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SMPTE Asks Industry for Lip-Sync Error Information

DV Dailies - SMPTE Asks Industry for Lip-Sync Error Information

by , 2:00 PM EST, March 1st, 2005

SMPTE has announced an open call for film and video industry professional's input on the ever growing audio-video synchronization errors. According to SMPTE, they have formed an Ad Hoc, Lip Sync Issue group designed as a resource and solution for the broadcast industry. The SMPTE is requesting information from broadcast professionals on such topics as MPEG encoding delay issues, in-service measure methods, or any other area where lip-sync errors occur or can become problematic.

"SMPTE is particularly interested in hearing from manufacturers with practical solutions or proposals for measurement and correction of audio-video synchronization errors, and those willing to participate in development of related standards."

You can find more information about the SMPTE standards at the group Web site. Responses should be sent in the first instance, and as soon as possible, to the ad hoc group chair, Graham Jones of NAB.

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
Close Name:Guest
Subject: Good thing!

The Oscars were horrible. I've seen these problems on most broadcast types, but it seemed like such a high budget production wouldn't have such problems. Guess that shows how long I've been out of the video editing loop.

Anyway, it's good to see that I'm not the only one who notices it and that someone is doing something about it.

Interestingly, though, of the 5 or 6 people I was watching the Oscars with, only 2 or 3 could notice the synch errors. Everyone else had no idea what we were talking about. Funny how different people see things differently, isn't it?


- Jon

Close Name:MikeWash Posts: 25 Joined: 07 Dec 2004
Subject: Definitely

Yes, it seems with all the different codecs, sample rates, satelitte feeds and the like, it is becoming increasingly an issue with live broadcast. It even winds up in edited show but the Ashely SImpson SNL debacle I think doesnt qualify for this study.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: More lip-sync correction info

There is quite a bit of interesting information on the "Technical Details" page of www.LipFix.com which includes an article written for submission to the SMPTE committee mentioned here. The lip-sync error problem has been with us for many years but the advent of HD images with their larger processing times and also slower displays in home theater systems (like LCD, Plasma, and DLP)has added enough cumulative delay to finally become noticeable to most people. That site offers equipment for both broadcasters and home theater owners to correct lip-sync problems.

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