AudioTools Server

AudioTools Server is an enterprise–level software platform providing seamless, end–to–end audio processing capabilities for broadcast and post-production facilities.

Use Cases

AudioTools Server provides comprehensive solutions for use-cases such as Loudness Control, Dolby E Automation, Audio Quality Control, Metadata Quality Control, Channel Management, Upmixing, Downmixing, Audio Program Management, Watermarking, and Frame Rate Conversion among others. AudioTools Server may be configured in a simple, single-machine environment or in a multi-node, load-balanced environment.

Server Core

The core module is AudioTools Server. The Server runs as a Windows Service, deployed on a Microsoft Windows PC. Supported versions of Windows include Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2003 R2, and Windows 7. AudioTools Server performs media handling and audio processing according to the processing modules and parameters specified in the Job or Workflow XML. The Server executes Jobs and Workflows, and communicates Job and Workflow Status to any clients polling the Server.

Jobs

AudioTools Jobs are specified in XML and define units of work. A job defines one or more assets to work on, as well as one or more processing modules to apply to those assets. The Job XML specifies all processing parameters such as Loudness Control parameters or Dolby E Encoding metadata.

Workflows

AudioTools Workflows are also specified in XML and can execute any number of Jobs against an asset. Workflows enable conditional, exceptional, parallel, and iterative processing of audio content, as well as Load Balancing across multiple nodes. Workflows provide a simple programming syntax for controlling Jobs, parsing Job results, setting Job parameters, and controlling high-level workflows. See Workflow Control Module for more details.

Client Applications

Clients submit Jobs or Workflows to the Server and monitor Job/Workflow Status via a well-documented SOAP interface. AudioTools Server ships with two clients: AudioTools Queue Control and AudioTools Job Wizard. Custom Client Applications may be developed in any SOAP-enabled language, and may be deployed on any operating system capable of making SOAP calls. Third-party applications may communicate with AudioTools Server via a well-defined SOAP interface. Third-party applications may control all AudioTools Server operations or a subset of operations. Third-party applications may be deployed on any platform supporting SOAP calls, including but not limited to Windows, Linux, and MacOS. The optional AudioTools Web Services Interface provides easy third-party integration. .NET sample code is provided.

Watch Folders

Watch Folders are supported for all operations. Watch Folders can act on Assets dropped into the Watch Folder, or Job/Worfklow XML files dropped into the Watch Folder. The latter approach supports Watch Folder operation without requiring full asset copying to the Watch Folder.

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Processing Modules

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General Specs

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AudioTools Server Web Services

The optional Web Services API provides a SOAP/XML interface to AudioTools Server. The Server provides interfaces to Job and Workflow management. The Web Services Interface adheres to the SOAP 1.1 standard and provides the following services:

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AudioTools Dolby E WavFileAnalyzer

The optional AudioTools Dolby E WavFileAnalyzer module performs QC analysis and correction of Dolby E files. The results of the processing are formatted as an XML element within the job file, which can be retrieved from the system. Those results include a summary section as well as details classified as Errors, Warnings, and Information.

The module may be optionally configured to correct Dolby E guard band and preamble alignment throughout the Dolby E stream as specified by SMPTE 337M. Source files for non–SMPTE 337M analyses can also be linear PCM, in either WAV or Broadcast WAV (BWF) format, without Dolby E essence.

You may specify “analyze” or “align”. If you are analyzing, no output file is generated. If you specify alignment, the source asset is analyzed and aligned, and a new output file is generated. If the Operation element is missing, the operation defaults to analyze.

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AudioTools Metadata Verifier

The optional AudioTools Dolby E Metadata Verifier module decodes and checks the consistency of Dolby E metadata.

• Decoding of metadata is performed for each frame of the Dolby E stream and for each program within the stream. Metadata is checked for consistency across all frames.
• The results of the processing are formatted as an XML element within the job file. The results include the Dolby E metadata and program metadata of the first frame of the stream and identify any changes to the metadata that occur in subsequent frames of the stream.
• Results describe which metadata element has changed and the value before and after the change.
• A Metadata Verifier Log file can be specified which would contain the complete set of Dolby E metadata for every metadata change within the file.
• Module Input:
• Dolby E Data
• Module Output:
• Analysis Summary within the Job XML returned via web services.
• Detailed Analysis Results including Per Frame Metadata Changes In an external Log File.

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AudioTools Loudness Measurement

The optional AudioTools Loudness Measurement module provides a comprehensive loudness measurement toolkit supporting current and forthcoming international standards.

