TABLE OF CONTENTS The distinction between an audio system intended for production applications and a system intended for the transmission sounds and other information is an important one. Because of their closed-loop characteristics, production systems can be of any practical design. The process of developing a production system can focus simply on those who will directly use the system. It is not necessary to consider the larger issues of compatibility and public policy, which drive the design and implementation of over-the-air broadcast systems.
Although the foregoing is certainly correct, in the abstract, it is obvious that the economies of scale argue in favor of the development of a production system even if only closed-loop that meets multiple applications. The benefits of expanded markets and interoperability between systems are well documented. It was into this environment that production systems intended for digital audio applications were born.
A system intended for broadcast applications must by necessity strictly adhere to established standards and practices, usually determined by governmental licensing authorities. Production-oriented systems, however, are not bound by such restrictions. This flexibility is a two-edged sword. While it permits systems of any practical design to be implemented the system need only communicate with itself and the equipments that directly interface with it this situation permits and even encourages a diversity of product development. In some cases, such proprietary systems have benefited the end-user and the industry; in other cases, it has led to wasted time and money through investment in...
