Multiple sound channels in satellite broadcasting

Proposals for a common European standard for sound satellite broadcasting are reviewed. Digital techniques are needed to provide multiple sound channels which would carry the stereophonic, multilanguage, and high quality sound desired. Agreement has been reached within the European Broadcasting Union on the digital sound coding parameters; a sampling frequency of 32 kHz should be used for satellite broadcasting, with 14 bits per sample in the initial coding, reduced to 10 bits by near instantaneous companding, if desired. Continuous and packet multiplexing are the two multiplexing techniques being considered. Three proposals for modulation are being considered which employ either a frequency-division or a time-division multiplex system. The close relation between sound and vision, particularly for modulation, is shown. It is likely that sound and vision standards will be agreed upon by spring 1983.