The Loudness Measurement module provides the following measurement types:

The Loudness Measurement module provides a reference implementation of the following standards:

Measurement results are provided in two ways:

• Measurement summaries are available in the Job Status XML returned to any client. This provides overall, or “infinite”, measurement results for the entire program within an asset.
• Periodic measurements along with the measurement summaries are provided in a separate log file on a momentary basis. By default, measurements are reported every second throughout an asset. The reporting period can be customized for more granular data to drive dynamic graphing displays, for example.

Measurements can be performed independently on any number of programs within a single asset via Program Configuration specifications in the Job XML. This means that, in a container file which contains 8 x 2 independent audio programs for example, each program is measured and reported independently in one pass.

Measurement results can be used by the AudioTools Workflow Control module or third-party applications to not only program Loudness Adjustment properly, but also conditionally process assets if they are already within specification, or properly categorize assets according to custom loudness specifications.

Accelerated True Peak™ provides optimized True Peak Measurement. True Peak measurement is very CPU-intensive due to the required oversampling. AudioTools Server features Accelerated True Peak measurement which only employs the True Peak algorithm when necessary as defined by a Sample Peak Threshold. This results in a 50-90% increase in processing time, depending on the dynamic range and maximum amplitude of the material.

Module Output:

• Measurement Summary within the Job XML returned via web services.
• Detailed Results Log File including momentary measurements and summary.

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AudioTools Loudness Adjustment

The optional AudioTools Loudness Adjustment module provides a comprehensive loudness adjustment toolkit supporting current and forthcoming international standards.

The Loudness Adjustment module provides the following types of Loudness Adjustment:

• Programme Loudness Normalization (EBU)
• Program Loudness Normalization (ITU)
• True Peak Limiting
• Loudness Range Adjustment
• Maximum Momentary Limiting
• Maximum Short Term Limiting

The Loudness Adjustment module provides a reference implementation of the following standards:

Loudness Adjustment, together with Loudness Measurement, modules can be chained together in Jobs or Workflows to provide any combination of adjustment types. For example, a typical Loudness Adjustment Job consists of Loudness Measurement, Programme Loudness, True Peak Limiting, and a final Loudness Measurement in a single Job.

Adjustment can be performed independently on any number of programs within a single asset via Program Configuration specifications in the Job XML. This means that in a container file which contains 8x2 independent audio programs, for example, each program is adjusted independently in one pass.

Dolby Dialog Intelligence™ provides the option to perform Programme Loudness Adjustments based on the overall Programme Loudness levels or the Dialog levels throughout a programme. Control of such functionality requires the AudioTools Server Workflow Control module or a third-party application implementing logic supporting this feature.

Accelerated True Peak™ provides optimized True Peak Adjustment. True Peak adjustment is very CPU-intensive due to the required oversampling. AudioTools Server features Accelerated True Peak adjustment which only runs the True Peak algorithm when necessary as determined by a Sample Peak Threshold. The results of this optimization are 50-90% increase in processing time, depending on the dynamic range and amplitude of the material.

Module Input:

• Parameters specifying Target Loudness for each of the Loudness Adjustment types. For Programme Loudness and Loudness Range Adjustments, the Targets are calculated based on Measurements from a previous processing step. For True Peak, Maximum Momentary, and Maximum Short Term, the Targets can simply be specified without a preceding Measurement step.
• Parameters controlling any limiting functions such as Attack, Release, Sustain, and LookAhead.
• Program Configuration specifying the number of programs within an asset and the number of channels within each program.
• Optional Channel Offset parameters enabling adjustment of only specific channels within a multi-channel asset.

Module Parameters Per Adjustment Type:

Module Output:

• Adjusted Audio
  

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Dolby Media Meter

Dolby Media Meter 2 is an optional addition to the AudioTools Loudness Measurement module accurately and objectively measuring loudness as viewers subjectively experience it. Dolby Media Meter 2 features Dialogue Intelligence™ technology, adapted from the Dolby DP600 Program Optimizer. Dialogue Intelligence automatically detects speech in the audio track and only then measures loudness.

The output is an XML log file, with a time–stamped listing of job results. Entry classes include No Error, Warnings, Nonfatal Errors & Fatal Errors.

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AudioTools SurCode for Dolby E Encoder

The optional SurCode for Dolby E Encoder module provides comprehensive Dolby E encoding and supports all Dolby E program configurations, parameters, and metadata. Dolby E parameters and metadata can be specified completely via Job XML, or the Encoder can be instructed to retrieve Dolby E metadata from an upstream Dolby E Decoder, if present. Since certain metadata may change between the Decode and Encode operations, some Encoding parameters can be overridden to reflect changes during processing.
These parameters include Dolby E Bit Depth, Dialog Normalization, and Description Text. See the AudioTools Server documentation for a complete description of Dolby E parameters and metadata.

