Program Loudness and Loudness Management

Kenneth Hunold

Television programs are typically delivered without a specification for loudness. As a result, the loudness of television programs can vary significantly. Some broadcast networks have asked for programs to be delivered at a specified loudness. Have program producers been meeting the delivery specification? For programs delivered where loudness has not been specified, how much does loudness vary program-to-program? Approximately 80 prime-time television programs were recorded for analysis to determine their loudness. Loudness was measured using the ITU-R BS.17701 standard. The analysis will show how consistent loudness is for a network. For networks that specify a target loudness, the analysis will show how well the target is being met.

Published
2009-10
Content type
Original Research
DOI
10.5594/M001301
ISBN
978-1-61482-943-0