The influence of 2D and 3D video playback on the perceived quality of spatial audio rendering for headphones

Algorithms for processing of spatial audio are becoming more attractive for practical applications as multichannel formats and processing power on playback devices enable more advanced rendering techniques. In this study the influence of the visual context on the perceived audio quality is investigated. Three groups of 15 listeners are presented to audio-only, audio with 2D video and audio with 3D video content. The 5.1 channel audio material is processed for headphones using different commercial spatial rendering techniques. Results indicate a preference for spatial audio processing over downmix to conventional stereo with the effect being larger in the presence of 3D video content. Also, the influence of video on perceived audio quality is significant for 2D and 3D video presentation.