MP3 Surround
Physorg – Looks to be a real solution to the large amounts of data it takes to create surround sound, cool –
Together with engineers from Agere Systems, the IIS researchers have discovered a new way of streamlining the data packets: Special software reduces the data stream down to a stereo signal, and additional information is then packed into this so-called “downmix”. After this, the file is compressed and can be transmitted in the usual way, for example via the Internet. The receiver reads the additional information packed into the file and, with its help, is able to reconstruct the original signal.
”Basically, MP3 reduces the data stream: Those parts of the signal which are almost or entirely imperceptible to the human ear are coded with less accuracy and consequently take up less storage space. Then there is the additional information for the different channels, for example the time taken for audio signals to travel between speakers or differences in volume. The software packs the coded stereo signal and the sound parameters into an MP3 Surround file, which can then be stored or sent via the Internet. It can be played back on any MP3 player. If the MP3 player is fitted with an MP3 Surround chip and is attached to six speakers, the room will resound to the full surround sound effect. If not, a normal stereo signal will be heard.
-Shlok
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