The latest software-based, 3D acoustic surround sound technology from Socionext provides immersive audio that is the next best thing to being there – and it even works on inexpensive stereo speakers
We’re thrilled to unveil our new line of audio solutions that utilize advanced software technology to provide immersive 3D audio without the need for expensive hardware.
The technology, which can work with just two standard speakers, makes full use of spatial acoustics technology to reproduce sounds that create a sense of presence. It can even be deployed on existing hardware without modification since all the enhanced audio processing is handled by software!
How the Socionext 3D Acoustic Surround Sound Solution Works
System designers can deploy the Socionext 3D Acoustic Surround Sound Solution without adding a digital signal processor (DSP) or making any other hardware modifications. Socionext will provide you with a 3D sound authoring tool tuned to suit your reproduction equipment. You use the software to customize which sound streams are processed into 3D audio objects to produce a surround sound effect. This can be applied to various applications and products for optimal sound quality.
For example, say you are using the software to recreate surround sound for two simple speakers. You create near-ear sound localization by controlling which sounds listeners will hear from which ear. First, you cancel specific sounds from the left speaker to the right ear by the right speaker. Then you cancel the necessary sounds from the right speaker to the left ear by the left speaker. This simultaneous noise cancellation reproduces a close-to-the-ear 3D sound effect on your two-speaker configuration.
Two Speaker example: (1) Sounds you want heard by the left ear. (2) Sound you don't want heard by the right ear. (3) Canceling sounds you don't want heard by the right ear.
Applications
The Socionext 3D Acoustic Surround Sound Solution can be integrated into a wide range of applications from handheld smart phones to gaming devices and television sets:
Entertainment and Commercial Signage
Applying 3D acoustic surround sound to gaming devices and digital signage provides an engaging and enticing “in the moment” experience. The result is gaming hardware that more fully immerses gamers in their experience and digital signage that better captures the attention of passersby.
Gaming Devices
Enhances the sense of presence with dynamic 3D surround sound
Digital Signage Equipment
Increases the effectiveness of digital signage with a wide range of sound effects
In-Vehicle 3D Audio Applications
The Socionext 3D acoustic surround sound solutions delivers a state-of-the-art user interface (UI) with sound localization control for in-vehicle applications, such as advanced driver-assistance (ADAS) and infotainment systems.
One example is the Socionext In-Vehicle Sound Alert HMI. The solution enhances the driving experience by delivering intuitive “close-to-the-ear” navigation prompts or audio warnings when hazards are detected (e.g. another vehicle approaches a driver’s blind spot). The system alerts drivers when drowsiness or fatigue is detected.
The Socionext 3D acoustic surround sound technology overcomes the limits of conventional surround sound systems which require speakers to be placed symmetrically to generate 3D sounds. However, drivers are seated closer to speakers on one side of the vehicle than the other – meaning the typical system cannot accurately recreate positional audio. Socionext’s robust sound localization technology solves this problem, enabling speakers to be placed anywhere and still create "around-the-ear" 3D sounds effects.
Since the solution is software based and does not require special audio hardware, it can be cost-effectively integrated into a wide range of vehicle types and models.
Bass Boost and Hearing Enhancement
Socionext’s "bass boost technology" can make listeners feel like they are present at a live concert by reproducing rich and lifelike sounds. The technology can even significantly enhance the sound quality of existing systems without modification, including the small and thin speakers with a narrow frequency band typically found on flat screen TVs and monitors.
The solution can also assist listeners with hearing impairments. Socionext’s "TV sound processing technology" applies the same non-linear amplification technology employed in advanced digital hearing aids to TV viewing to assist those with hearing loss. The technology ensures the listening comfort of everyone in the room by automatically amplifying soft sounds without causing speech distortion while also keeping sudden loud noises like explosions to an appropriate volume level.
Learn More About the Socionext 3D Acoustic Surround Sound Solution
The Socionext 3D Acoustic Surround Sound Solution is easy for developers to implement. Visit our Audio Solutions page for more information. Contact us to talk with one of our application engineers about how the solution can enhance the audio experience of your customers.
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