As the quality and magnitude of entertainment content available on the Internet continue to increase--and as new consumer devices distribute that content directly to the living room and home theater--the high-definition audio encoders and decoders (codecs) currently required for audio/video and multimedia receivers are finding new applications in entertainment PCs and multimedia controllers.
To qualify as an HD Audio codec, a part must satisfy Intel Corp.'s High Definition Audio Specification Rev. 1.0, as well as the Dolby and DTS HD audio-encoding standards. An HD Audio codec includes multiple I/O channels and multiple A/D and D/A converters, not simply an op amp or audio amplifier (see table, below).
In addition, to match the high-definition audio currently available from high-definition video disks for home theater applications, HD Audio codecs must deliver 32-bit resolution, a 192-kHz sampling rate and dynamic range, total harmonic distortion and noise of at least –90 dB, and 7.1 channels.
The market has already seen the success of such trends as high-definition audio on the Internet, Internet-exclusive entertainment with HD- encoded audio, home theaters decoding 32-bit Dolby and DTS HD audio for 7.1 channels, and the ability of home theaters to receive Internet content directly. HD Audio codecs are one of the final requirements for delivering Internet entertainment and information in high-definition audio to home theaters, as well as to automotive, home office and living room environments.
In its ability to affect the market for home theater audio, the arrival of Internet entertainment in HD Audio quality will rival the introduction of HD-DVDs and Blu-ray DVDs; DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD disks; and satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcasts in HD audio.
This entertainment is also accessible from the preferred source: the Internet.
Rick Goldberg (rick_goldberg@analoganddsp.com) is a technology consultant specializing in analog and DSP devices and applications.
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