xHE-AAC included in AAC patent pool

Patent pool administrator Via Licensing adds xHE-AAC to the AAC patent pool.

Extended High Efficiency AAC (xHE-AAC) is the first MPEG audio codec to combine elements of speech coding with audio coding. The codec offers exceptional audio quality at low bitrates, e.g., for mobile applications, while allowing seamless switching to higher bit rates for audiophile users. At lower bit rates, service providers can distribute content more efficiently, while consumers can enjoy high quality audio playback at reduced data usage and therefore less costs.

Previously, the only way for manufacturers to implement Extended High Efficiency AAC technology in their devices was to acquire an additional xHE-AAC license on top of an existing AAC license. Now, Via Licensing has granted all licensees in the AAC patent pool usage rights for xHE-AAC at no additional cost. Furthermore, manufacturers of Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) receivers with xHE-AAC technology can benefit from special rates for emerging markets formerly only available to AAC licensees.

The xHE-AAC codec’s fields of application are digital radio broadcasting, streaming on mobile and wired networks, and terrestrial radio. It has already been incorporated into the DRM standard and is currently in worldwide use for DRM broadcasting.