This presentation describes a solution for easily and cost-effectively handling stereo and 5.1 surround audio including taming loud commercials. The transition to DTV can be eased tremendously by selecting the correct equipment to process the audio for compelling surround sound. This presentation will discuss how loudness problems can be managed to ensure viewer satisfaction and FCC compliance. We will review Dolby Digital (AC-3) and why metadata alone is NOT sufficient to properly handle loudness levels. ITU BS.1770, a new international loudness measurement standard will be introduced and explained. We will have a discussion of what makes a modern audio transmission processor designed for 5.1 critically different than legacy or even card-based systems and outline a multi-stage loudness solution for Ingest, Production, and Transmission. Some hidden surprises in the AC-3 system including 2-channel/5.1 channel switching issues and how to avoid them will be revealed. The distribution structures of several different networks will be presented along with advice on how local affiliates need to be prepared to handle these signals. Finally, we will discuss loud commercials, viewer complaints, and C.A.L.M. and summarize a logical approach for February 17th, 2009.