When used in conjunction with SurCode for Dolby E Decoder, Workflow Control, and other processing and analysis modules, AudioTools Server provides a comprehensive, automated system for processing of any Dolby E content. This includes multiple Dolby E streams as well as mixed PCM/Dolby E streams within container formats.

Module Input:

• Dolby E Encoding parameters and metadata
• Supports all Dolby E Program Configurations and Encoding parameters
• Optional DP600 emulation option for Guard Band
• Optional flag instructing the encoder to retrieve metadata from an upstream Decoder
• Optional override parameters:
• Dolby E Bit Depth
• Dialog Normalization
• Description Text
• Optional list of input channels instructing the Encoder which channels to input from a multichannel stream
• Optional list of output channels instructing the Encoder into which channels to place the Dolby E output in a multichannel stream

Module Output:

• Dolby E Encoded Audio

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AudioTools SurCode for Dolby E Decoder

The optional SurCode for Dolby E Decoder module decodes Dolby E to PCM Program Audio, Dolby E Metadata, and Program Metadata.Decoded audio and metadata can be accessed by downstream processors within a single Job or Workflow. This allows the Program Configuration, for example, to be used to program a Downmix operation or split programs to multiple PCM files.

The Decoder also provides Dolby E Detection for determining whether a stream contains Dolby E. This information can be used by Workflow Control or a 3rd party application for conditionally controlling downstream processing.

When used in conjunction with SurCode for Dolby E Encoder, Workflow Control, and other processing and analysis modules, AudioTools Server provides a comprehensive, automated system for processing of any Dolby E content. This includes multiple Dolby E streams, as well as mixed Dolby E/PCM streams, within container formats.

Module Input:

• Optional list of input channels instructing the Decoder which channels to pull input from in a multi-channel stream
• Supports all Dolby E Program Configurations and Metadata

Module Output:

• Decoded PCM Audio
• Dolby E Metadata
• Program Metadata

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SurCode for Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC-3) Encoder

The optional AudioTools SurCode for Dolby Digital Plus Encoder module provides comprehensive Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus encoding for up to 5.1 streams. Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus parameters and metadata can be specified completely via Job XML, or the Encoder can be instructed to retrieve Dolby Digital Plus metadata from an upstream Dolby Digital Plus Decoder OR Dolby E Decoder if present. Since certain metadata may change between the Decode and Encode operations, some Encoding parameters can be overridden to reflect changes during processing, including Dialog Normalization. See AudioTools Server documentation for a complete description of Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus parameters and metadata.

When used in conjunction with SurCode for Dolby Digital Plus or Dolby E Decoder, Workflow Control, and other processing and analysis modules, AudioTools Server provides a comprehensive, automated system for processing of any Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus content.

Module Input:

• Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus Encoding parameters and metadata
• Optional flag instructing the encoder to retrieve metadata from upstream Dolby Digital Plus or Dolby E Decoder
• Optional override parameters:
• Dialog Normalization
• Optional list of input channels instructing the Encoder which channels to pull input from in a multi-channel stream.
• Optional list of output channels instructing the Encoder which channels to place the Dolby Digital Plus output in a multi-channel stream

Module Output:

• Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus Encoded Audio

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SurCode for Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC-3) Decoder

The optional AudioTools SurCode for Dolby Digital Plus Decoder module decodes Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus to PCM Program Audio and Program Metadata. Decoded audio and metadata can be accessed by downstream processors within a single Job or Workflow. The Decoder also provides Dolby Digital Plus Detection for determining whether a stream contains Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus. This information can be used by Workflow Control or a third-party application for conditionally controlling downstream processing. When used in conjunction with SurCode for Dolby Digital Plus Encoder, Workflow Control, and other processing and analysis modules, AudioTools Server provides a comprehensive, automated system for processing of any Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus content.

Module Input:

• Decoding parameters include Compression Mode, Dynamic Range Scaling, optional LFE output, and Output Mode
• Output Mode provides a mechanism for automatic downmixing of decoded audio
• Optional list of input channels instructing the Decoder which channels to pull input from in a multi-channel stream

Module Output:

• Decoded PCM Audio
• Program Metadata

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Upmix

AudioTools Server utilizes qualified third party plug–in modules to providing upmix functionality. Upmix is useful for converting any stereo content to surround format, particularly back catalog films, television shows, documentaries, deleted scenes, and featurettes. Though each module produces unique results based on proprietary algorithms, both modules are designed to ensure that all resulting material is fold down–compatible, essential to preserving the intent and quality of the original stereo mix.

