button on the Encoder Queue Jobs dialog box a second time.

• Remove from Queue: Removes the current job from the server queue; equivalent to clicking the Remove button on the Encoder Queue Jobs dialog box.

• Load Template...: Opens a standard Open dialog box, letting you choose an existing .djt template. Clicking a template creates a new job in the current project using that template’s settings and launches a new job editor dialog box.

• Save as Template...: Opens a standard Save As dialog box, letting you save the current job as a template for future use. A template file has the .djt extension.


Window Menu

• Delete Template...: Opens a standard delete dialog box, allowing you to choose a template to remove.

Figure 9-3

Figure 9-3 Job Menu

9.4 Window Menu

The Window menu shown in Figure 9-4 contains commands that open and close the windows of the encoder client.

Figure 9-4

Figure 9-4 Window Menu

Note: The job-related commands Move Up and Move Down are available only on the Encoder Queue Jobs dialog box.


Application Menus

9.5 Settings Menu

The Settings menu shown in Figure 9-5 contains a speaker configuration command. Figure 9-5

Figure 9-5 Settings Menu


Chapter 10

Reference Information

The reference information contains these sections:

• Dolby Laboratories Contact Information • File Name Conventions That Ensure Automatic File Selection• Dolby Professional Technologies

10.1 Dolby Laboratories Contact Information

Corporate Headquarters–US

415-558-0200

[email protected]

European Headquarters–UK

44-1793-842100

[email protected]

10.2 File Name Conventions That Ensure Automatic File Selection

The system will automatically select source files if the file names follow these rules:

1. All the channel IDs used are listed in the chart at the end of this section. The channel IDs are not case sensitive.

2. The channel ID is separated before and after with either a period or underscore. 3. The file names for the channels are identical except for channel ID. 4. The number of files matches the number of channels selected in the client Channels

tab. 5. The file channel IDs match the channel IDs selected in the client Channels tab. 6. File names do not contain the ampersand (&) character.

The following sections provide four examples of file sets that would be automatically selected.

Caution: File names including the ampersand (&) character cannot be processed by Dolby Media Producer.


mailto:[email protected]?subject=DMP_Encoder-reference

mailto:[email protected]?subject=DMP_Encoder-reference


10.2.1 Example 1

This file set uses a period as the separator.

• ExampleOne.L.wav• ExampleOne.R.wav• ExampleOne.C.wav• ExampleOne.LFE.wav• ExampleOne.Ls.wav• ExampleOne.Rs.wav

10.2.2 Example 2

This file set uses an underscore as the separator.

• ExampleTwo_L.wav• ExampleTwo_R.wav • ExampleTwo_C.wav • ExampleTwo_LFE.wav• ExampleTwo_Ls.wav • ExampleTwo_Rs.wav

10.2.3 Example 3

In this file set, the channel ID is not the last element in the file name. Again, the file set uses a period as the separator.

• ExampleThree.L.ENG.wav• ExampleThree.R.ENG.wav• ExampleThree.C.ENG.wav• ExampleThree.LF.ENG.wav• ExampleThree.LS.ENG.wav• ExampleThree.RS.ENG.wav

10.2.4 Example 4

In this file set, the channel ID again is not the last element in the file name. Again, the file set uses an underscore as the separator.

• ExampleFour_L_ENG.wav• ExampleFour_R_ENG.wav• ExampleFour_C_ENG.wav• ExampleFour_SW_ENG.wav• ExampleFour_LS_ENG.wav• ExampleFour_RS_ENG.wav

10.3 Dolby Professional Technologies

The Dolby® Media Encoder SE supports all the following Dolby audio technologies:

• Dolby Digital • Dolby Digital Plus • Dolby TrueHD


Dolby Digital

• MLP Lossless™ • Dolby Surround Pro Logic® • Dolby Pro Logic II • Dolby Digital EX • Dolby Headphone

10.4 Dolby Digital

In thousands of cinemas and millions of homes worldwide, Dolby Digital is the reigning standard for surround sound technology in general and 5.1-channel surround sound in particular.

Dolby Digital is a highly sophisticated and versatile audio encoding/decoding technology. Dolby Digital technology can transmit mono, stereo (two-channel), or up to 5.1-channel surround sound (discrete multichannel audio).

