ISO IEC 23008-3-2022 PDF

Full title and description

Information technology — High efficiency coding and media delivery in heterogeneous environments — Part 3: 3D audio. This International Standard (ISO/IEC 23008-3:2022) specifies technology to support efficient transmission of immersive audio signals and flexible rendering for playback across a wide range of listening scenarios (loudspeaker arrays, 22.2 systems, automotive environments and headphones for mobile devices).

Abstract

This part of ISO/IEC 23008 defines bitstream formats, profiles and levels, metadata and rendering controls used to convey immersive (3D) audio content and to enable flexible rendering on diverse playback systems. It focuses on efficient coding and interoperability for object-based and scene-based immersive audio, and supports multiple delivery and playback scenarios including home theatre, automotive systems and headphone playback.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / superseded (replaced by a more recent edition published in 2026).
• Publication date: 17 August 2022 (Edition 3).
• Publisher: Joint ISO/IEC publication (ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 29).
• ICS / categories: 35.040.40 (Coding of audio, video, multimedia and hypermedia information).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2022).
• Number of pages: 867 pages.

Scope

ISO/IEC 23008-3:2022 defines the formats and tools required to deliver immersive 3D audio content efficiently and to enable rendering on heterogeneous playback systems. It covers scene-description and metadata, object and channel representations, bitstream syntax and profiles/levels for interoperability, and guidance for rendering and binaural/headphone virtualization to support diverse loudspeaker configurations and consumer devices. Typical delivery and use cases addressed include broadcast and streaming services, packaged media, automotive infotainment, and personal device playback.

Key topics and requirements

• Immersive audio bitstream format and syntax for object- and scene-based audio.
• MPEG‑H 3D audio profiles and levels for interoperable decoding and rendering.
• Metadata and scene description enabling flexible rendering decisions at playback time.
• Support for multiple playback targets (multi-channel loudspeakers, 22.2, automotive arrays, headphones with binaural rendering).
• File format and encapsulation considerations for delivery and storage.
• Conformance and interoperability requirements to ensure consistent decoder/renderer behavior.
• Guidance for authoring, delivery and renderer adaptation to device capabilities and loudspeaker configurations.

Typical use and users

Adopters include audio codec implementers, consumer electronics manufacturers (AV receivers, soundbars, TVs, automotive infotainment systems), streaming and broadcast engineers, content creators and post-production studios authoring immersive audio, game and virtual-reality developers, and standards/conformance test organizations. The standard is used to ensure compatible encoding, delivery and playback of immersive audio across diverse devices and services.

Related standards

Related parts of the ISO/IEC 23008 series and associated standards include: - ISO/IEC 23008-1 (MPEG Media Transport, MMT) for delivery/encapsulation mechanisms; - ISO/IEC 23008-2 (high-efficiency video coding / related video parts) where audio/video integration is required; - amendments and corrigenda to ISO/IEC 23008-3 that define profiles, file-format support and corrections; - relevant MPEG and ISOBMFF (ISO base media file format) specifications used for packaging and signalling immersive audio streams. These related publications together support end-to-end delivery and playback of immersive multimedia.

Keywords

3D audio, immersive audio, MPEG‑H, object-based audio, scene description, binaural rendering, audio bitstream, profiles and levels, ISOBMFF, MMT, playback rendering, automotive audio.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 23008-3:2022 is the International Standard that specifies formats, metadata and rendering-related tools for delivering and playing back immersive (3D) audio content across a variety of devices and listening environments.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers bitstream syntax, profiles/levels, scene description and metadata, file-format considerations, and guidance for rendering immersive audio on loudspeaker arrays, automotive systems and headphones (including binaural rendering). It is aimed at enabling efficient transmission and flexible playback of immersive audio.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Implementers of audio encoders/decoders, device manufacturers (AV equipment, TVs, automotive OEMs), streaming/broadcast engineers, content creators, and developers of immersive media applications use the standard to ensure interoperable creation, delivery and playback of 3D audio.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2022 edition (Edition 3) has been superseded by a later edition (ISO/IEC 23008-3:2026). The 2022 edition is therefore withdrawn/updated in the ISO lifecycle and users should consult the 2026 edition for the most current normative text and corrections.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 3 of the ISO/IEC 23008 series (High efficiency coding and media delivery in heterogeneous environments). Other parts in the series address media transport (MMT), video coding and reference software and together provide a suite of specifications for efficient multimedia delivery.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: 3D audio; immersive audio; MPEG‑H; object-based audio; scene metadata; binaural rendering; audio bitstream; profiles and levels; ISOBMFF; MMT.