CONCEPT


3D Audio Reproduction Identical to Reality
The subconscious mind is highly sensitive to sound origins and character. So, we expect a high degree of auditory coherence between sounds in order to register them as genuine. Since we instinctively sense when sound information is inauthentic, recorded audio only sounds 'life-like' to the human ear when it maintains a full, natural consistency. True immersion is achieved when audiences are offered nothing less than a natural auditory spread.
The Magic of Auro-3D® - Its Unique Height Layer
Auro-3D® features the critical component in the accurate playback of native 3D audio content - HEIGHT - by using a speaker layout that constructs three vertical layers around the listener. This advanced configuration is capable of reproducing highly accurate, native 3D audio for a superior immersive experience.

(mouse-over image for more info on each layer)


Native 3D audio recordings can only be made within a channel-based system like Auro-3D®.
Natively recording Auro-3D® in an object-based format is simply not possible.

Listening formats


STANDARD LISTENING FORMATS

Home Theater (small rooms)
Cinema (large rooms)
  • Auro 11.1 (+ Front Height Center)
  • Auro 13.1 (+ Left Rear Surround + Right Rear Surround)
100% compatibility between all Auro-3D® listening formats
All Auro-3D® listening formats have a Height Channel above and around the listener, which is crucial to a fully immersive experience. This is unattainable with only a Top Layer.
3D OVER HEADPHONES
Specially designed to capture the spatial effect of Auro-3D® in a portable, personal listening environment.

CREATIVE TOOL SUITE


AURO-3D® ENABLES NEW AND EXCITING CREATIVE POSSIBILITES
WITH EASY INTEGRATION INTO EXISTING CONTENT-CREATION WORKFLOWS
THE AURO-3D® CREATIVE TOOL SUITE CONTAINS EVERYTHING NECESSARY TO CREATE 3D AUDIO CONTENT
THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY DEMANDS
A SUPERIOR INTEGRATED SOLUTION...
AND WE DELIVER

The following Auro plug-ins can be used within today's workflow and DAW stations (available for AAX for Mac)

  • Auro-Codec ENCODER/DECODER PLUG-INS
  • AURO-MATIC® PRO UPMIXER PLUG-IN
  • AURO-PANNER™ PLUG-IN
Auro-Codec
The Auro-Codec (download PDF) was developed in response to many unresolved technical problems that have led to audio industry stagnation. Audiences have been forced to listen to 2D sound for the last 25 years with little improvement in resolution or effect. Auro Technologies has resolved these issues with its release of the Auro-Codec, the world's first and only codec that achieves full quality and compatibility by hiding code directly within the uncompressed audio domain.

Auro-Codec Key Features

  • Mixing and unmixing of 2 or 3 channels in PCM
  • 100% Channel separation
  • Ultra-low latency decoding
  • Compatible with existing standards (Blu-Ray,HDMI,DCP,...)
  • Scalable solutions from 5.1 up to 24 channels with no need for object-based data
  • 'Single File Distribution' (2D + 3D formats in a single carrier): 5.1 Surround mix is available on any system in uncompressed PCM quality, and systems equipped with an Auro-Decoder will playback the original Auro-3D® mix
The Auro-Codec boasts backwards compatibility that allows for the simultaneous distribution of multiple playback formats in one single stream.
Auro-Matic® Pro
Auro-Matic® Pro is a unique creative tool that transforms legacy Mono, Stereo and Surround content into a natural 3D or 2D listening experience.
Auro-Panner™
Auro-Panner™ is a specially designed plugin for
Panning in a 3D environment.

Auro-3D® Engine


Whatever the resolution of audio input, the Auro-3D® engine will create a full 3D experience on either speakers or headphones


THE AURO-3D® ENGINE : A REVOLUTIONARY INVENTION
The Auro-3D® Engine combines different technologies to guarantee an optimum 3D sound experience generated both natively and from existing audio content. It recognizes Mono, Stereo, 5.1 Surround or an Auro-encoded signal and transforms them into 3D audio. Regardless of original format, you can always experience the stunning effect of sound in 3D.

THE AURO-3D® ENGINE COMPRISES:

Auro-Codec: The revolutionary codec that delivers native, discrete
Auro-3D® content.

Auro-Matic®: The groundbreaking up-mixing algorithm that converts legacy content into the Auro-3D® format.

Auro-3D® Headphones: Like other Auro-3D® configurations, similar 3D audio results can be achieved with headphones that use binaural technology.

Back to PCM


WE DIDN'T WANT TO LIMIT THE DIGITAL LISTENING EXPERIENCE...
SO WE MADE OUR CODEC INVISIBLE
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) = A technology used to convert analog sound into uncompressed digital audio.
In the early days of the Internet, severe bandwidth restrictions prevented the streaming of uncompressed audio. Lossy audio codecs (e.g. mp3, AAC used by iTunes) were subsequently developed to accommodate these limitations, precious audio quality being traded for more convenient file sizes. This compression trend led to the development of a wide variety of codecs and corresponding decoders, resulting in a market filled with conflicting formats. Consumers were not only being bombarded with incompatible codecs, they were also being sold an inferior product - the compression process produced sound artifacts that were both audible and caused measurable listener fatigue.
Current access to inexpensive, high speed Internet has eliminated the need for these lossy codecs. PCM, the worldwide digital standard for uncompressed audio, can now provide the high quality CD-sound demanded by the broadcast industry, creative professionals and consumers.
Auro-3D®'s magic lies in its ability to deliver PCM quality despite the use of bandwidth compression because it stays within the uncompressed audio domain. The groundbreaking Auro-3D® codec remains invisible, allowing the encoded audio stream to remain within PCM.

ONE STANDARD FOR ALL MARKETS


AURO-3D® IS BY FAR THE MOST FLEXIBLE, PRACTICAL
AND REALISTIC 3D AUDIO TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE

Auro-3D® aims to achieve the most IMMERSIVE 3D audio experience in the industry while taking into account the developing market trends. Our format combines the highest backwards compatibility with the maximum quality and flexibility. It is the most cost-effective solution that provides both industry and consumers with unparalleled results.

Look no further than Auro-3D® for the single solution that delivers universal
distribution and integration capabilities across all formats and industries.


A new standard can only be reached when both professionals and consumers are completely satisfied:

  • Content makers > no extra investment, better IP protection
  • Professional engineers > reliable, practical and flexible technology
  • Postproduction facilities > small investments, “compatible” formats
  • Broadcast facilities > Robust signal, no extra bandwidth, lipsync
  • Hardware manufacturers > easy to implement, low cost, all markets
  • Consumers > easy to set up, easy to use, quality content