File Processing and QC
We offer a full range of software products to process AD files.
File Compilers
For AD that is delivered as pre-mixed with program audio, or as a separate audio track with associated control track, we offer Advantage Compiler products that create an audio output file via easy-to-use, software only processing.
The Advantage Compilers will check the sample rate and bits per sample of the source WAV files and, if necessary, automatically convert them during the compilation process to produce the required values specified for the output file. The original source files are not modified.
The input file format is an industry standard ESEF file with the associated WAV file set.
Advantage Premix WAV Compiler
This application accepts a WAV file of the original programme audio and an ESEF file (with its associated set of AD WAV files) and by using the timecode and Pan and Fade information contained in the ESEF file, creates a pre-mixed audio WAV file consisting of dipped program sound with added audio descriptions.
Key Features
- User friendly interface
- Auto check on the input file timecode validity – checks for overlapping timecodes
- Add or edit the BWAV header on the output Pre-mix file
- Processing controlled by the dip and fade information contained within the ESEF file
- Output options of BWAV or M4A
Advantage Mono WAV Compiler
Processes an ESEF file (with its associated set of AD WAV files) to create an audio output file that is a single mono WAV containing all the audio descriptions, using either a 48 KHz or 44.1 KHz sampling rate.
Key Features
- User friendly interface
- Auto check on input file timecode validity – checks for overlapping timecode on the AD file
- Creates a stereo pair with the right channel silent, or a single mono WAV file, suitable for manually controlled mixing
- Audio dip and fade is defined by the control information contained within the ESEF file
- Add or edit the BWAV header on the output file
Advantage DTT Stereo Compiler
Processes an ESEF file (with its associated set of AD WAV files) to create an output file that contains a mono WAV of the Audio Descriptions on the left channel and the matching ‘control track’ (warble track) on the right channel of a stereo pair.
A user selectable option will produce a mono AD track output only, therefore creating the same output file as the Mono Compiler.
Key Features
- User friendly interface
- Auto check on the input file timecode validity – checks for overlapping timecodes
- Add or edit BWAV header in the output file
- Control track information is defined by the dip and fade data contained within the ESEF file
Advantage Premix Video Compiler
Processes an ESEF file (with its associated set of AD WAV files) and a browse media file, to create an output file containing the browse media with premixed AD audio.
Key Features
- User friendly interface
- Auto check on the input file timecode validity – checks for overlapping timecodes
- Mixing is controlled by the dip and fade information contained in the ESEF File
Inputs
- A range of browse media formats including MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and H264 with 48 KHz audio
- ESEF Audio Description file with associated
Outputs
- A range of encoded media formats with pre-mixed audio
Output Compiler File QC Option
Any of the Output Compliers can include a file QC option. This allows ESEF files to be fully verified against an extensive series of checks before being processed to produce linear audio files.
Key Features
- Operates on industry standard ESEF files
Comprehensive QC includes:
- Validity of header block information
- No overlap on description timecodes
- All timecodes are within the expected range
Advantage DTT DeCompiler
If you already have AD files recorded on an audio archive system, we created a product to enable these files to be imported and re-edited.
This software processes DTT audio from a real-time source, such as a DAT tape, to produce an ESEF file (with its associated set of AD WAV files). The ESEF file contains all of the timecode and Pan and Fade information, but not the original script. This application is used with an appropriate input audio card (check with Starfish for recommended cards).
Key Features
- User friendly GUI
- Creates an ESEF file with timecode, dip and fade information and AD WAV files
Advantage Format Conversion Service
An automated service to repurpose DTT Audio Description files and create Pre-Mix AD output files.
Key Features
• Runs as an automated service
• Processes industry standard DTT Audio Description files
• Automatically decodes DTT fade information
- Produces a Pre-Mix audio file using programme audio and AD mono voice
- Control via simple XML commands
Audio Description File QC Service
Our Audio Description File QC application runs as a fully automated service that will detect typical file errors, such as overlapping timecodes or missing recordings. The service will either Pass or Fail a file and produce a report detailing the issues detected.
Key Features
- Runs as an automated service
- Comprehensive reports with options for automated e-mail delivery
- Supports multiple QC folder sets
- Operates on industry standard ESEF files
Comprehensive QC includes:
- Validity of header block information
- No overlap on description timecodes
- All timecodes are within the expected range
File Conversion
Advantage File Converter
Provides a number of file conversion utilities including: Cinema release 24 FPS to Video 25 FPS conversion, 48 KHz to 44.1 KHz sample rate conversion and 24 bit to 16 bit resolution conversion.
The product operates on an industry standard ESEF file (with its associated set of AD WAV files) or on stand-alone WAV files.
The software can operate on an ESEF file (with its associated set of AD WAV files), or on stand-alone WAV files.
This application also allows you to add, or update, the file BWAV data.
Key Features
- User friendly interface
- Frame rate conversions on standard ESEF files
- Automatic file QC detecting timecode overlaps and missing descriptions
- Edit BWAV data header
- User selectable audio conversion with or without pitch change
Conversions include:
- 24fps to 30fps – with or without drop frame
- 24fps to 25FPs
- 25fps to 30fps
- 1kHz to 48kHz conversion for audio files
