Linear Acoustic Unveils New AMAS Model

Lancaster, Penn.-based Linear Acoustic has unveiled the Model LA-5170 Audio Metadata Analysis System (AMAS), a new system that simplifies the monitoring of essential audio metadata parameters within digital signals being carried between network centers and delivered to consumer playback systems.

"For the first time, the new Model LA-5170 Audio Metadata Analysis System provides a clear 'Go/No-go' indication of metadata parameters and, through logging, allows unattended checking of entire programs," said Tim Carroll, president of Linear Acoustic.

Audio Metadata--also known as Dolby Metadata--has the capability of managing critical aspects of audio for digital television and DVD uses. The company said when used correctly, metadata can help guide reproduction of audio to match the producer's original intent. Information is also provided for distribution-audio coding systems such as Dolby E. The LA-5170 compares incoming Dolby E frame position to the video reference input and displays the result.

A custom Windows-compatible application that connects to AMAS over Ethernet via TCP/IP provides extensive display of metadata, Dolby E guard band, video reference and linear timecode (LTC) parameters. Red, amber and green indicators highlight individual errors, while a summary alarm alerts operators to problems that require closer inspection. A log file is created that shows errors time stamped with current PC time and incoming LTC time.

The new Model LA-5170 occupies 1 RU of space, and weighs six pounds.