The Dolby® MS10 Multistream Decoder can decode all premium broadcast audio formats for TVs and set-top boxes, including Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pulse, Dolby Digital, HE AAC, and all AAC bitstreams.

Televisions and set-top boxes are rapidly evolving into multipurpose digital media platforms for the home. They will enable viewers to receive content not only from traditional broadcast and operator sources, but from the Internet, USB devices, game consoles, and PCs—for example, downloaded movies, television programs, or music files.

This array of source content uses a corresponding array of audio codecs, posing a challenge for consumer equipment and chip manufacturers that want to implement these codecs to match traditional broadcast and new usage models.

The Dolby MS10 Multistream Decoder provides a cost-effective solution, decoding all the audio formats required to match broadcast standards worldwide. In addition, Dolby simplifies implementation by providing all the necessary deliverables, technical support, and testing.

The Dolby MS10 Multistream Decoder will decode Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pulse, Dolby Digital, HE AAC, and all AAC bitstreams. For compatibility with the worldwide base of existing home theater systems, it enables the decoded audio streams to be transcoded into a Dolby Digital audio output bitstream for multichannel surround, stereo, and mono sound.

The Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Pulse formats all provide full Dolby metadata support to ensure consistent audio delivery from content creation to consumer playback. All of these input signals for the main audio can also be passed through directly for output over HDMI™ and S/PDIF interfaces.

Incoming signals for associated audio services, such as audio description services for the visually impaired, are not passed through the system but are instead decoded and sent to the mixing engine to support the "receiver-mix" audio description, using two simultaneous instances of Dolby Pulse, Dolby Digital, or Dolby Digital Plus decoders, respectively (within a single decoder instance). In this situation, an isolated mono signal containing the commentary track is provided as a separate bitstream along with the main soundtrack. A suitable broadcast receiver can then perform the mixing of the main soundtrack with the commentary track within the decoder itself.

Simultaneously, the MS10 Multistream Decoder always creates a decoded two-channel downmix, from any of the multichannel inputs, that feeds the stereo output. There is no need for content creators, broadcasters, or operators to create a separate stereo mix.

For maximum compatibility with the installed base of home theater systems worldwide and for connectivity over S/PDIF interfaces, an integrated multichannel Dolby Digital transcoder outputs a standard Dolby Digital bitstream (up to 5.1 channels).

The Dolby MS10 Multistream Decoder provides IC and consumer broadcast product manufacturers with a single-license, universal decoder that reduces the complexity and the cost of integrating audio technologies in new receivers. It also simplifies product development and testing.

Why Dolby

A universal solution for TV, STB, and IC chip manufacturers. The Dolby MS10 Multistream Decoder decodes Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pulse, Dolby Digital, HE AAC, and AAC codecs.

Easier implementation. Dolby supplies all the deliverables, testing, and technical support.

Lower cost than separate licenses for existing Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pulse, and transcoder options. The Dolby MS10 Multistream Decoder provides a single-license solution.

Compatible with existing home theater systems with all transmission formats. The Dolby MS10 Multistream Decoder provides a Dolby Digital output for worldwide home-theater compatibility.

Support for audio description services delivered receiver-mix style, using two simultaneous decoders. Broadcasters can transmit a single mix (consisting of the main soundtrack along with a mono commentary track) rather than multiple mixes for audio descriptive services, such as those for the visually impaired.

Automatic creation of simultaneous stereo downmix. Broadcasters do not have to create a separate stereo signal.

Dolby metadata support. Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Pulse technologies all support full Dolby metadata to ensure consistent audio delivery from content creation to the consumer device.