What next?

Future Possibilities?

When suitable software and infrastructure becomes available it may be possible for B-Format audio to be delivered by broadcasters and be decoded in the home to provide Ambisonic options alongside 5.1 or stereo configurations as desired. A user could select the replay system that they are using from a menu and the decoder would then provide the suitable format to the system. For this to happen broadcasters would need to either manipulate current protocols, for example working within the the limits of the 6 channel AC-3 stream, or establish new standards where 10 channels of audio could be transmitted. Could 5.1 steams could be converted to B-Format before transmission and then decoded to produce desired formats at the other end? This could also facilitate the transmission of B-Format and 5.1 as well as opening up new opportunities for companies such as Dolby to make the most of expanding 5.1 - 7.1 or Pro Logic 11Z systems.

Even if we discount the possibility of transmission we could also offer users the option via DVD and game audio menus, download options via Apple TV or PS3 etc to choose which audio stream suits a playback system employed by the end user.

Whilst this is well beyond the scope of this project, these considerations could form the basis of future investigations into the use of techniques such as Binaural or Ambisonics to enhance visual sequences by providing immersive audio experiences in theaters, in the home or on the move.

This project has highlighted, through research involving literature and practical experimentation, that 'immersive' or enveloping soundtracks can perform better than conventional surround or stereo soundtracks when used to support visual sequences.
Creators of such content will begin to realise (as demonstrated by Dolby Labs) that there is definitely a market there, so therefore will, in time, need to respond to those demands. The two methods outlined in this project are only two of many, but I feel that they offer the best starting point from which we can begin to realise the potential that immersive sound has in enhancing visual sequences.