The superior coding efficiency of Dolby Digital—and its ability to deliver high-quality discrete multichannel audio without compromising video quality—has made it the designated audio standard for DVD worldwide.

Dolby Digital is also the preferred multichannel audio standard for broadcast direct to home satellite and digital cable systems. Nearly 60 million digital cable and satellite set-top boxes are currently in use worldwide, supported by over 30 million audio/video receivers equipped with 5.1-channel Dolby Digital decoding. Virtually every DVD-Video player sold today offers a two-channel downmix of the Dolby Digital 5.1-channel movie soundtrack, as well as a digital output for connection to a 5.1-channel audio/video receiver.

In the film industry, the Dolby Digital soundtrack is optically encoded right on the filmstrip, in the space between the sprocket holes. Placing the soundtrack directly on the film allows it to coexist with the analog track, a cost-effective and simple solution for film distributors and theatre owners. The sprocket hole area has also proven highly resistant to wear and tear, so that a soundtrack encoded in Dolby Digital will remain free of pops and hiss for the useful life of the print.

10.5 Dolby Digital Plus

Dolby Digital Plus is the next-generation audio technology for all high-definition programming and media. It combines the efficiency to meet future broadcast demands with the power and flexibility to realize the full audio potential of the upcoming high-definition experience. Built on Dolby Digital, the multichannel audio standard for DVD and HD broadcasts worldwide, Dolby Digital Plus was designed for the delivery formats of the future, but remains fully compatible with all current A/V receivers. With

Note: The sound information contained in each of the six available channels is distinct and independent. These six channels are described as a 5.1-channel system, because there are five full-bandwidth channels (Left, Right, Center, Left Surround, and Right Surround) with a 3 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range, plus a Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) subwoofer channel devoted to frequencies from 3 to 120 Hz.



Dolby Digital Plus, you get even higher quality audio, more channels, and greater flexibility.

10.5.1 Features

The most notable features of Dolby Digital Plus are:

• Multichannel sound with discrete channel output• Channel and program extensions can carry multichannel audio programs of up to 7.1

channels and support multiple programs in a single encoded bitstream • Outputs a Dolby Digital bitstream for playback on existing Dolby Digital systems • Supports data rates as high as 6 Mbps • Bit-rate performance of up to 1.6 Mbps on Blu-ray Disc™ • Accurately reproduces what the director and producer intended • Interactive mixing and streaming capability in advanced systems • Supported by High-Definition Media Interface™ (HDMI™), the new single-cable

digital connection for high-definition audio and video

10.5.2 Benefits

The most notable benefits of Dolby Digital Plus are:

• Can deliver 7.1 channels and more of enhanced-quality audio at up to 6 Mbps. • Allows multiple languages to be carried in a single bitstream. • Offers audio professionals new creative power and freedom. • Compatible with the millions of home entertainment systems equipped with Dolby

Digital. • No latency or loss of quality in the conversion process. Maintains high quality at more

efficient broadcast bit rates (<320 kbps for 5.1-channel audio). • Selected by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) as the standard for

future broadcast applications; named as an option by the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) Project for satellite and cable TV.

• Selected as an optional audio format for Blu-ray Disc.

Next-generation high-definition disc players are compatible with current A/V receivers. Whether you own an older audio/video (A/V) system equipped with Dolby Digital, or a newer A/V receiver equipped with an HDMI connection or external line-level multichannel inputs, you are ensured a compatible, high-quality playback path.

Dolby Digital Plus can support more than eight audio channels even though the Blu-ray Disc standard currently limits its maximum number of audio channels to eight.

10.6 Dolby TrueHD

Dolby TrueHD is Dolby’s next-generation lossless technology developed for high-definition disc-based media. Dolby TrueHD delivers sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master, unlocking the true high-definition entertainment experience on next-generation discs. When coupled with high-definition video, Dolby TrueHD offers an unprecedented home theater experience that lets you enjoy sound as stunning as the high-definition picture.


MLP Lossless

10.6.1 Features

The most notable features of Dolby TrueHD are:

• One hundred percent lossless coding technology • Supports data rates up to 18 Mbps • Supports more than eight full-range channels of 24-bit/96 kHz audio • Supported by HDMI • Supports extensive metadata, including dialogue normalization and dynamic range

control

Dolby TrueHD can support more than eight audio channels (though Blu-ray Disc standards currently limit the maximum number of audio channels to eight).