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AudioTools Downmix

The optional AudioTools Downmix module accepts up to 7.1 multi-channel PCM audio and performs a downmix to a stereo program. The Downmix module can be controlled by Dolby E metadata derived from the AudioTools SurCode for Dolby E Decoder module.

• Accepts up to 5.1 and provides control over input trims and the use of an optional limiter.
• The Downmix module accepts parameters that specify the center and surround downmix levels, and selection of Lo/Ro or Lt/Rt downmix coefficients.
• The Downmix module can use Dolby metadata for Downmix from a previous Dolby decoding process, applying those values.
• The Downmix module includes a Low Pass Filter (LPF), with user adjustable frequency and gain. The LPF can be disabled.
• The Downmix module takes 6 channels as input, and produces either 2 channels out or 8 channels out, with the original 5.1 + downmixed channels on 7 & 8.

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AudioTools Channel Manager

The optional AudioTools Channel Manager module provides altering, swapping and replacing of audio programs or audio channels in MXF, QuickTime, Dolby E or multi–channel PCM files.

• The channel replacement process accepts a Dolby E WAV or PCM file as input, one or more PCM audio files for replacement (WAV or AIF), and the channel numbers to replace and program description text for the replacement channels.
• The Dolby E file is decoded to PCM and then re-encoded, replacing the specified channels with the PCM audio from the input files. The PCM audio may be supplied as mono or stereo files.
• All metadata from the Dolby E input file, including program mode, encode start time and AC3 metadata will be copied from the Dolby E input file to the Dolby E output file. The output file will include a broadcast wave chunk (BEXT) which specifies the encode start time.
• Program description text, if specified for replacement, will be used to replace the existing text for the replacement channels.
• The Channel Manager swap function can swap and re-order any audio channel or audio program configuration within MXF or QuickTime container formats, and in Dolby E or multi-channel PCM audio files.
• The results of the processing are formatted as an XML log file, which can be retrieved from the system.

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AudioTools Watermarking        

The optional AudioTools Watermarking module adds Civolution NexTracker Audience Measurement watermarking for audio essence. The Civolution NexTracker Watermarking module works within the AudioTools Server environment to seamlessly watermark content within larger workflows involving many AudioTools Server processes, or as a standalone watermarking solution. The Civolution NexTracker Watermarking module for AudioTools Server can be applied at any point in the AudioTools Server Workflow, the most common point being post-processing as the audio is re-wrapped to the final container.

Civolution Watermark Metadata is defined via AudioTools Server Workflow XML. Any number of metadata specifications are supported via multiple workflow profiles. This enables simple handling of multiple downstream watermarking requirements in a completely automated environment.

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AudioTools Audio Quality Analysis

The optional AudioTools Quality Analysis module uses a highly flexible algorithm to analyze incoming PCM audio content and detect anomalies such as data corruption and program gaps. Given a specified energy threshold in a specified frequency range, the module reports the results for a given period of time. Using those parameters, the module can be configured to detect a wide variety of anomalies. Data corruption tends to produce large amplitude bursts at high frequency, whereas program gaps are the absence of energy in critical bands.

This module generates an output log that indicates the occurrences of anomalies found and the time code locations where they occurred. By selectively setting the frequency range and threshold, the absence or presence of energy at particular frequencies can be detected. Prolonged absence of moderate energy in the 0.4 to 4 kHz range usually indicates a gap in the program, while inordinate short term energy at 17 to 20 kHz usually indicates data corruption. Subsonic noise, time code bleed, perf noise and mains buzz and hum are also easily flagged.

For each analysis or reporting period, a value in dB is returned each time the threshold is exceeded. As this is purely numeric data, the AudioTools Workflow Control option is highly recommend so that subsequent processes and modules can take advantage of the data produced and act on those results.

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AudioTools Channel Assignment Detection

The optional AudioTools Channel Assignment Detection module determines channel locations within multi-channel programs by evaluating relative loudness levels, channel correlations, and frequency range on a representative section of the audio.
Based on relative loudness levels, channel correlation and frequency range, the module identifies likely channel pairs, front/rear channels, center and LFE. This module is typically used to process a portion of an audio stream, until the desired level of confidence in channel assignment is reached.

The LFE cutoff defines a LPF resonant frequency used to detect the LFE. The Mid Cutoff Low and High define the passband used to evaluate the content for midrange energy.

