ISO IEC 23003-2-2018 PDF

Full title and description

Information technology — MPEG audio technologies — Part 2: Spatial Audio Object Coding (SAOC). This international standard specifies the SAOC reference model for recreating, modifying and rendering multiple audio objects from a smaller number of transmitted channels plus compact parametric side‑information, enabling object‑based spatial audio delivery with backward compatibility to legacy channel receivers.

Abstract

The document defines the reference model, payload syntax, processing modes, profiles and conformance requirements for Spatial Audio Object Coding (SAOC). SAOC is a parametric object‑based coding approach that transmits a downmix (e.g., mono or stereo) together with low‑rate spatial parameters so that multiple audio objects can be reconstructed, interactively modified and rendered at the receiver with support for multiple playback setups. The standard also includes transport considerations, predefined rendering information, conformance testing and reference software.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 12 December 2018 (Edition 2).
• Publisher: ISO/IEC (ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 29 — Coding of audio, picture, multimedia and hypermedia information).
• ICS / categories: 35.040.40 (Coding of audio, picture, multimedia and hypermedia information).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2018).
• Number of pages: 172 pages.

Scope

Specifies the SAOC reference model and normative elements required for coding spatial audio objects from a reduced number of transmitted channels plus parametric side‑information. The scope covers the SAOC payload syntax, time/frequency processing, profiles and levels (including baseline, low‑delay and low‑power modes), transcoding and rendering behavior (including interaction with MPEG Surround/MPS), transport of SAOC side information in MPEG environments and over PCM channels, rendering information description files, conformance testing and the reference software. The standard is intended to enable efficient, device‑adaptable delivery of object‑based spatial audio while maintaining compatibility with legacy downmix playback.

Key topics and requirements

• Reference model and architecture for SAOC transcoder/decoder (reconstruction, modification and rendering).
• Parametric coding of spatial object attributes (low‑rate parameter sets and bands) to represent object spatial information instead of full multichannel streams.
• Payload and syntax definitions for SAOC side‑information and transport rules for MPEG and PCM environments.
• Time/frequency processing (hybrid filterbank and frame‑based transforms) and associated signal/parameter processing.
• Profiles and modes (baseline, low‑delay, low‑power, SAOC‑DE, etc.) with associated processing constraints.
• Transcoding and rendering behavior including interfacing to MPEG Surround (MPS) decoders for multi‑speaker setups and internal rendering for stereo/binaural outputs.
• Inter‑stream merging (parameter‑level merging / MCU combiner) and effects processing support.
• Conformance testing specifications and provision of reference software (reference implementation structure and annex guidance).

Typical use and users

Used by codec and player implementers, broadcast and streaming engineers, conferencing and communications system designers, manufacturers of home‑theatre, VR/AR and mobile audio devices, and interoperability/conformance test teams. Typical applications include efficient delivery of immersive/object‑based audio, device‑adaptive rendering (supporting legacy stereo/mono and advanced binaural or multi‑speaker setups), interactive remixing and low‑delay/low‑power real‑time communications.

Related standards

Part of the ISO/IEC 23003 (MPEG‑D, MPEG audio technologies) series. Closely related documents and series members include: ISO/IEC 23003‑1 (MPEG Surround), ISO/IEC 23003‑3 (Unified speech and audio coding), ISO/IEC 23003‑4 (Dynamic range control) and ISO/IEC 23003‑5 (Uncompressed audio in MPEG‑4 file format). SAOC also interoperates conceptually with other MPEG audio and 3D audio standards (for example MPEG Surround / MPS and later MPEG 3D audio work).

Keywords

SAOC; Spatial Audio Object Coding; MPEG‑D; MPEG audio technologies; parametric audio; object‑based audio; downmix; MPEG Surround; MPS; bitstream syntax; profiles; low‑delay; low‑power; conformance; reference software; rendering.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 23003‑2:2018 is the international standard that defines Spatial Audio Object Coding (SAOC), a parametric MPEG audio technology for recreating, modifying and rendering multiple audio objects from a reduced number of transmitted channels plus compact parametric side‑information.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the SAOC reference model, payload and syntax, time/frequency processing, profiles and operating modes (baseline, low‑delay, low‑power, etc.), transport in MPEG and PCM environments, rendering information, conformance testing and reference software.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Implementers of audio codecs and players, broadcast/streaming platform engineers, conferencing system designers, device manufacturers (home theatre, VR/AR, mobile), and test/interoperability teams. It is intended for anyone delivering or rendering object‑based spatial audio.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2018 document is Edition 2 (published 12 December 2018) and replaced earlier 2010 editions and amendments; it is the current edition of ISO/IEC 23003‑2 as published in 2018. Users should check the issuing bodies for any later revisions or amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 2 of the ISO/IEC 23003 (MPEG‑D / MPEG audio technologies) series and is intended to work alongside other parts such as Part 1 (MPEG Surround), Part 3 (Unified speech and audio coding), Part 4 (Dynamic range control) and Part 5 (Uncompressed audio in MPEG‑4 file format).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Spatial Audio Object Coding (SAOC), MPEG audio, parametric coding, object‑based audio, downmix, MPEG Surround (MPS), bitstream syntax, profiles, low‑delay, low‑power, reference software, conformance.