In a broadcast environment, audio has a unique set of challenges and they are seldom straightforward. Standards help keep everything in line, but broadcast audio’s 120 year evolution means that there are a lot of them to go at. As part of our comprehensive 2026 update of the popular Broadcast Standards reference work, this collection of articles helps find order across the entire sound field.

It traces the history of MPEG audio coding from MPEG-1 Layer 1 up to the latest hybrid codecs; it identifies not only how formats have developed, but how they are still developing to deliver more emotional and immersive experiences. It covers the range of codecs, formats and extensions and identifies where they are most appropriate.

And in an environment that requires sound engineers to deal with constant changes in how they capture, process and deliver multiple outputs, it provides some clarity over where to get more help.

About Broadcast Standards 2026 – Audio Coding

This eBook is a free PDF download which contains 8 original reference articles:

Article 1 - Standards For Audio Coding
Audio coding demands very different tools and workflows to video, but the same fundamental principles around quality apply to both.

Article 2 - MPEG Layer 3 Audio Coding (MP3)
Over 30 years old, MP3 remains one of the most ubiquitous audio formats in the world. This guide sets out clearly where MP3 still fits – and where it doesn't.

Article 3 - Advanced Audio Coding (AAC)
Delivering better quality than MP3, and at lower bitrates, we examine how it works and explain where it sits within the broader MPEG audio standards landscape.

Article 4 - High Efficiency Audio Codecs (HE-AAC)
HE-AAC is the codec of choice for mobile TV, digital radio and low-bandwidth streaming. This guide unpacks the key technologies behind its efficiency gains.

Article 5 - ID3 Metadata Tagging
Metadata tagging is easily overlooked but essential for managing audio assets throughout the production workflow.

Article 6 - About The Audio Engineering Society (AES)
The AES has been shaping professional audio standards since 1948. We chart its rise and uncover how its standards are developed and acquired.

Article 7 - Important AES Standards
The AES standards library underpins professional audio engineering worldwide. We examine what each one does and why it matters.

Article 8 - Surround Sound
Surround sound has evolved into a highly complex discipline; we map the key standards and look ahead to Next Generation Audio formats that can adapt to any listening environment.