10.6.2 Benefits

The most notable benefits of Dolby TrueHD are:

• Delivers studio-master-quality sound that unlocks the true high-definition entertainment experience on next-generation discs.

• Offers more discrete channels than ever before for impeccable surround sound. • Compatible with the audio/video (A/V) receivers and home-theaters-in-a-box (HTIBs)

of today and tomorrow. • Dialogue normalization maintains the same volume level when you change to other

Dolby Digital and Dolby TrueHD programming. • Dynamic range control (Night mode) enables you to customize audio playback to

reduce peak volume levels while experiencing all the details in the soundtrack, enabling late-night viewing of high-energy surround sound without disturbing others.

• Selected as an optional format for Blu-ray Disc.

10.6.3 Compatibility with Current A/V Receivers

Whether you own an older A/V system equipped with Dolby Digital, or a newer A/V receiver equipped with an HDMI connection or external line-level multichannel inputs, you are ensured a compatible, high-quality playback path.

10.7 MLP Lossless

MLP Lossless, licensed by Dolby Laboratories, is the core technology of Advanced Resolution™ multichannel and stereo DVD-Audio. MLP Lossless enables producers to encode up to six channels of 24-bit/96 kHz audio, or two channels of 24-bit/192 kHz audio onto a DVD-Audio disc, resulting in playback that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master. Nothing is lost during the encoding and decoding process.

Widely recognized as the successor to the compact disc, DVD-Audio makes your home audio system sound like a live musical performance. DVD-Audio combines DVD technology with MLP Lossless coding from Dolby Laboratories to give you music with full 5.1-channel surround sound and fidelity that is dramatically better than that of the CD. A DVD-Audio player provides the ultimate listening experience for DVD-Audio discs, but any DVD-Video player can also play DVD-Audio discs.



10.8 Dolby Surround Pro Logic

Dolby Surround is the consumer version of the original Dolby multichannel analog film sound formats (Dolby Stereo and Dolby SR). When a Dolby Surround soundtrack is produced, four channels of audio information—Left, Center, Right, and mono Surround—are matrix encoded onto two audio tracks. These two tracks are then carried on stereo program sources (such as videotapes and TV broadcasts) into the home, where they can be decoded by Dolby Pro Logic to re-create the original four-channel surround sound experience.

A result of Dolby's expertise in matrix surround processing, Dolby Pro Logic was the foundation for multichannel home theater, and was the reference decoder for creating the surround sound audio tracks in thousands of commercially available videocassettes, laser discs, DVDs, and television programs.

With the introduction of the Dolby Digital multichannel film sound format, Dolby Digital has replaced Dolby Surround as the preferred technology to deliver multichannel audio to consumers via DVD-Video, digital television, and games. However, every Dolby Digital decoder also provides a stereo signal compatible with Dolby Pro Logic on its analog outputs. See Dolby Digital for additional details.

10.9 Dolby Pro Logic II

Dolby Pro Logic II technology processes any high-quality stereo (two-channel) audio into five playback channels of full-bandwidth surround sound. A matrix surround decoding technology, Dolby Pro Logic II detects the directional cues that occur naturally in stereo content and uses these elements to create a five-channel surround sound playback experience. It's ideally suited for home theater systems, PCs, game consoles, and multichannel in-car audio systems.

Dolby Pro Logic II is fully compatible with all Dolby Pro Logic technologies. It provides optimal audio for playback in a 5.1-channel home theater system for the thousands of videocassettes and TV programs encoded in four-channel Dolby Surround (the encoding counterpart to Dolby Pro Logic's decoding technology). Dolby Pro Logic II also enables video game consoles to encode five-channel surround sound information into a stereo signal with virtually no impact on the console's CPU, which means all this extra audio won't slow your game down.

Dolby Pro Logic II can bring new life to your CD collection. Play your music through your home theater system, and you'll hear seamless, natural sound with new depth and detail—it's almost like hearing a newly remastered CD.

In addition to enhancing playback, Dolby Pro Logic II can be used to encode TV programming to deliver a surround sound experience for viewers with stereo TV systems.


