Even with the exploding online music revolution driving sales, the
internal sound quality of most PCs has remained dismal. Now Intel is
getting serious about computer audio with the release of its final v1.0
specification for Intel High Definition Audio.
The new sound technology will allow personal computer users to view and
record multichannel digital sound to match the next generation of
high-definition digital video discs soon to come to market.
Expected to replace the aging AC’97 specification developed nearly a
decade ago, the High Definition Audio specification is supposed to give
PC audio a kick in the sonic pants. The new audio specification extends
beyond PCs to handhelds computers and other consumer electronics
devices as well.
More than 80 participating companies, including computer makers, codec
vendors, and software providers, are on board to support the new spec.
Proponents say it will provide a more satisfying playback experience as
well as a better-quality input for voice and communication
applications.
Computing devices meeting the new spec will have an upgraded
architecture and increased bandwidth that allows for 192 kHz, 32-bit,
multichannel audio. Audio input is enhanced with increased support for
multichannel array microphones, dynamically allocated bandwidth, and
audio device configuration flexibility.
The HD Audio architecture is aligned with Microsoft’s Universal Audio
Architecture (UAA), a system to create and maintain Windows audio class
drivers for High Definition Audio, USB audio and 1394 audio
technologies.
Systems with HD Audio capabilities, which include those with Intel’s
next-generation chipset codenamed “Grantsdale,” are expected to appear
later this year. Email requests for the HD Audio specification v.1.0
and license information to nextgenaudio@intel.com.