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AudioTools Program Correlation Check

The optional AudioTools Program Correlation module performs a correlation check between two audio programs and is used to determine whether both represent the same content. The number of channels in each program may range from 1 to 8. A common
workflow uses the Program Correlation Check module to evaluate eight channel, 3/2 + 2/0 PCM decoded from the SurCode for Dolby E Decoder module to correlate the 5.1 and stereo programs and determine if the stereo program is derived from the surround
program.

• An initial alignment step is performed to account for small differences in the start of each program. The alignment tolerance is a parameter that can be controlled.
• The log output of the module indicates the level of correlation found during the program comparison for each second of audio, an overall correlation value, and the initial alignment time.

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AudioTools Frame Rate Toolbox

An optional signal processing module that provides multichannel, phase–coherent pitch shift, time stretch and sample rate conversion for frame rate and format adjustment and correction. This module is useful for standards conversion, duration modification and other audio time base and time domain–correction tasks.

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AudioTools Audio Extractor for MXF

The optional AudioTools MXF Audio Extractor module provides the ability to access the audio and metadata stored in MXF files. Audio tracks within MXF files are extracted efficiently, without unwrapping video tracks. This module also supports functions for reading MXF metadata. MXF OP1 and OP1a profiles are currently supported, and more profiles will be added based on project requirements.

The MXF Audio Extractor module can optionally store an MXF Channel map, which can be used for other jobs. This eliminates having to re–read the file to generate a map each time the file essence needs to be accessed. 

The module can also extract audio from continually growing MXF files during an Ingest operation for read-only processes such as Loudness Measurement or audio analysis.

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AudioTools ReWrap™ for MXF        

The optional AudioTools MXF ReWrap module re-wraps audio data back into existing MXF files.  Audio can re-wrapped "in-place", meaning the same audio format is used and samples are simply replaced; or a new Track/Channel configuration can be generated and the MXF file is effectively re-created using the untouched video essence.  MXF OP1 and OP1a profiles are currently supported, and more profiles will be added based on project requirements.

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AudioTools Audio Extractor for QuickTime™

The AudioTools Audio Extractor for QuickTime module extracts PCM audio streams from QuickTime files of all video formats.

The optional AudioTools QuickTime Audio Extractor module provides the ability to access the audio and metadata stored in QuickTime files. Audio tracks within QuickTime files are extracted efficiently, without unwrapping video tracks. This module also supports functions for reading QuickTime metadata.

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AudioTools ReWrap™ for QuickTime™        

The optional AudioTools ReWrap™ for QuickTime™ re-wraps audio data back into existing QuickTime files or audio-only QuickTimes can be create from scratch. Audio can re-wrapped "in-place", meaning the same audio format is used and samples are simply replaced; or a new Track/Channel configuration can be generated and the QuickTime file is effectively re-created using the untouched video essence. 

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AudioTools Workflow Control

The optional AudioTools WFC WorkFlow Control module enables AudioTools Server to act as a high level business logic automation engine. Workflows can drive any number of AudioTools Jobs in a logical flow of processes and tie together the logic between Jobs. Workflows apply Conditional, Exceptional, Parallel, and Iterative logic to achieve highly complex business processes in an automated environment.

Workflows use a well-defined XML syntax to define Steps, Parameters, Logic Test Cases, Success and Error Conditions, and Utility Functions. Workflow Steps execute Jobs, retrieve Job Results, program Job and Processing Module parameters, test Parameters, modify Workflow State, and call Utility Functions.

Workflow Parameters hold values. Values can be Literal, Reference or Calculation values. Examples if a Literal values would be a number representing Target Loudness or a file path. Reference values refer to another parameter’s value or a Processing Results value in Job XML. Calculations values result when a calculation is performed on two parameters to produce a new Parameter Value.

Workflow Tests determine the relationship between two Parameters and define behavior if a certain condition is met. Tests produce a True/False answer based on whether Parameters are “Equal,” “Not Equal,” “Less Than,” “Less Than or Equal,” “Greater Than” or “Greater Than or Equal.”

Success Conditions define Workflow behavior if a Step Succeeds. Error Conditions define Workflow behavior if a Step Fails.

Functions provide access to enhanced system features or special case behavior. Available Functions include Move File, Delete File, Rename File, Consolidate Job Results, and Execute Process.

In additional to process control, the WFC module provides Load Balancing of multiple AudioTools Server Nodes. A Node containing the Workflow Control license communicates with other nodes on the network to negotiate resource availability and ensure Nodes are optimized based on performance and license availability.

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Customer defined and 3^rd party modules        

AudioTools Server has been designed to also host customer defined modules. Other manufacturers are welcome to use the AudioTools Server platform as a vehicle for making their specific functionality available in an enterprise-level file-based environment.

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