Dolby Digital Surround EX

Figure 10-1

Figure 10-1 Dolby Pro Logic II Speaker Configuration

10.10 Dolby Digital Surround EX

At the cinema, the Back Surround channel channel information contained in the Dolby Digital Surround EX™ soundtrack is reproduced by speakers that are placed directly behind the audience. This adds a new dimension to the Dolby Digital 5.1 cinematic experience, bringing the action behind you to life. Dolby Digital Surround EX technology creates a fuller, more realistic sound for increased dramatic effect in the theatre.

On the film itself, the additional Back Surround information contained in the Surround EX soundtrack is matrix encoded onto the regular Left and Right Surround channels of conventional Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks. Even if a cinema is not equipped with the extra Surround EX speakers in the rear, the information intended for it will be played through the traditional Left and Right Surround channels.

10.11 Dolby Headphone

Dolby Headphone technology allows users to wear any set of headphones and listen to music, watch movies, or play video games with the dramatic surround effects of a 5.1-channel soundtrack. Headphone listeners can enjoy the spacious, natural soundfield for hours.

10.11.1 Features

The most notable features of Dolby Headphone are:

• Realistic 5.1-channel surround sound from any set of headphones • Processes 24-bit/96 kHz audio, such as DVD-Audio, to produce surround sound

bit-for-bit identical to the studio masters



• Superb surround sound with Dolby Pro Logic II from stereo music and movies

10.11.2 Benefits

The most notable benefits of Dolby Headphone are:

• Enables enjoyment of surround sound without disturbing others • Improves listening comfort and reduces "listener fatigue" • Allows stereo content to be heard as 5.1-channel surround sound (when combined

with Dolby Pro Logic II)


Appendix

Preparing Secondary Audio andAutomation in Pro Tools

Mixing in Digidesign® Pro Tools® for secondary audio is essentially the same as a normal mix. The difference is, instead of exporting a finished audio mix, you will export the mix automation data you create for your primary audio track and embed that data into your Dolby® Digital Plus secondary audio stream. The Blu-ray Disc™ player will mix your secondary audio against any primary track on your disc using this data. This allows for a great saving in data rate and data storage when authoring your Blu-ray Disc. It also allows the secondary track to be delivered via broadband to an Internet-capable player after the disc has been released. Because your secondary audio will be mixed downstream, you must take care to ensure your secondary audio source files and mix automation track will mix as you intended.

It is best if the primary track you plan to mix to is the exact same track that is on your Blu-ray Disc. Ensure that this file has the correct start time, and was not trimmed during authoring. An incorrect start time could result in your mix metadata being offset to your track.

It is best if your secondary audio track is mixed and final before you begin encoding. If you do make changes to your secondary track in the mix session, be sure to export the audio tracks with all your changes to use in the Dolby Media EncoderSE.

If you plan to do a single automation for all tracks, it is best to import your primary track as a multichannel track. This allows you to work with a single automation line. If you are mixing with different levels for different channels, your can use either a multitrack or single tracks. Remember, a single automation track can have up to 50 dB of attenuation, while attenuation is limited to 28 dB if channels are attenuated differently.

Take a moment to read the following important information regarding your secondary audio mix.

A.1 Important Audio Preparation Information

Remember that the secondary audio track you create can be mixed with any primary audio track on a Blu-ray Disc. These primary tracks may have been encoded using any audio codec that supports Blu-ray Disc (as well as linear PCM). In addition these tracks may not necessarily have the same relative level, or may have dialogue level metadata applied.

If the primary audio tracks on your disc have been encoded with a dialogue level value other than –31, you need to compensate for that level scaling in your mix session

Note: It is important that you are aware of all the primary audio sources that will be available on your disc.


Preparing Secondary Audio and Automation in Pro Tools

monitoring to ensure you are hearing a correct balance between your primary and secondary audio. Use one of the following methods:

• If you plan to set the dialogue level value in your secondary audio encode the same as your primary audio was set, this will give you matching levels in your Pro Tools mix session and in the Blu-ray Disc player mixer. No action is required in your Pro Tools mix session. If your primary audio is PCM, a value of –31 in your secondary audio would be the same as matching dialnorm in the secondary audio stream.

• If you plan to set the secondary audio dialogue level to a different value than your primary, you will need to do some scaling of the audio in your mix session for monitoring purposes only.

