Neural: Our Surround System ‘Excels’ in Independent Test

Neural Audio says its surround sound system consistently scored high marks in recent testing conducted by Audio Research Labs. In a controlled listening study, experts compared Neural’s technology to other competitive systems for digital broadcast applications.
The tests took place at the AT&T Research multi-channel listening room in Florham Park, N.J.
Using a Multi-Stimulus test with Hidden Reference and Anchor (MUSHRA) testing, trained listeners evaluated selected 5.1 source material for level of discreteness and presence of artifacts. During the testing, Neural said its 5225 downmix system and SEE system outperformed the matrix systems and delivered performance perceptually close to the source material.
“We performed standard tests for evaluation of surround sound technologies and it is clear that the Neural solution can deliver the artists original intent without significant compromise or the use of side data. This could have great value for digital broadcast and low bit rate applications,” Neural quoted Dr. Schuyler Quackenbush as saying. Quackenbush is president, Audio Research Labs and chairman of the MPEG audio subgroup that led the test efforts.
The test was conducted using AAC at 96 kbps to carry the coded music material and full data on the testing, and will be posted after NAB2005 on the Neural web site, www.neuralaudio.com.
Neural Audio CEO, Geir R. Skaaden said the tests underscores Neural’s position that its ‘watermarking’ system can deliver the promise of discrete 5.1 without the use of valuable bits for side information. The test coordinator, Dr.Schuyler Quackenbush, is an expert in audio signal processing, audio signal compression, assessment of speech and audio quality.