Archive notice: This article was originally published on September 15, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The CS49DV8 with Dolby Volume technology is an eight-channel, dual-core, 32-bit audio DSP that allows users to set their preferred volume and keep it constant. For multichannel surround-sound applications—such as audio/video receivers, compact home-theater systems and speaker-bar loudspeakers—the CS49DV8 also provides a wide range of additional audio post-processing functions, including bass management, parametric equalization, bass and treble control, multizone generation, and numerous other third-party post-processing algorithms from Dolby, THX, SRS Labs and DTS.
Terry Ritchie, DSP Marketing Director at Cirrus Logic, explains: “Many customers complain about varying television volume levels, for example because of excessively loud commercials, and the number has now grown to the point that the US Congress recently passed legislation intended to address the issue. Cirrus Logic was the only supplier to recognize the future demand for technical solutions to this problem and therefore offers a range of stereo and multichannel DSPs with Dolby Volume. The solution to fluctuating volume levels has major market potential, and consumer-electronics manufacturers have now recognized its benefits.”
Dolby Volume is a specialized technology designed to control frustrating volume fluctuations for consumers. When watching television, it maintains a consistent playback volume even during loud commercials or when changing channels. Users can set their preferred volume, which is then maintained regardless of the signal source or content—for example, when playing portable media players and DVD or Blu-ray Disc players.
Unlike other products that have previously attempted to solve the problem of changing volume levels, Dolby Volume is an innovative, more sophisticated solution that takes actual human perception of sound into account.
Dolby Volume incorporates two powerful volume-control technologies: Volume Modeler and Volume Leveler. The Volume Modeler continuously analyzes the audio signal based on its content and playback volume, then adjusts the sound to the reference playback level. This improves imaging as well as the intelligibility and audibility of audio content. The Leveler also continuously determines the perceived, subjective loudness of the audio content and uses its Perceptual Processing Engine to apply multiband gain changes. This allows audio signals from different sources to be reproduced at the same perceived volume.
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