AUDIO FOR TV & FILM SURVEY
Professional Sound surveyed audio
professionals across Canada on recent
progress and predictions for the future in TV
& film audio, particularly immersive sound.
Here are the results:
How long do you think until we see
immersive audio (such as Dolby Atmos
and DTS:X) being regularly delivered as
part of TV broadcasts?
36% 1-5 years
60% 6-10 years
4% 10+ years
How long do you think it will be before
augmented & virtual reality technology
is considered a “mainstream” form of
content consumption?
24% 1-5 years
52% 6-10 years
24% 10+ years
40% feel the quality and/or realism of
audio for TV/film has significantly
progressed in the last 5 years, while 48%
say it somewhat has.
48% feel immersive sound would
significantly improve the film/TV
viewing experience, while 28% say
somewhat. Only 8% say it wouldn’t
improve the experience.
SPEAKING OUT
Thinking either as an audio profes-
sional or a TV/film consumer, what do
feel are the pros and cons of immersive
audio and do you think it’ll significantly
change how content is consumed?
“The experience available would be a big
pro; however, preparing the consumer’s
setup to take full advantage of the audio
formats will be difficult.”
“Much of this depends on how the manu-
facturers and streaming providers deliver the
product. Most consumers will not go out of
their way to purchase enhanced products to
support immersive technologies.”
“In an ideal physical space with correct
selection of equipment properly installed/
tuned, it could be a great experience. Reality
is most people can’t even deal with 5.1
properly.”
“Pros are better consumer experience and
more realistic interactive experiences. Cons
are data streaming limitations, and many
places are still far from capable of pulling
this much info over existing infrastructure.
Also, social isolation.”
“Making immersive sound available through
consumer electronics will require serious
investments in developing the technology.
It will open up avenues for growth and pro-
fessional development in terms of the audio
engineer. New frontier beckons.”
PROFESSIONAL SOUND 17