Gsertel

The approval of the new National Technical Plan in Spain introduces key regulations for the evolution of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) in Spain, paving the way for a more efficient digital television system aligned with current HD and UHD standards.

In addition to improved image quality, the new regulation also brings changes to audio standards, including Loudness, which is essential for a consistent user experience without disruptive sound fluctuations:

"The audio loudness level of television programs must be normalized to a level of -23.0 LUFS, with a tolerance of ±1.0 LU, in accordance with the ITU-R BS.1770 audio loudness measurement standard and the EBU R-128 recommendation."

The goal of this regulation is to ensure a consistent average loudness level across all television services, enhancing the user experience by eliminating the need to adjust TV volume depending on the selected program.

In this context, Gsertel's RCS DVB-T/T2 probes are the ideal tools to meet these requirements. Equipped with Loudness measurement functionality compliant with the ITU-R BS.1770-4 standard, our probes provide precise audio level analysis, enabling operators and broadcasters to ensure regulatory compliance.

The EBU R-128 standard provides guidance on how Loudness should be measured:

"Maximum Momentary Loudness and Maximum Short-Term Loudness (measured in compliance with EBU Tech Doc 3341) can be used to determine whether a program exceeds the upper loudness tolerance limit for the target audience"

Gsertel's RCS probes incorporate these Loudness measurements, as defined in the EBU Tech Doc 3341, which explains the methodology for these evaluations:

• Momentary Loudness: Uses a sliding rectangular time window of 0.4 seconds.
• Short-Term Loudness: Uses a sliding rectangular time window of 3 seconds.

With these advanced features, Gsertel's RCS probes ensure broadcasters have the tools they need to maintain compliance and deliver a seamless audio experience for viewers.