The Advanced Television Systems Committee has revised AC-3, its digital audio standard, adding enhancements that will provide improved performance and flexibility. Enhanced AC-3 offers new coding tools and new features that allow operation over a wider range of bit-rates and a greater number of channels. E-AC-3 also can be converted into AC-3 for playback compatibility on existing consumer A/V decoders.

"Enhanced AC-3 provides the industry with expanded audio capabilities that can be used for broadcast, cable, satellite, DVD and other applications," said ATSC President, Mark Richer.

ATSC first standardized the AC-3 digital audio system in November 1994. Dolby Laboratories submitted enhanced AC-3 to the ATSC for consideration in response to a Request for Information published in December 2002.

The new E-AC-3 Standard (A52B) and other ATSC standards and recommended practices are available at www.atsc.org/standards.html.