What about Dolby Certification for Television work?

[Bill@AudioVision]

I know there is a sticky related theatrical work, but I was wondering if Dolby has any specific certification for 5.1 mixing for Television or DVD releases? Dolby E and AC-3 specifically. They have tons of online documents to pour over, but I didn't seem to see anything similar to the film work certification.
Also, does anyone have knowledge of dts? Do they certify rooms like Dolby?
Thanks all,
Bill

[dr.sound]

Bill,
No, you don't need a Dolby certification for TV. Dolby is for Theatrical only.
DTS is mainly Home Theaters software sales. They aren't active in the reviewing of mix rooms. TV producers don't care. They'll ask if you can mix in 5.1 and listen to your examples but a certification isn't ever asked for.Either they like you and your room or they don't.

[musikwerks]

I would also think that a Dolby certification for mixing would require some sort of Dolby certification on the playback end. Pretty sure most people's tv rooms aren't in that league!

[jimlongo]

There's no certification, but if you own the hardware or software (Surround Tools, AC3 encoders, Dolby E processors, etc.,) that confers upon you a license to issue such end product and use the Dolby name and images in credits and packaging.

However the producer needs to fill out a form to get the proper artwork and releases.
Dolby - Dolby Online Form to Use the Dolby logo for Games, Videos and Recordings or Request a Dolby Trailer

[Bill@AudioVision]

Great! Thanks for the info, guys.

[mintmix]

Originally Posted by Bill@AudioVision

Also, does anyone have knowledge of dts? Do they certify rooms like Dolby?
Thanks all,
Bill

This is a little off topic but I got an email from DTS the other day.

In addition to below I believe they said they would come in and do the Printmaster in your room (just like Dolby does) I have yet to find out if they have certain criteria regarding room specs that differ from Dolby's...

here is what they sent me:

"DTS Digital Cinema is entering the new year with a renewed focus on premiere-quality digital soundtracks for 35mm film, as well as supporting the emerging Digital Cinema market.

Part of our goal for this year is to reach out to the independent film market. To that we end we have a series of special deals that we will be promoting.

We would like to come in and speak with you about this and we will be contacting you shortly to set up a time.

In the meantime, we would like to point out a few advantages of utilizing DTS Digital Sound® on your clients’ films.

Firstly, we wanted to make you aware that we are offering all independent films the opportunity to include DTS timecode on their optical soundtrack negative free of charge. This is obviously a huge advantage as this will give the film maker the advantage of adding a DTS soundtrack at a later date. The major Hollywood studios all release with DTS soundtracks, so having the timecode already included on the soundtrack negatives is advantageous when making a sale to a distributor.


Secondly DTS is offering discounted rates for low budget films. Many filmmakers assume they cannot afford DTS Digital Sound®: we want to spread the word that this is not so!

Even for low budget films, there are compelling reasons to include a DTS soundtrack, including:
· Audio fidelity as close as possible to the studio masters: let the audience hear what the director heard on the mixing stage!
· No degradation in sound quality, even after repeated screenings of the 35mm film
· Inclusion of a premium sound format that is a worldwide standard on big-budget studio productions

We are committed to bringing studio sound to the independent film and hope that we can meet up with you to discuss this in the near future."

[Jfriah]

Originally Posted by jimlongo

There's no certification, but if you own the hardware or software (Surround Tools, AC3 encoders, Dolby E processors, etc.,) that confers upon you a license to issue such end product and use the Dolby name and images in credits and packaging.

However the producer needs to fill out a form to get the proper artwork and releases.
Dolby - Dolby Online Form to Use the Dolby logo for Games, Videos and Recordings or Request a Dolby Trailer

Jim- Really? They're okay with credit and logo usage that 'easily' in a non-theatrical?

-Jeff (who still chuckles from time to time because of changing his computer startup tone to something a little more "the audience is listening"-ish)

[jimlongo]

Jim- Really? They're okay with credit and logo usage that 'easily' in a non-theatrical?

Yes, as long as it was produced with their software or hardware. You fill in the form, they send you some paperwork.

They just want you to register the title with them. You fill in the form, they give you the permission to use the logo. Last time a client did this, they sent the artwork and have guidelines as to size, positioning, color, etc.,

[Leon EA]

DTS for non theatrical releases is very easy. Just get the encoding software (DTS, Neyrinck) and off you go. Blu Ray, DVD and CD releases should be registered on their website but this is just for public listing, not for a license.