Here is another sample delivery specification, this time from the BBC:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/guidelines/dq/pdf/tv/tv_delivery_to_network_programmes_v1.0-2011.pdf

It is interesting to note that they give example volume levels for different parts of the mix when metered using the BBC standard PPM meter:

This gives you an idea of what the levels of different elements of the mix should be set to when delivering for the BBC.

For a software, plug-in version of the PPM meter, check out zplane's PPMulator+:

http://products.zplane.de/index.php?page=ppmulator

The BBC also offer an open source version of the PPM meter, however it is not as user friendly:

http://sourceforge.net/projects/baptools/

It is also interesting to note that the BBC spec is set to be updated to reflect the new EBU recommendation R128. This could change how loudness is metered in broadcast post-production and is worth keeping an eye on.

Here are some further tips gleaned from the web:

"SD stuff is line-up at PPM4, no peaks above PPM6. The bit about stereo in here applies to all BBC channels, even though this is a document for HD delivery. My understanding is Dorroughs are only useful in the US and have been made pointless by loudness metering. For PPMs, get something like PPMulator and do not reply on the "BBC" setting in Digi Phasescope - utterly useless.

It's worth adding, that although you could do it just reading dBFS, it's worth getting PPMs for the integration time, as peaks could actually be momentarily above -10dBFS, so you can go a little louder, rather than if you were just doing it with digital meters."

Posted by tom lowe

"ref level -18dbFS = PPM 4 = 0.775v Peaks 8dB above ref level (i.e -10dBFs), PPM 6 on a BBC PPM (integration time of 40ms I believe) which is a quasi peak meter as defined by PLoud, the EBU Loudness experts"

Posted by MIKEROPHONICS

As a student, I always find it useful to look at audio delivery specifications to see what is expected by various networks. Here is one for FX/Nat Geo/Speed:

FX/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC/SPEED NETWORKS prefers audio to be produced and delivered in 5.1 Digital Surround Sound, prepared for AC-3 Surround Sound transmission. Audio may be delivered in several different formats as indicated below. The audio dynamic range of the material must be suitable for television broadcast. Audio levels shall be measured using the recommended loudness measurement found in ITU R BS 1770 standard, known as LKFS. The loudness is relative to full digital level (0dBFS) and represents the subjective loudness of the audio program.

The loudness shall be measured across all channels (except LFE) using the LKFS technique and averaged across the entire segment or clip. The FX/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC/SPEED NETWORKS target loudness level is -24 dB ±1 dB. Instantaneous true audio peaks shall not exceed -2dbFS (BS.1771), while average peak audio levels should not exceed -8dbFS (EBU Tech 3205 or equivalent). Audio should be mixed such that the measured average loudness (using LKFS) of the LT / RT mix shall be equivalent to the measured average loudness (using LKFS) of the 5.1 mix, within ±1dB. The individual channels shall be in-phase to prevent cancellation when tracks are mixed together. Care must be taken to ensure that all elements of the audio are properly prepared, so as not to cancel out if played back in a 2-channel downmix or in a monophonic mode.