3D sound format approved for TV and radio broadcasts

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Following in the three-dimensional footsteps of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, a new audio format means 3D audio could also soon be part of your favourite TV and radio programmes.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which develops global technical standards for broadcasters and counts the BBC in its long list of members, has announced details of a new standard for "immersive sound".

The catchily-titled 'Recommendation ITU-R BS.2088-0' will allow for "object, channel and scene-based audio" to be transmitted in one audio file, using the existing RIFF/WAV file format, essentially bringing the possibility of 3D audio to radio and TV broadcasters.

The ITU envisages this immersive audio experience complimenting 4K video, together bringing "the television experience to an entirely new level". The new spec could allow individual viewers to adjust "the level of immersive sound" based on their own room and set-up.

All this technology won't come low on bandwidth however, with a TV show delivered in 4K video and with a "3D audio" stream sure to be a fair old weight on your network. BT Sport's 4K channel already requires you to have a minimum 44Mbps connection, for example.

ITU secretary general, Houlin Zhao, said about the news: "The ITU global standard for immersive audio sets an important step for an exciting new age of ‘sound’ for broadcasting. The advanced audio systems will provide additional features and performance well beyond those available today."

MORE: Dolby Atmos - everything you need to know

MORE: BT Sport Ultra HD: What is it? How can you get it?

[via Arstechnica]

Joe Cox
Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).