A.2 Examples

If your primary soundtrack was encoded with a dialogue level value of –27 and your secondary audio will be encoded with a value of –31, the decoder in the Blu-ray Disc player will scale down the primary 4 dB to output the audio at –31. This would in effect make your primary audio 4 dB lower relative to your secondary. To account for this in your mixing session, you will need to scale down your primary audio by 4 dB for monitoring purposes only. This can easily be done in Pro Tools using the trim insert.

Conversely, if your primary soundtrack was encoded with a dialogue level value of –31 and your secondary audio will be encoded with a value of –25, the decoder in the Blu-ray Disc player will scale down the secondary 6 dB to output the audio at –31. This would in effect make your primary audio 6 dB higher relative to your secondary. To account for this in your mixing session, you will need to scale down your secondary audio by 6 dB for monitoring purposes only.

Be sure to remove any scaling in your mix that was applied to account for the application of dialogue level metadata in a player. Do this before exporting your .aaf file or secondary audio source files. This is to ensure that there is no extra attenuation in your exported mix automation data or secondary audio source files.

A.3 Exporting .aaf Files from Pro Tools

Once you have completed your mix, use these steps to properly export an .aaf file from Pro Tools using the DigiTranslator:

1. Select the channels for which you wish to export metadata.2. Click Export on the File menu.3. Select AAF.4. Deselect Enforce Avid Compatibility.5. Deselect Quantization Edits to Frame Boundaries.6. On the export tab of Pro Tools/DigiTranslator, choose Link to Source Media.7. Click Export as AAF.


Index

Addingpunch list entry ................................................... 36

Changing project properties ................................... 44Channels tab.......................................................... 7–10Contact information................................................. 51Continuing project ................................................... 45Creating

project ................................................................... 43

Deletingpunchlist entry .................................................... 38

Destination path ....................................................... 10Do ............................................................................... 16Dolby Digital

description ........................................................... 51Dolby Digital EX....................................................... 56Dolby Digital metadata options ............................. 15Dolby Digital Plus

description ........................................................... 52Dolby Digital Plus metadata options .................... 20Dolby Headphone .................................................... 56Dolby Media Encoder SE Menu............................. 47Dolby Pro Logic II .................................................... 55Dolby Surround Pro Logic

description ........................................................... 54Dolby TrueHD

description ........................................................... 53Dolby TrueHD metadata options .......................... 24Downmix Info tab .................................................... 11Duplicates.................................................................. 34

Encoder setup tab..................................................... 11Encoding

enhanced ........................................................33–42managing queue............................................ 31–32streamlined ...................................................... 5–14

File Menu................................................................... 47Format

choosing ................................................................. 7

iLok ...............................................................................3Installing.................................................................. 3–4

Jobchoosing format .....................................................7choosing target .......................................................7destination path ...................................................10duplicate................................................................34entering description information ......................12log...........................................................................40move down...........................................................32move up ................................................................32pause......................................................................32printing information............................................41queuing .................................................................13remove...................................................................32resume ...................................................................32selecting settings ....................................................5template.................................................................34

Job editor ......................................................................6Job menu.....................................................................48

Log...............................................................................40

M-Audio I/O ..............................................................30Metadata

Dolby Digital options..........................................15Dolby Digital Plus options .................................20Dolby TrueHD options .......................................24MLP options .........................................................28

MLP metadata options .............................................28MOTU I/O ..................................................................30Move down ................................................................32Move up .....................................................................32

Overview......................................................................1

Pause ...........................................................................32Preprocessing tab ......................................................11Presentations..............................................................25Preview player.................................................... 29, 39Printing job information ..........................................41Professional technology descriptions ............. 51–56Project

changing properties.............................................44continuing.............................................................45existing ..................................................................45

Project information window ...................................44Project opening window............................................5Punch list....................................................................35

adding ...................................................................36deleting..................................................................38


Index

Reference information .......................................51–56Remove ...................................................................... 32Resume....................................................................... 32

Saving log .................................................................. 40Setting Up............................................................ 29–30Settings menu ........................................................... 50Smart Key, see iLokSpeaker configuration.............................................. 29

Tabdownmix info ...................................................... 11encoder setup ...................................................... 11preprocessing ...................................................... 11timecode ............................................................... 12

Target ........................................................................... 7Template .................................................................... 34Timecode tab............................................................. 12Troubleshooting ....................................................... 42TrueHD features....................................................... 24

Window menu .......................................................... 49


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