Abstract: A method of mixing audio channels is effective at rebalancing the audio without introducing unwanted artifacts or overly softening the discrete presentation of the original audio. This is accomplished between any two or more input channels by processing the audio channels to generate one or more “correlated” audio signals for each pair of input channels. The in-phase correlated signal representing content in both channels that is the same or very similar with little or no phase or time delay is mixed with the input channels. The present approach may also generate an out-of-phase correlated signal (same or similar signals with appreciable time or phase delay) that is typically discarded and a pair of independent signals (signals not present in the other input channel) that may be mixed with the input channels. The provision of both the in-phase correlated signal and the pair of independent signals makes the present approach well suited for the downmixing of audio channels as well.

Abstract: A multichannel audio format provides a truly discrete as well as a backward compatible mix for surround-sound, front or other discrete audio channels in cinema, home theater, or music environments. The additional discrete audio signals are mixed with the existing discrete audio channels into a predetermined format such as the 5.1 audio format. In addition these additional discrete audio channels are encoded and appended to the predetermined format as extension bits in the bitstream. The existing base of multichannel decoders can be used in combination with a mix decoder to reproduce truly discrete N.1 multichannel audio.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of decoding two-channel matrix encoded audio to reconstruct multichannel audio that more closely approximates a discrete surround-sound presentation. This is accomplished by subband filtering the two-channel matrix encoded audio, mapping each of the subband signals into an expanded sound field to produce multichannel subband signals, and synthesizing those subband signals to reconstruct multichannel audio. By steering the subbands separately about an expanded sound field, various sounds can be simultaneously positioned about the sound field at different points allowing for more accurate placement and more distinct definition of each sound element.

Abstract: An anodized aluminum support for use in a lithographic printing plate comprises a bilayered anodic surface having a total average thickness of at least 0.10 micrometers consisting essentially of oxides and phosphates of aluminum present in a coverage of greater than 100 milligrams per square meter of support. The anodic surface comprises an upper stratum comprising pores having an average diameter of 1.0.times.10.sup.-8 -7.5.times.10.sup.-8 m and a lower stratum comprising pores having an average diameter substantially greater than the pores in the upper stratum. The support is prepared by a two-stage process of anodically oxidizing at least one surface of an aluminium plate in an aqueous electrolyte comprising phosphoric acid under conditions wherein the upper stratum is formed in the first stage and the lower stratum is formed in the second stage. A lithographic printing plate comprising a radiation-sensitive layer and the above-described support exhibits improved resistance to staining.

Abstract: A moveable device used for delineating traffic lanes, adapted to be selectively placed into permanent dug holes for channeling vehicular traffic. The device comprises a bendable tubular post of polyethylene fastened to a rigid conical base. The base has a downward circular anchoring extension which can be inserted into a dug hole. The base has a very low above-ground profile and can be impacted by high speed vehicles without being damaged or pulled off the ground.