Introducing DB2

Consistency in loudness plus sync of audio to picture are the two most important issues to get right in today's broadcast. They are also some of the reasons why TC Electronic’s DB range of high def audio processors has set the standard amongst broadcasters the world over.

DB2 puts all of the tools necessary for trouble-free broadcasting into one rack-mountable unit, and adds to a scalable family of processors covering from regional stations to network centers, from Pod-cast to HDTV, from AC3 to linear, and from mono to 5.1.

DB2 is a new smaller brother of DB4 and DB8, and is the perfect choice for dual mono or stereo operation in MPEG, AAC, AC3 or linear audio transmission and linking. Performance is similar to its bigger siblings, and is also preset compatible across the range. Like the rest of the DB family, DB2 offers high-quality loudness correction without metadata dependence and is compatible with the latest ITU and EBU audio standards.

DTV Step by Step

With the launch of DB2, TC Electronic also introduces a new commitment to buyers of any DB processor: Within two years of the original purchase, users may upgrade DB2 to DB4 or DB8, and DB4 to DB8, at only the price difference plus a modest handling cost.

Because, let's face it: Nobody knows if your audience will prefer stereo, multiple stereo, multichannel, or something else, so why not stay as flexible and as automated as possible at a minimum entry cost, yet retaining a valuable option to upgrade.

The Transparent Loop

TC Electronic is the world’s premier supplier of automatic loudness correction equipment, and has developed a high audio quality loudness range trickle-down concept that works independently of metadata, but nevertheless is fully compliant with metadata in, for instance, the AC3 codec. DB processors not only automate loudness control in a proper way, they also help take the extra workload and unpredictable behavior out of the codec.

Applied in ingest and/or transmission, DB processors are part of a transparent loop, based on open EBU and ITU standards, spanning from production over transmission to delivery at the home. Production can use metering of any brand compliant with these standards, including TC Electronic's LM5D radar meter, and obtain predictable results across broadcast platforms. News, soap, commercial, film, music, promo. All genres covered.

The Tools

DB-2 offers broadcasters a wide variety of connection options to ensure simple yet comprehensive integration into all of the most popular broadcasting systems. DB-2 can also be controlled remotely with TC’s award-winning Icon software, allowing direct parameter control and preset switching from any location.

Based on an immensely powerful, low latency topology, DB-2 offers a host of 48 bit resolution tools to be invoked simultaneously:

Loudness correction as per ITU-R BS.1770
5-band Level Optimization
On-line Delay adjustment
Adaptive Limiting
Emphasis Compensation
Filtering and Eq
Stereo Width Adjustment

The Connections

Audio I/O include 24 bit AES3-id on BNC connectors and balanced analog on XLR connectors with analog domain gain scaling. Digital as well as analog I/O feature hardware bypass.

Remote control may be established via RS232, USB and/or GPI; and SNMP signaling is available via the Icon application.

Welcome to HD Support

As an owner of a TC Electronic HD product, you are entitled to receive HD Support at all times. No matter where you are based, you can always contact our dedicated support team. Don't hesitate to get in touch
Read more

Latest

Meet us at IBC 2012

Check how high the bar is set in loudness metering and processing. Visit us at this year's IBC. We are proud to display a wide range of loudness meters that are fully compliant with all of the major international broadcast standards such as EBU R128, ATSC A/85 and ITU-R BS.1770-2.

Where to buy

Click here to find a TC Electronic dealer near you

Software

More Power to The P2

Acclaimed P2 loudness correction and optimization processor is upgraded to include ITU-R BS.1770-2, EBU R128, ATSC A/85 and TR-B32 based signal handling.

Userstory

J. Mark King

J. Mark King, broadcast mixer for the recent star-studded Annual Academy of Country Music Awards from the MGM Grand on Sunday May 18, depended upon a TC Electronic DB-8 Television Processor to automatically upmix his two-channel stereo music mixes into full 5.1-channel surround sound.