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Introducing Dolby Pulse
Dolby proudly introduces Dolby® Pulse, the latest version of optimized HE AAC coding. Dolby Pulse provides a solution for bandwidth-critical applications such as digital cable and satellite broadcasting, HDTV, IPTV, mobile phones, portable media players, and online entertainment.
Dolby Pulse sets a new benchmark for HE AAC and open standard-based audio codecs. It is a complete system combining the advanced bit-rate efficiencies of HE AAC with the features, consistency, and compatibility expected from Dolby solutions.
Since our acquisition of Coding Technologies, a leading contributor to the HE AAC coding standard (via the company's aacPlus audio coding solution), Dolby has been working hard to further optimize HE AAC. HE AAC is part of the MPEG-4 standard and is ideal for bandwidth-constrained applications as it offers high-quality stereo or multichannel sound at low bit rates.
What Sets Dolby Pulse Apart from MPEG-4 HE AAC?
One of the main differences between Dolby Pulse and standard MPEG-4 HE AAC is support for audio metadata; Dolby Pulse supports the same metadata parameters (such as dialogue level, dynamic range control, and intelligent downmixing) that broadcasters have come to trust with Dolby Digital and Dolby E.
- Fully supported by upstream Dolby products
- Compatible with technologies used throughout the broadcast transmission path, including Dolby E, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus
- Fully compatible with existing AAC and HE AAC bitstreams and implementations
- Consistent playback ensured on the install base of home entertainment systems worldwide
Dolby Pulse for Broadcast Applications
Dolby Pulse provides optimized HE AAC with a comprehensive solution set for the varying requirements of broadcasters and operators worldwide.
In broadcast applications, Dolby Pulse complements Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus solutions for next-generation applications where bandwidth efficiency is critical. It provides the capability to broadcast stereo and 5.1-channel audio at the lowest bandwidth rates while maintaining high-quality audio (with recommended bit rates as low as 48 kbps for stereo and 160 kbps for 5.1-channel audio). Because it includes downmixing metadata, Dolby Pulse is the HE AAC solution that eliminates the need for a stereo simulcast with a 5.1-channel broadcast, further reducing bandwidth.
European industry groups such as DVB, EBU, EICTA, and a number of national HDTV specification forums have highlighted HE AAC, as well as Dolby Digital Plus, for next-generation transmissions. The EBU Project Group D/MAE concluded that the two coding formats are the best candidates for broadcasting HDTV audio services via satellite, cable, terrestrial, and IPTV networks.
When Will Dolby Pulse Be Available?
In 2009, Dolby will introduce new encoding, decoding, and transcoding platforms offering integrated solutions that include support for Dolby Pulse and Dolby Digital Plus and provide all the benefits of the Dolby brand for any next-generation broadcast system. These new platforms will offer flexible data rates, seamless metadata support, compatibility with the install base of home entertainment systems worldwide, and Dolby's unrivaled quality assurance and customer support programs.
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Find out more about Dolby Pulse and the valuable features it provides for broadcasters and consumers. |
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Contact us to discuss Dolby Pulse and how it can help you deliver engaging and immersing entertainment to your audience whatever the platform. |
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