Robust low-delay audio coding using multiple descriptions

Abstract

Abstract-This paper proposes an encoding method for high-quality, low-delay audio communication that is robust to losses in packetized transmission. Robustness is provided by a multiple description vector quantization (MDVQ) technique that is designed to minimize the mean-squared error (MSE). The key to applying this technique effectively is the use of psycho-acoustically controlled pre-and post-filters that make the mean-squared quantization error perceptually relevant. Experiments show that the MDVQ-based encoder yields better results-in both MSE and subjective audio quality-than simple alternative coders with the same low delay.

Low delay moving-horizon multiple-description audio coding forwireless hearing aids

“…, n − 1} denotes the indices of the received descriptions. 4 In particular, the simple decoding rule where the reconstruction is given by the average of the received descriptions generally works well [10,5]. Thus, when 0 < m < n, we setŷ ℓ k = 1 m P j∈ℓ y j k , whereas when m = n we letŷ ℓ k = α −1 (y 0 k , .…”

“…MD coding was recently used for robust perceptual audio coding [3,4,5]. In [3,4], the case of two descriptions was considered, whereas in [5] it was shown, that even with highly unreliable networks, it is possible to achieve audio streaming of acceptable quality by using more than two descriptions. In [4,5], perceptual models were derived at the encoder.…”

“…In [3,4], the case of two descriptions was considered, whereas in [5] it was shown, that even with highly unreliable networks, it is possible to achieve audio streaming of acceptable quality by using more than two descriptions. In [4,5], perceptual models were derived at the encoder. These needed to be encoded and transmitted to the decoder as side information, in addition to the encoded audio data.…”

“…These needed to be encoded and transmitted to the decoder as side information, in addition to the encoded audio data. It turns out that the bit rate required for encoding the perceptual model is up to 8 kbps [4,5]. Since this model is required in all the descriptions, the bit rate of the side information can be significant.…”

Real-Time Perceptual Moving-Horizon Multiple-Description Audio Coding

“…MD coding was recently used for robust perceptual audio coding [3]- [5]. In [3], [4], the case of two descriptions was considered, whereas in [5] it was shown, that even with highly unreliable networks, it is possible to achieve audio streaming of acceptable quality by using more than two descriptions. In [4], [5], perceptual models were employed at the encoder in order to derive masked thresholds.…”