Table of Contents
Advertisement
1-32
INTRODUCTION
Loudness
Choosing your Encoder
Shipping Instructions
You can expect a significant increase in loudness from OPTIMOD-PC processing by
comparison to most unprocessed audio.
An exception is recently mastered CDs, which may have already been ag-
gressively processed for loudness when they were mastered.
In radio broadcasting, it is generally believed that loudness relative to other stations
attracts an audience that perceives the station as being more powerful than its com-
petition. We expect that the same subliminal psychology will also hold true in net-
casting.
The state of the art in encoder technology is changing rapidly. At this writing, the
best audio encoder technology available is Coding Technologies AAC/aacPlus v2
(MPEG-4 Enhanced HE-AAC). Orban is the first provider of this technology for
streaming audio applications with OPTICODEC-PC. OPTICODEC-PC can provide enter-
tainment-quality stereo streams at 32 kbps. At 48 kbps, many listeners prefer the
sound to that of FM.
OPTICODEC-PC PE is designed to work exclusively with OPTIMOD-PC to form an
overall audio processing / coding chain with the highest audio quality possible for a
given bitrate. These two components are also available from Orban as part of a
turnkey system called OPTICODEC-PC Encoder, which includes a rack mount Win-
dows XP computer with both components pre-installed and pre-configured.
www.orban.com
has more information.
Files encoded with OPTICODEC-PC can be experienced through RealPlayer® 10 (or
higher), QuickTime 6.5 (or higher), or Winamp 5.05 (or higher) as well as Apple
iTunes and iPods® and all other AAC/aacPlus-enabled 3GPP cellular devices.
OPTICODEC-PC FE is ideal for podcasters and can even encode ringtones, which are
now an important new source of revenue for production houses.
Be aware that different encoders are optimized for different bitrates, and you
should match your encoder to your potential audience. An encoder appropriate for
a dial-up rate of 20kb/sec may not be optimum for ISDN, DSL, or E-1/T-1 rates. This
makes it necessary to use more than one algorithm to optimally serve audiences
with these disparate connection speeds.
MPEG-1 Layer 3 has become a de-facto standard for distribution of non-streaming,
high fidelity audio on the Internet, although aacPlus, as used in OPTICODEC-PC, is
far more efficient. OPTIMOD-PC is well matched to MP3 and can effectively pre-
process audio intended for MP3 playback. Choose an MP3 encoder wisely, as not all
MP3 encoders are created equal and provide different levels of quality.
Use the original packing material if it is available. Place the card in a conductive
plastic bag to protect it from static damage, then pack it in the carton with at least 1
ORBAN MODEL 1101
Advertisement
Table of Contents
