Understanding Next Generation Audio (NGA)

Next Generation Audio (NGA) represents a significant leap in audio technology, offering immersive and personalized audio experiences. Unlike traditional audio formats like stereo and surround sound, NGA integrates object-based and scene-based audio, enabling users to control and personalize their audio experience.

Understanding Next Generation Audio (NGA)

Evolution from Traditional Audio to NGA

Traditional Audio: Since the invention of the Phonograph by Thomas Edison in 1877 and the development of stereo sound by Alan Blumlein in 1931, audio technology has focused on enhancing fidelity and adding more channels (e.g., stereo, 5.1 surround sound).
NGA: Introduced to complement advanced visual technologies like UHDTV, NGA incorporates object-based audio, allowing individual audio elements (e.g., dialogue, music, sound effects) to be controlled separately. This technology not only enhances the immersive experience but also provides personalized audio settings for users.

Key Components of NGA

Channel-Based Audio: Traditional audio distribution where sound is mixed into fixed channels (e.g., left, right, center).
Object-Based Audio: Audio elements are treated as individual objects with metadata, allowing dynamic control over their playback.
Scene-Based Audio: Uses Ambisonics to capture a 360-degree sound field, providing a fully immersive audio experience.

Benefits of NGA

Immersive Experience: NGA supports 3D audio rendering, creating a realistic sound environment by adding height to the audio scene.
Personalization: Users can adjust dialogue levels, choose different commentary tracks, and customize their audio experience to suit their preferences and needs.
Accessibility: Enhanced audio description and clearer dialogue options benefit users with hearing impairments or those in noisy environments.

NGA in Practice

Content Creation: Broadcasters and content creators can use NGA to produce a single audio stream that adapts to various playback environments, from high-end home theaters to mobile devices with headphones.
Distribution: NGA's efficient bandwidth usage makes it ideal for streaming services, ensuring high-quality audio without excessive data consumption.

How NGA Enhances Streaming Services

For streaming technology enthusiasts, NGA offers several advantages:
Improved User Experience: Viewers can enjoy a more engaging and customizable audio experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment of streaming content.
Versatility: NGA is compatible with various platforms, including UHDTV, HDTV, and VR, ensuring a consistent audio experience across different devices.
Future-Proofing: As streaming technology evolves, NGA provides a scalable solution that can accommodate future advancements in audio and video quality.

Next Generation Audio is poised to revolutionize how we experience sound in streaming technology. By offering immersive, personalized, and accessible audio, NGA enhances the viewer's experience, making it a valuable addition to modern streaming services. Whether you're a content creator or a consumer, understanding and utilizing NGA can significantly elevate your audio experience.

Article written by
Sylvain Corvaisier