This is the first commercial implementation of this software, which is fully integrated into the Analog Devices’ audio framework. The Fraunhofer upHear Immersive Audio Virtualizer enables the delivery of high-quality immersive sound via soundbars – offering authentic spatial audio reproduction that works simply out-of-the-box, without the hassle of installing numerous loudspeakers. The software is optimized for use with the MPEG-H audio codec and includes an upmix of legacy stereo and surround sound.
The advanced capabilities of MPEG-H provide a range of features, including:
• Immersive Sound: MPEG-H adds 3D audio components for an immersive audio experience.
• Interactive Audio: Consumers have the ability to adjust the sound mix to their preferences.
• Universal Delivery: MPEG-H tailors playback to sound best on any device and in any environment.
The next-generation audio codec is already on the air in South Korea, as part of the country's next-generation broadcasting trials based on the ATSC 3.0 standard, and the immersive and interactive features of MPEG-H promises to transform viewers’ audio experience during the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. MPEG-H is part of the ATSC 3.0 and DVB-UHD television standards, and is also suitable for Over-the-top (OTT) content.
Analog Devices' ADSP-21584 processor, used in the implementation, is designed for applications where a DSP co-processor is exclusively needed and includes two SHARC+ cores and a peripheral set matched to a DSP core. The SHARC processor series is a leader in the floating-point DSP market with exceptional core and memory performance and outstanding I/O throughput. SHARC brings real-time floating-point processing performance to many applications where dynamic range is key. The latest products provide leading performance/power efficiency and advanced DSP accelerators (FFT, FIR, IIR).
The software developer kit for the ADSP-21584-based Melody-6 platform is an excellent platform to evaluate and develop soundbars and speakers with the latest multi-channel object-based decoders, including MPEG-H.
“Playing back immersive audio traditionally calls for sophisticated loudspeaker setups, which require specialized knowledge and effort,” says Jan Nordmann, Senior Director, New Media at Fraunhofer USA Digital Media Technologies. “Our Fraunhofer upHear Immersive Audio Virtualizer turns every type of content into an immersive audio experience without the need of numerous loudspeakers in the room. We are happy to team up with Analog Devices in offering this new audio processing technology and MPEG-H decoding on the ADI ADSP-21584.”
“The synergistic collaboration with Fraunhofer IIS has helped bring MPEG-H standards onto ADI silicon in an efficient way,” explains Mark Cox, General Manager, Consumer Business Unit, Analog Devices. “We expect to see our first commercial products with MPEG-H on the market soon.”
MPEG-H and Fraunhofer upHear Immersive Audio Virtualizer software implementations are available for licensing to audio video receiver (AVR) and soundbar manufacturers and are fully integrated into Analog Devices’ audio framework.
www.iis.fraunhofer.de/audio | www.uphear.com
