Current TV and film audio is typically mixed into a single track or limited surround sound formats, which restricts viewer flexibility. This creates challenges like costly localization for international versions, accessibility issues for hard-of-hearing audiences, and creative limitations for fans who want to customize or remix audio layers. The problem persists because broadcast standards prioritize simplicity over modularity, despite advances in audio separation technology.

How Modular Audio Could Work

One way to address this could be to deliver TV and film audio as three separate channels: voice (dialogue and narration), music (scores and licensed tracks), and sound effects (ambient noise and Foley). During production, studios would export these tracks as part of post-processing—something many already do internally. Streaming platforms or broadcasters could then encode them as optional multi-channel streams, allowing viewers to adjust levels or swap tracks using compatible apps or devices. For example:

Language learners could isolate dialogue for study.
Hard-of-hearing users could boost speech clarity.
Studios could reduce localization costs by replacing voice tracks without remixing entire scenes.

Pathways to Adoption

An MVP might involve a media player plugin that uses AI to separate existing stereo tracks into voice, music, and SFX in real time, testing demand without requiring industry buy-in. If successful, partnerships with indie filmmakers could help introduce native multi-track content on niche platforms. Longer-term, adoption by standards bodies (like SMPTE) could formalize the approach for broader use.

Balancing Flexibility and Control

To address concerns like music licensing, usage restrictions could be embedded (e.g., preventing isolation of certain tracks), while DRM would limit unauthorized extraction. Backward compatibility could be maintained by downmixing separated tracks into standard stereo for legacy devices. The key trade-off would be between creative freedom for users and control for rights holders—a balance that might evolve as the technology matures.

This approach could bridge gaps in production efficiency, accessibility, and user control, offering a more adaptable way to experience audio in media.