DOLBY Encoder/Decoder

[soundasylum]

Doing 13 episodes that will be shown on network TV. First forray into surround. I have a Pro Control for monitoring 5.1. Can I get away with monitoring through Pro Control and encoding dolby digital to the Sony HDcam VTR WITHOUT hearing the decoded mix? Basically, I'm trying to avoid paying an extra $5k for the decoder.

Any experience would be appreciated before I spend the dough.

I assume I need the hardware for this...not plug-ins. Right?

Thanks!

[The Chinese]

Originally posted by soundasylum:
Doing 13 episodes that will be shown on network TV. First forray into surround. I have a Pro Control for monitoring 5.1. Can I get away with monitoring through Pro Control and encoding dolby digital to the Sony HDcam VTR WITHOUT hearing the decoded mix? Basically, I'm trying to avoid paying an extra $5k for the decoder.

Any experience would be appreciated before I spend the dough.

I assume I need the hardware for this...not plug-ins. Right?

Thanks!

soundasylum-
I think you may be mistaking Dolby Digital for Dolby Pro-Logic....or Mistaking Dolby Digital for Dolby E. Dolby Digital (AC3) would be odd for network TV unless accompanied by a Dolby Pro-Logic LtRt (4-2-4 Matrix). for Broadcast delivery for satellite, a Dolby E stream would be more common than a Dolby Digital on the HDCAM. I am going to guess that you need to create a Dolby Pro-Logic Mix, and you CAN use the software to Encode/Decode the Matrix. You do NOT want to bypass the monitoring of your mix in ANY circumstance-a Prologic will rarely decode exactly as you are mixing for the discreet stems. In fact, you should definitely Mix through the encoder/decoder chain, or you run a sifgnificant risk of getting burned.
If your client is indeed asking for Dolby Digital, You MUST decode the stream off tape without fail, as AC3 is very touchy when recorded. Also, the HDCAM Must be in "DATA" mode!
However, make sure that your client isn't spec'ing a Dolby E stream, which is again different than an AC3 stream (It's a LOT more resilient).
Bottom line is, don't skip the decode step-It is crucial!!! rent a dolby 562 if you have to.
good Luck-
-Todd A.

[soundasylum]

Thanks for your help. Since this show is shown in HDTV with 5.1 surround sound, they are asking for DOLBY DIGITAL on pair 1 of the HDCAM tape. Then they "accept" DOLBY E on pair 2. The spec sheet says that can't do anything with it yet, however we can supply it.

Am I correct in assuming Dolby Pro Logic LT-RT is not a 5.1 mix?

Also you said it would be strange for a network to air Dolby Digital without a Dolby Prologic LT-RT as well. Have you had experience with this yourself?

I'm guessing I'm going to have to spend $5K for the DP569 encoder and another $3500 for the DP562 decoder.


Most of the Pro Audio suppliers I've spoken with don't have a clue about this stuff. Can you suggest any good shop. I'm in FL.

I appreciate your help and the advice anyone else in the DUC may have.

Thanks guys!!

[TVPostSound]

DOLBY