Bit rates in audio source coding

Abstract

The goal is to introduce and solve the audio coding optimization problem. Psychoacoustic results such as masking and excitation pattern models are combined with results from rate distortion theory to formulate the audio coding optimization problem. The solution of the audio optimization problem is a masked error spectrum, prescribing how quantization noise must be distributed over the audio spectrum to obtain a minimal bit rate and an inaudible coding errors. This result cannot only be used to estimate performance bounds, but can also be directly applied in audio coding systems. Subband coding applications to magnetic recording and transmission are discussed in some detail. Performance bounds for this type of subband coding system are derived