TV & Sound-bar Evaluation
Aurio Acoustics TV or Sound-bar evaluation focus on objective evaluation of sound-quality attributes that can be used to compare (benchmark), refine DSP tuning, or understand another evaluation (i.e. rtings.com)
| In-Room Evaluation Type | Stereo Input: Response, Bandwidth, Variation | Stereo Input: Dynamic Range | Multi-Channel Input: Response Comparison | Multi-Channel input: Routing Assessment | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (2.x) | Up to 4 modes | 1 Mode | NA | NA | $2000 |
| Basic (up to 5.1.4) | Up to 4 modes | 1 Mode | Up to 2 Modes | Up to 2 Modes | $3000 |
| Complete (up to 5.1.4) | All Modes & Tone Settings | Up to 4 Modes | Up to 4 Modes | Up to 4 Modes | $6000 |
Modes
TV and Sound-bar typically have a number of modes and/or EQ settings which can be evaluated in a number of combinations. The table below gives an example of modes that will be evaluated by default for a Basic versus Complete evaluation
If not specified, Preliminary Evaluation will determine a “Reference” mode (best match to preferred in-room response target), and an “Alternate” mode. Example:
- Reference: Music, Surround Off
- Alternate: Movie, Surround On
Unless specified, Dynamic evaluations and multi-channel evaluations focus on “Reference” mode. Dynamic attributes are often shared across modes (Max SPL, Max Uncompressed SPL are often the same or similar across modes).
| Mode | Surround Off | Surround On |
|---|---|---|
| Movie | Basic | Basic (Alternate) |
| Music | Basic (Reference) | Basic |
| Speech | Complete | Complete |
| Night | Complete | Complete |
| Game | Complete | Complete |
| Sports | Complete | Complete |
| Bass | Complete | Complete |
| Treble | Complete | Complete |
Stereo Input – Response, Bandwidth, Variation, and Dynamic Range
The table and plot above illustrate objective date reported for a Stereo Input evaluation (in addition to subjective comments, and overview analysis).
- Reference level (70dB c-weighted) Response(s) and Max Volume Response are plotted
- +/-3dB Guide-bands “frame” the Reference Level Response – where guide-bands follow in-room response of highly preferred speakers
- Table Summarizes Spectral and Dynamic Attributes extracted from plot information
- Spectral: Bandwidth – frequency range where plot remains above the lower (-3dB) guide-band
- Spectral: Variation – SPL Range (+/- dB) that the response from 250Hz-8kHz fits within
- Spectral: Balance (tilt) – noticeable deviation in broad balance (tilt) relative to the guide-bands (is treble or bass emphasized)
- Dynamics: Max SPL – maximum SPL produced using uncorrelated pink noise (how loud it plays including compression and distortion)
- Dynamics: Max Uncompressed SPL – maximum SPL before measurable (>1dB) non-linearity, compression or limiting (how loud it plays cleanly)
Multi-Channel Input – Response Comparison
The table and plot above illustrate objective date reported for a Multi-Channel Input evaluation (for 1 mode, in addition to subjective comments, and overview analysis).
- Reference level (70dB c-weighted) Response(s) and Max Volume Response are plotted
- +/-3dB Guide-bands “frame” the Reference Level Response – where guide-bands follow in-room response of highly preferred speakers
- This allows visual comparison of similarity (or difference) between level and spectral balance of different channels in multi-channel system
- Table Summarizes Spectral Attributes extracted from plot information for each channel type or group:
- Spectral: Bandwidth – frequency range where plot remains above the lower (-3dB) guide-band
- Spectral: Variation – SPL Range (+/- dB) that the response from 250Hz-8kHz fits within
- Spectral: Balance (tilt) – noticeable deviation in broad balance (tilt) relative to the guide-bands (is treble or bass emphasized)
It is difficult to directly evaluate Spatial Attributes like width, separation and envelopment. However attributes of good Spatial/Immersive (multi-channel) systems are:
- Each channel has similar Spectral Balance (which follows the Spectral Balance Target Guide-bands)
- Surround speakers with de-emphasized treble may feel less immersive
- Level of each channel is similar in the Listening Area
- Center output stronger than Left and Right may reduce perceived width
Multi-Channel Routing Assessment
In understanding spatial/immersive playback issues, a routing assessment is important. The expectation is that Left-Front (input) is routed primarily to Left-Front (speaker) and Subwoofer (if available). There are instances where routing of inputs to other speakers is an enhancement (i.e. beam-forming, up-mixing, or other spatial algorithms) and not a detriment to sound-quality. However, there are instances where reduced immersion or strange spatial behavior can be traced to an error or poor choice in routing.
A routing assessment gives insight to potential errors and poor choices, and to whether the product is using more than “basic routing” to achieve it’s spatial/immersive performance.
| Front Left Speaker | Front Right Speaker | Center Speaker | Surround Left Speaker | Surround Right Speaker | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front Left In | X | ||||
| Front Right In | X | ||||
| Center In | X | ||||
| Surround Left In | X | ||||
| Surround Right | X |