DOLBY E FAQ

...need some E?

What is Dolby E?

Dolby E is an audio file format that allows 5.1 surround sound (6 tracks) of digital audio to be encoded on to the 2 digital [data] tracks of video media (video file or tape based).

Can Dolby E be used on SD material?

Yes, Dolby E encoded audio can be striped to both SD and HD digital video formats.

What happens with current mono or stereo audio?

The current digital or analogue mono or stereo mixes are recorded on tracks 1 and 2 of the video media. Tracks 3 and 4 (or as specified by the broadcaster) will record the 5.1 surround Dolby E encoded mix.

Can stereo mixes be monitored in surround?

Yes. With the Dolby 600Z unit we’ve installed any stereo mix can be automatically ‘up-mixed’ to a 5.1 surround mix and then Dolby E encoded for broadcast.

How does the consumer listen to this 5.1 surround sound at home?

Currently, only DStv is broadcasting 5.1 surround sound in South Africa, and only on selected channels. Firstly you need either DStv’s new HD decoder or one of the SD decoders that offer a digital audio output. You need to connect the digital audio output of the decoder to the digital audio input of your home theatre surround sound processor (same as DVD a connection). The DStv decoder will then automatically decode and send the 5.1 surround sound to the surround system when the 5.1 digital signal is broadcast and just the mono or stereo signal when it’s not.

What DStv channels broadcast 5.1 surround sound?

Currently only MNet’s Movie Magic 1 & 2 and MNet’s HD channels (incl. Supersport) are broadcasting Dolby 5.1 surround sound.

What else does the Dolby DP600Z unit offer?

The DP600Z installed at Cut & Paste Generation offers faster than real time processing of audio files to create not only Dolby E but also Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital AC3, Dolby Digital AC3 Plus, PCM, mpeg 2, and mpeg 4 audio files. It is a file based system and as such, audio mix files (size dependent) can be remotely uploaded from clients, processed and returned via the internet for final re-stripe.

Alun Richards

& the Cut & Paste Team.

Tel(1): +27(11) 361 3020 • Tel(2) +27(11) 361 3000

email: cutpaste@global.co.za

website: www.cutpastestudios.com

T +27(11) 361 3020 • F +27(11) 361 0200