The MFWG was formed to address the problem of taking audio authored in a variety of channel formats and playing it back on all the possible types of speaker configurations out there. We started out with with a chart developed at BBQ '98, in which several input formats of audio were matrixed to several output formats, with appropriate channel mapping instructions at each point in the grid. We began by examining and evaluating this chart, as well as some general comments that accompanied it. In the course of discussion, we explored some of the principles and commonalities inherent in the problem being addressed by the chart. As a result, the chart itself was distilled into a set of much more readable and understandable rules and procedures. Some other key points were also identified, such as that low frequency content would automatically be routed to the subwoofer by the speaker system, and that total signal power needed to be conserved during format conversion. The result is that the guidelines are now much simpler and more useful, without having lost any of the original problem solving value of the chart.
The MFWG Report has passed the General Membership Review and is currently in the Official Comment Period. It is expected that the report will be published by 12/1/99.
© Copyright 1999 MIDI Manufacturers Association