Freescale boosts audio DSPs with Dolby Volume tech

Freescale Semiconductor has released the Symphony family of audio DSPs, which are claimed to be the first DSPs to integrate multichannel Dolby Volume intelligent audio processing technology.

Based on the audio industry-standard Symphony 24bit DSP core, Freescale's Symphony DSP platform combined with Dolby Volume offers an elegant solution for consistent program loudness on audio/video receivers, surround sound processors, DTVs, speaker systems and Home Theater in a Box products.

The DSP56300 and DSP56700 processors use the audio industry-standard Symphony 24bit DSP core with 48bit double precision capability and are designed to meet the demands of audio electronics system designers by integrating audio peripherals and by supporting the latest generation decoders such as Dolby, THX and DTS. A highly flexible software architecture allows for easy integration of differentiating audio software IP from Freescale or third parties. This plug-and-play architecture helps to reduce customers' software efforts, provides maximum flexibility and increases system performance.

Dolby Volume brings a different approach to delivering consistent volume levels across a wide variety of content, channel programming or input sources. Using a psychoacoustic model of human hearing, this technology performs measurement, analysis and control of perceived volume levels. Dolby Volume complements Dolby's range of audio technologies including Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD.

"Our long partnership with Freescale has allowed us to implement multi-channel Dolby Volume technologies on the Symphony DSP platform, enabling hardware manufacturers to deliver better listening experiences to the consumer," said Craig Eggers, senior marketing manager for Dolby Laboratories.

In addition to audio leveling, Dolby Volume continually analyzes the audio and properly balances low, middle and high frequencies to maintain the nuances and impact of the program material regardless of playback volume.

"As audio systems become increasingly complex and consumers demand better listening experiences, Freescale is committed to continuing its tradition of providing the best audio technology and value for our customers," said Sujata Neidig, product marketing manager for Freescale. "Now, building on our longstanding relationship with Dolby, we are enabling audio systems designers to put the latest in audio technology—in the form of Symphony audio processors with Dolby Volume—into the hands of consumers who can enjoy the sound of home entertainment as it was meant to be."

Dolby Volume implementation can be used with Freescale's DSP56371 and DSP5672x Symphony audio DSP products by approved Dolby Volume licensees.