Aurburn Hills, MI–Clarity Technologies Inc., the software provider of audio and voice-based product improvement solutions, has signed an exclusive agreement with ISP Technologies of Waterford, Michigan to develop its Intelligent Surround Technology for enhanced audio playback in automotive and home theater environments.
ISP Technologies’ Intelligent Surround can decode any stereo signal into multidimensional, multi-channel surround sound. The Intelligent Surround process provides surround decoding of all non-encoded stereo source material, as well as enhanced decoding of all matrix encoded music or cinema productions. According to ISP, Intelligent Surround provides true stereo surround channels for maximum lateral stereo impact and separation.
“Unlike other technologies trying to achieve similar goals,” stated Buck Waller, the original inventor of the technology, “there is no compromise in the stereo separation of the left and right front or the left and right surround channels with Intelligent Surround.”
Intelligent Surround uses ISP Technologies’ patent pending, Dynamic Spectral Matrix (DSM) technology. DSM technology provides a surround matrix that constantly monitors the L+R, or center channel signal amplitude and bandwidth and dynamically subtracts only the dominant center channel portion of the spectrum from the left and right channels. This novel process delivers the most compelling matrix surround decoding available with the highest possible level of surround separation.
Clarity Technologies has continued expansion and enhancement in the state of hands free voice communications and is recognized as a global leader delivering solutions that can enhance audio quality and performance in voice-based communication products and systems.
“This is a natural extension of our capabilities and a highly desirable addition to our product line for our customers who include the leading manufactures of radio products in the world,” stated Fred Nussbaum, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Clarity Technologies. “Our customers have grown accustomed to the quality and service they get from Clarity Technologies and have been asking us to increase our offerings for some time.”
The Intelligent Surround decoding matrix has applications anywhere a stereo signal is available allowing for the enhancement of the normal stereo playback by generating a multi-channel output. Home theater, headsets and automotive applications are the most obvious markets Clarity will deploy this technology; however, there are many other applications including personal computers, video games, personal stereo systems and sound reinforcement. With the advent of DVD discreet 5.1 audio there is a growing desire to include matrix decoding in the automobile in order to provide surround playback for all of the legacy and stereo broadcast material. As a result of the success in Home Theater there is a growing awareness and desire for the consumer to have surround sound in all listening environments.
