Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a sending studio where a motion picture soundtrack is produced and a receiving studio where the motion picture is viewed while the soundtrack is transmitted from the senior studio. The system includes communications terminals at both the sending and receiving studios which can translate analog audio-image synchronization and other control or communications signals into an encoded digital signal suitable for long distance transmission and reconstruction without signal loss or serious distortion. The encoded digital is transmitted from one signal studio to another for control and synchronization of the audio and video equipment used to produce the motion picture soundtrack.

Abstract: A test signal for enabling control of picture fidelity in a distribution system for distributing a video signal that has a vertical interval including a number of lines. The test signal comprises plural luminance levels for testing luminance linearity. The luminance levels have a non-linear level relationship with respect to one another. Each luminance level has a predetermined level. The test signal may additionally include a chrominance component for testing differential gain and phase. The chrominance component has a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined phase corresponding to flesh tone. In a method of enabling control of picture fidelity in a distribution system for distributing a video signal, the above test signal is provided at a source stage and is inserted into at least part of a selected line in the vertical interval of the video signal.

Abstract: A computer entertainment system is disclosed for dynamically composing a music sound tract in response to dynamic and unpredictable actions and events initiated by a directing system in a way that is aesthetically appropriate and natural. The system includes a composition database having one or more musical sequences. One or more of the one or more musical sequences has one or more decision points. The decision points within the database comprise a composing decision tree, with the decision points marking places where branches in the performance of the musical sequences may occur. A sound driver interprets each decision point within the one or more musical sequences. The sound driver conditionally responds to the interpreted decision points depending on the unpredicted actions and events initiated by the directing system. It is also contemplated that the directing system may directly query the state of the sound driver and adjust the activities of the directing system based on the results of the query.

Abstract: Spectral imbalance when playing home video versions of motion pictures is overcome by a frequency response correction unit which compensates for the equalization employed during the production of motion picture sound tracks designed for playback over the standard X-curve. In addition, the frequency response correction unit may additionally or instead compensate for listener-perceived differences in the frequency response between the surround sound channel and main sound channels.

Abstract: Spectral imbalance (alteration in timbre) when playing home video versions of motion pictures is overcome by re-equalization according to a unique correction response curve which compensates for the equalization for playback in large theater-sized auditoriums inherent in motion picture soundtracks. Surround-sound home playback of motion pictures is enhanced by employing main channel loudspeakers that produce generally direct sound fields and surround channel loudspeakers that produce gnerally diffuse sound fields. In addition, the reproduced surround-sound channel is further enhanced by decreasing the interaural cross-correlation of the surround-sound channel sound field and by reducing comb filtering effects in the surround-sound channel at listening positions within the room, preferably by introducing slight pitch shifting in the signals applied to multiple surround loudspeakers.