Audio Coding algorithm for one-segment broadcasting

With the recent progress in coding technologies, a more efficient compression of video and audio data has become available, resulting in popularization of new services such as one-segment broadcasting and content delivery. In 2003, ISO/IEC developed the latest MPEG audio standard called High-Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding (HE-AAC). Based on the conventional Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) algorithm, HE-AAC features a higher compression ratio than that of AAC. Because the total bit rate of one-segment broadcasting is as low as about 400 kb/s including video, audio, and other data, the bit rate for audio must be reduced as much as reasonably possible in order to increase the bit rate for video. Fujitsu has developed a new HE-AAC encoding algorithm that provides high sound quality at a lower bit rate of 32 kb/s while the bit rate of the current one-segment broadcasting is 48 kb/s. This paper describes the technology to improve the sound quality of the HE-AAC encoder and demonstrates its advantages based on the results of subjective listening tests.