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Orban is getting closer to making the task of getting maximum audio fidelity in minimum bandspace. AAC+ (advanced Audio Codec Plus) is being developed for just this purpose. Instead of using a 128kbps/44.1 stream, it may become possible to use 38kbps at something less than 44.1 sampling rate and have the same perceptible audio quality on the receiving end. This could cut down substanstially on the expense of internet streaming Part 15 station audio. An extraction of the Orban news release follows:

Orban is getting closer to making the task of getting maximum audio fidelity in minimum bandspace. AAC+ (advanced Audio Codec Plus) is being developed for just this purpose. Instead of using a 128kbps/44.1 stream, it may become possible to use 38kbps at something less than 44.1 sampling rate and have the same perceptible audio quality on the receiving end. This could cut down substanstially on the expense of internet streaming Part 15 station audio. An extraction of the Orban news release follows:

“Orban/Coding Technologies Offer AAC/aacPlus Player Plugin Beta

Coding Technologies and Orban are offering a public beta for the new Orban/Coding Technologies AAC/aacPlus Player Plugin. When installed, this free software will enable users of the Microsoft Windows Media Player to take advantage of the low-bandwidth audio format to deliver high-quality audio streams while realizing savings in bandwidth costs, say the companies.

“Content rebuffering is the static of digital radio,” said Shawn Hopwood, senior director of Coding Technologies. “Our aacPlus audio codec helps content providers like XM Satellite Radio, AOL and Sprint make rebuffering a thing of the past.”

The Orban/Coding Technologies AAC/aacPlus Player Plugin works with Microsoft Windows Media version 9 or 10. It supports standard ID3 metadata tags that display real-time stream data such as artist, album, and song information.”

AAC+ is already included in the latest Winamp download player. and those who have taken the time to A/B test 128kbps Shoutcast to 38kbps AAC+ notice little if any difference in audio quality or stereo separation. As Part 15 broadcasters, it might be to our advantage to use streaming internet outlets, in addition to terrestrial radio, as a way to expand our audience and influence.

Recent studies point to the fact, HD radio listeners will have to make a complete changeout of receiver equipment to go digital. But internet radio listeners already have the equipment; their personal computer. And most internet radio listeners can download the listening software for free. And unlike satellite radio, Part 15 and internet radio have no subscription fee.

As Part 15 broadcasters, we have at our disposal some of the most effective media tools of the last century. Our decision becomes, “How will we use them?”