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Journal Article

Perceived Audio Quality of Realistic FM and DAB+ Radio Broadcasting Systems

Authors: Berg, Jan; Bustad, Christofer; Jonsson, Lars; Mossberg, Lars; Nyberg, Dan

Journal of the Audio Engineering Society · Volume 61 · Issue 10 · pp. 755–777 · October 2013

Abstract

The perceived audio quality of a digital broadcasting system (such as DAB+) is dependent on the type of coding and bit rates selected. Because of bandwidth constraints, the required number of channels, and conflicting auxiliary services, audio quality is sometimes degraded. In designing a broadcast system, it is necessary to have well-defined criteria for minimally acceptable quality. Two studies explored quality criteria and how quality degrades for various bit rates. For DAB+ the subchannel rate should not be less than the currently available maximum of 192 kbits/s for a stereo signal, which would be comparable to the quality of a modern FM system. Rates below 160 kbit/s can significantly degrade certain types of program material. To be truly perceptually transparent, bits rates of close to 300 kbits/s may be needed when using the current generation of coders.

Details

Publication
Journal of the Audio Engineering Society
Volume
61
Issue
10
Pages
755–777
Publication date
October 6, 2013
Affiliation
Luleå University of Technology, Piteå, Sweden; Swedish Radio, Stockholm, Sweden; Swedish National Laboratory of Forensic Science - SKL, Linköping, Sweden (See document for exact affiliation information.)
Type
Journal Article