Linear Acoustic e2 System Supports the 2009 Oscars

Linear Acoustic e2 (e-squared) multichannel audio and metadata distribution system was selected to help broadcast the 81st Academy Awards ceremony this year. The 5.1 channel surround sound telecast aired live from Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre, Feb. 22.

The e2 was one of the multichannel audio paths used for distributing the program for broadcast. The e2 format is implemented in Linear Acoustic StreamStacker-HD hardware, which creates a bitstream capable of carrying up to 16 audio channels plus audio metadata over a single AES connection. Its format is scalable, supports all video rates without conversion and can be edited or switched like a standard AES signal.

“Having great 5.1 surround sound accompany HD pictures is a necessity with an event of this magnitude,” said Tad Scripter, engineer in charge for the 81st Academy Awards. “This is one of the most watched broadcasts in the world, with entertainment moments that are preserved for history, so audio quality and reliability was critical for us.”