AURO-3D will introduce AURO-CX, a new scalable Next Generation Audio codec, at CES 2024, from January 9 to 12, at The Venetian Hotel.
The AURO-CX Codec is developed for streaming, with potential uses in broadcasting. It has several advantages over current Next Generation Audio codecs, mainly due to its scalability. This feature allows for reduced storage requirements and fewer encoding processes, saving time, labor, and costs.
Scalable Quality and Sample Rates
AURO-CX’s key feature is its scalable quality. It offers various resolutions, from lossless to lossy, within a single bitstream, using multiple audio waveform coding techniques. It also supports scalable sample rates, capable of carrying 48, 96, and 192kHz in one bitstream. This allows decoders to extract only the necessary data based on their capabilities.
Benefits for Content Distributors
According to Bert Van Daele, CTO of NEWAURO B.V., the scalability of AURO-CX is beneficial for content distributors. It enables them to use a single stream to cater to different audiences, such as providing high-resolution audio for audiophiles and lower bitrate mixes for general consumers. Streaming services can also use AURO-CX to offer upgradeable streams for premium services.
Immersive Audio and Embedded Objects
Unlike other formats, AURO-CX transmits objects embedded in the same bitstream for immersive audio, maintaining high audio quality, particularly for height channels in immersive setups. This method ensures that the 7.1 experience is enhanced with better height information, keeping the audio mix faithful to the original studio production.
Flexible Broadcast Features
In addition to its main features, AURO-CX supports various broadcast functionalities like dialogue enhancement and localized audio for multiple languages. It also enables interactive and assistive audio options, ensuring a high-quality immersive experience while providing greater accessibility.
News source: https://www.auro-3d.com/