Latest developments in low bit-rate and high-quality multi-channel automotive audio

In 2006, the ISO/MPEG standardization group finalized the MPEG Surround specification, which allows for efficient and backward compatible compression of high-quality multi-channel sound using parametric coding techniques. Since then the MPEG Surround standard has been included in a number of digital broadcast standards as the multi-channel audio codec of choice and its use in electronic music distribution and media players is underway. This paper summarizes the technical background of MPEG Surround and discusses its use in digital broadcast systems with a special focus on automotive applications such as car radio receivers, rear seat entertainment, and portable music player docking stations in the car.