High resolution audio

Mission Statement

The core mission of the committee is the quest for a comprehensive understanding of high resolution audio technology in all its aspects. High resolution refers to extended resolution in bandwidth, dynamic range, time, and spatial acuity. The achievement of excellent resolution within audio systems is influenced by a wide range of system elements as well as perceptual elements and signal processing. New technologies enabling ever-greater performance continue to evolve, and it is important to study the performance boundaries as the means of enabling a holistic understanding of both technology and supporting perceptual audio theories. The committee additionally seeks to encourage evolution of the enabling technologies and of audio engineering by promoting high standards of technical performance and sound reproduction.

Areas of Concentration

There are three general areas of concentration that describe the committee’s primary activities:

I. High resolution technology, comprising design issues and advances that enable high performance in playback gear:

• ADC and DAC
• Analog and digital systems and circuitry
• System technology
• Relevant aspects of transducer design
• Technology related to present and future distribution methods (discs, networks, electronic delivery)

II. Signal processing and theoretical issues related to high resolution waveforms including bandwidth, sampling rate, filtering, time resolution, dynamic resolution, spatial representation, etc.

III. Perceptual models and testing procedures permitting growth in the understanding and evaluation of high resolution audio, and of those parameters significant to waveform and equipment design.