GenAudio Launches AstoundSound for CE: Software Based Spatial Audio IP Tech for Consumer Electronics Devices

GenAudio has launched AstoundSound® for CE (consumer electronics) allowing fast integration of stereo and multi-channel input spatialized audio playback capabilities in everything from digital TVs to automotive infotainment systems.

GenAudio’s AstoundSound for CE optimized DSP backend software and audio tuning tools offers consumer electronics manufacturers the ability to play any audio mix (from a stereo or multichannel audio source) without being limited by the physical speaker count. For instance, headphones and two speaker devices can accurately reproduce a realistic 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound experience exactly as intended by the artist, producer or director by maintaining accurate panning information of the multi-channel audio mix.

A major advantage over competing spatial audio technology, AstoundSound for CE has no tone colorization and remains in-phase. In addition, the resulting audio has no compromise of the center channel or low-end (bass) performance. These attributes make GenAudio’s patented AstoundSound technology the only technology on the market that truly maintains the integrity of the original mix without compromising critical audio characteristics.

GenAudio’s audio IP solutions can also be quickly ported to any fixed or floating point DSP for any chip manufacturer. The company has already completed integration of the AstoundSound audio IP software for the Analog Devices ADAU1761/1701 Sigma Studio DSP system-on-chip (SoC) audio processors as well as ADI’s SHARC® processors and various other chip manufacturers. The company also recently completed optimization of its AstoundSound DSP processing core for audio applications using ARM based processors.

The AstoundSound audio software IP is well suited for a broad array of product offerings including but not limited to:

• Digital TV’s
• IPTVs
• Set-top boxes
• Speaker bars/arrays
• Speaker docks
• Headphones
• Mobile phones
• Tablet based devices
• Game consoles
• Personal computers/laptops
• A/V processors/Home receivers
• Automotive infotainment systems
• Conference phones
• Streaming media devices and services

GenAudio’s CEO predicts that the implementation of true multidimensional sound -- coming not from just a linear plane around the consumer, but from points anywhere in a sphere around the listener -- will be a must have feature for future CE devices.

“The introduction of our software based audio IP tech on small, low-cost processors coupled with our intuitive audio tuning tools provides manufacturers a way to quickly integrate spatialized audio playback capabilities into any new product where audio fidelity to the consumer is a critical component,” Jerry Mahabub, founder and CEO of GenAudio explains. “Implementing AstoundSound in consumer devices will offer device manufacturers the opportunity to differentiate their multimedia products in a crowded consumer market!”

GenAudio’s AstoundSound for CE is based on more than 23 years of spatial audio perception R&D into how the human brain localizes a sound source in space. Beyond working with existing formats for use in audio for 3D movies, television and gaming, the technology enables the authoring and/or creation of content that incorporates horizontal panning (azimuth), elevation placement, depth perception and movement of sound sources over time. This can be used to create a complete sphere of sound that can easily make audio perception come from above and below as well as from the front, behind and to the sides making it difficult for the listener to distinguish the difference between what is real and what is virtual sound.

The first consumer multi-media devices from brand consumer electronics companies incorporating AstoundSound for CE are slated for launch in early 2012.

About GenAudio Inc.

Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., with operations in West Los Angeles, CA., GenAudio’s mission is to provide a true multidimensional sound solution for the entire consumer electronics and entertainment industry. The audio IP solution is called – AstoundSound®.

AstoundSound is a software-based audio IP solution that integrates seamlessly with consumer electronics for home, automotive and mobile applications, delivering a multi-dimensional audio experience with two or more speakers. AstoundSound also supports cinema and content creation software applications, and provides seamless audio reproduction for professional environments.

Based on decades of research on how the brain positions sound in space, AstoundSound is the most accurate and intense multi-dimensional sound localization cue technology available today. The technology works with all DSP based consumer audio equipment capable of stereo audio output, and no special hardware or decoding devices are required. For more information visit www.genaudioinc.com or www.astoundsurround.com.