AN OPEN MODEL FOR AUDIO ELEMENTARY STREAM ENCODING IN A DTV DISTRIBUTION CHAIN

This paper addresses issues of audio distribution for modern digital t elevision (DTV) systems focusing on digital broadcast systems. In part icular a model is described for handling audio and video elementary st reams in existing distribution networks. The model supports new system architectures that allow audio and video coding to take place at many points in the distribution chain. It covers both physical and logical interface formats, synchronization with associated video signals, and carriage of metadata associated with the audio. The model also demons trates that many audio features of new digital delivery formats can be exploited by existing broadcast systems with minimal additional equip ment investment. It makes use of existing AES and SMPTE standards; how ever, new standards and recommended practices to support the open mode l may be desired by the industry. Specific recommendations are discuss ed. In addition, examples of systems applying the model to DTV broadca st facilities are described, including examples of products that imple ment the audio coding function using the model.