Dual decoding capabilities are provided for simultaneous processing of both the main and associate channel. For TV broadcast reception, the associate, or secondary, channel could contain additional audio. For example, audio descriptions (AD) for visually impaired people, special audio services for hearing impaired people or simply another language. Playback of a movie on DVD or from a USB network drive can provide 5.1 surround audio on the main channel, and, at the same time, the director’s comments on the scenes can be viewed on the associated channel.
The decoders support a wide range of audio formats, including Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pulse (which is HE AAC v2 with additional embedded metadata) up to 5.1 channels (front left, front right, center, surround left, surround right, and ‘subwoofer’). Metadata is information derived from the broadcast streams and is used in various stages in the decoding system, including mixing and post-processing functions like dialog normalization and dynamic range control.
In addition, the two decoders Dolby MS11 also provides an input for 2.0 channels of Pulse-code Modulation (PCM) data. Furthermore, Dolby MS11 provides up to 5.1 channels PCM output versus 2.0 channels in MS10.
Dolby Volume can be integrated into an MS11 decoding system. It provides an algorithm that allows the end-user (a consumer watching TV) to set the volume at a desired level after which the software will ensure that a constant volume level is maintained despite variations in volume between scenes, such as a change from a movie to a commercial break, or when the channel is changed.
Dolby MS11 provides up to 5.1 channels Dolby Digital encoded output. This can be used to stream the decoded audio from the TV receiver or set-top box (STB) via a digital S/PDIF link to a home-cinema system.
Dolby MS11 also provides PCM output, which can be used to directly connect a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for headphone or speakers connections. It can also be used as input to additional post-processing software such as Dolby Virtual Speaker.