NUGEN Audio Explores Dialog Intelligibility at NAB Show

Presentation to examine whether dialog intelligibility metrics should become formal QC standards like loudness

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

NUGEN Audio will present a session at the NAB Show in Las Vegas on April 21, 2026, exploring whether dialog intelligibility should become the next major focus for audio quality control, similar to the industry's response to loudness issues in the early 2000s.

Why it matters

As audiences increasingly complain about unclear speech, particularly in streaming content, the industry is grappling with how to define and measure audio quality beyond just technical compliance. The session will examine emerging measurement approaches and the potential for dialog intelligibility to evolve into formal QC deliverables.

The details

The presentation, titled 'Is Dialog Intelligibility the New Loudness?,' will be led by Dr. Jon Tapper of NUGEN Audio. It will take place from 10:10-10:30 a.m. on April 21 during the Broadcast Engineering and IT (BEIT) Conference at the NAB Show. Tapper will discuss how technologies like the Listening Effort Meter developed by Fraunhofer IDMT can analyze speech elements to estimate listening effort, and explore the broader implications for broadcasters, streaming services, and equipment manufacturers.

  • The presentation will take place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from 10:10 - 10:30 a.m.
  • The NAB Show 2026 will be held in Las Vegas.

The players

NUGEN Audio

A leading provider of audio technology solutions for production, post-production, and broadcast professionals.

Dr. Jon Tapper

A presenter from NUGEN Audio who will lead the session on dialog intelligibility at the NAB Show.

Fraunhofer IDMT

A research institute that developed the Listening Effort Meter technology, which is incorporated into NUGEN Audio's DialogCheck software.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Twenty years ago, loudness was the dominant viewer complaint, and the industry responded with measurable standards. Today, poor dialog intelligibility is often cited as the primary frustration for audiences. The question now is whether we are approaching a similar turning point.”

— Dr. Jon Tapper, Presenter, NUGEN Audio

“As audience expectations shift, we must consider how we define and measure audio quality. It's not just about technical compliance; it's about ensuring viewers can clearly follow the story.”

— Dr. Jon Tapper, Presenter, NUGEN Audio

What’s next

The session at the NAB Show 2026 will provide a high-level overview of emerging measurement approaches for dialog intelligibility, setting the stage for potential industry-wide standards development.

The takeaway

The presentation highlights how the audio industry is evolving its focus from loudness to dialog intelligibility, driven by increasing viewer complaints about unclear speech, particularly in streaming content. This shift could lead to the development of new quality control standards and workflows, similar to the industry's response to loudness issues in the past.