Final Audio Levels

MichaelS wrote on 3/21/2005, 7:22 PM

Following a discussion with several editors recently, I've come to question "what is the recommended audio level (peak) for DVD's." One of my cable TV commercial users requires peaks not to exceed -10 db on DV tape. I'm not really sure why. Using light compression and limiting, I've always peaked my audio at close to 0 db, with average levels in the -6 to -10 area. I'm speaking of audio such as a live event, play or other instance where a moderate amount of dynamic range exists.

Are there definitive level suggestions or is this another "matter of taste."

Smiles

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 3/21/2005, 7:30 PM

might help you out just a little. It's not a "taste" thing.
I'm surprised they'll take -10dB. The ATSC standard is -20dB =0dBVU. But, there is also a little padding in there. But not -10dB worth.
If you are printing to digital, then -3dB is fine. But if you're printing to analog, you need to pad it down.

Coursedesign wrote on 3/21/2005, 7:30 PM

For DVDs, this is an encoding issue also. Search this forum for AC-3 and DVDs, there was a really good thread last year on this. The requirements are quite specific.