Fraunhofer Focused On All Things MPEG-H at IBC 2016

At IBC 2016, Fraunhofer showcased an MPEG-H Audio codec in multiple variations. The demonstrations included 3D audio content production tools, broadcast equipment, and consumer equipment.
At IBC 2016, Fraunhofer IIS demonstrated multiple different products and technologies related to MPEG-H Audio:
Visitors could examine the Jünger Audio, MPEG-H Audio Monitoring and Authoring Unit (AMAU) for 3D audio. The Jünger technology adapts to 5.1 consoles enabling immersive audio production. It also allows operations to audition MPEG-H Audio in the plant as it will be reproduced on viewer’s devices.
Fraunhofer also displayed the first professional broadcast encoders from Kai Media and DS Broadcast, which support MPEG-H Audio. The demonstration included a 4K live broadcast chain.
Additionally on display was a new prototype 3D soundbar for convenient playback of 3D sound in any living room without requiring the installation of a 3D loudspeaker setup.
The company emphasized to visitors:
MPEG-H is designed to work with today’s broadcast and streaming equipment. Users have the ability to adjust the sound mix to suit their preferences through the object-based and immersive audio features, resulting in an improved level of realism for the overall audio experience. MPEG-H Audio also tailors sound for optimal playback on a range of devices and environments, providing “universal delivery.”
MPEG-H Audio is part of the A/342 Candidate Standard for ATSC 3.0 and is expected to be the first next-generation audio system deployed as single audio codec in the South Korean 4K terrestrial broadcasting system.
According to the Korean government representatives, the Seoul metropolitan area will be the first to receive the service. After Seoul, it will expand into cities near the venues of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang. By 2021, the service will be available nationwide.
You might also like...
The Importance Of CDN Selection To Achieve Broadcast-Grade Streaming Experiences
Multi-CDN is a standard model for today’s OTT Operators, which automatically requires a CDN selection solution. As streaming aims to be broadcast-grade and cost-effective, how are CDN Selection solutions evolving to support these objectives?
OTT’s Unique Storage Requirements
Central storage systems for OTT are unique in the world of media storage. They combine a set of requirements which no other media use case must handle.
Waves: Part 9 - Propagation Inversion
As a child I came under two powerful influences. The first of these was electricity. My father was the chief electrician at a chemical works and he would bring home any broken or redundant electrical parts for me to tinker…
OTT Content Origination
Content Origination is in the midst of significant transformation, like all parts of the OTT video ecosystem. As OTT grows and new efficiencies are pursued, Origination must play its part as a fundamental element of the delivery chain. But Origination…
The Big Guide To OTT: Part 2 - Content Origination
Part 2 of The Big Guide To OTT is a set of three articles which dig into the key issues of OTT content origination, the unique demands of OTT content storage, and the role of CDN selection in achieving broadcast grade…