Savitech Launches LHDC ONE Hi-Res Bluetooth Audio Transmitter

November 29 2023, 01:10
Savitech, the company behind LHDC (Low Latency High Def Codec), introduced a dedicated USB transmitter dongle to expand its user base. The new LHDC ONE Hi-Res Bluetooth Audio Transmitter converts audio from any USB-C audio source, and streams it using the low latency and high resolution audio codec promoted by Savitech and the HWA Alliance. Comparing to the Bluetooth SBC audio format, LHDC allows more than 3 times the data transmitted, transmitting 24-bit/96kHz audio at 900 kbps.
 

As always, when talking about new "hi-res" audio codecs for Bluetooth wireless transmission there is the "chicken and egg" problem. Consumers buy headphones with these new codecs, only to find out that their iPhone doesn't support it, or that the only smartphones that do are iPhone-clones from obscure Chinese companies that don't even run the latest version of Android. The solution, increasingly adopted by companies in the gaming and personal audio space, is to create USB dongles that act as a transmitter, ensuring that receivers at least will have something that works with that.

The LHDC ONE dedicated Bluetooth 5.3 audio transmitter is a USB-C dongle that does exactly that for LHDC. It enables wireless audio transmission for all sorts of electronic devices with a USB-C audio interface. In fact, the Savitech LHDC ONE is the first wireless audio solution that even supports the (USB-C equipped) iPhone 15 series! Additionally, users can even experience the immersive audio possibilities with the LHDC-X Spatial App on a PC or other gaming console.

As the Taiwan-based company promotes: "LHDC ONE is a wireless audio entertainment solution that makes end-to-end master tape audio quality delivered without wires a reality. You’ll be able to enjoy lossless quality on the go by solely plugging in the LHDC ONE dongle. Powered by LHDC, the Hi-Res codec brings a slew of advancements, including an unprecedented audio transmission of up to 24-bit/192kHz, adaptive data rate from 128kbps to 1000kbps, with total harmonic distortion as low as -144dB, and support for LE Audio, ensuring a more power efficient audio transmission.

This also reflects an interesting trend, with a number of manufacturers shipping USB-C dongles with Bluetooth LE Audio support (that use the mandatory LC3 codec), making it possible for owners of new LE Audio headphones and earbuds (most of which are shipping without Classic Bluetooth support and are LE Audio only) to immediately have a compatible audio source, while they wait for manufacturers to introduce LE Audio support. Note, that when users select the Bluetooth LE Audio stream, the only choice will be LC3 and not any other codec. LHDC is only supported by using the Classc Bluetooth transmitter in the USB dongle.

Featuring a USB-C connection, the LHDC ONE transmitter will work across operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. Beyond audio fidelity, the LHDC Hi-Res Bluetooth Audio Transmitter delivers a latency as low as 80 milliseconds, allowing users to hear and react in near-real time.
Launching on Kickstarter with an introductory starting price of just $30 USD, the transmitter effectively lowers the threshold for audio enthusiasts worldwide to enjoy high-resolution audio.

The Savitech engineering team, comprising seasoned analog and mixed signal integrated circuit design experts, meticulously crafted the LHDC ONE to broaden the audience for the LHDC Codec. "Savitech continues to push the boundaries of audio innovation, and our LHDC ONE Hi-Res Bluetooth Audio Transmitter showcases this dedication," says Bell Wang, Product Manager at Savitech.

Savitech, headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, specializes in advanced audio solutions for a wide range of electronic devices.
www.lhdc-audio.org
www.savitech.co

 
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About Joao Martins
Since 2013, Joao Martins leads audioXpress as editor-in-chief of the US-based magazine and website, the leading audio electronics, audio product development and design publication, working also as international editor for Voice Coil, the leading periodical for... Read more

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