With Immersive Voice and Audio Services (IVAS), 3GPP has specified a new audio codec in Release 18 that extends the established Enhanced Voice Services (EVS) codec to include stereo, multichannel, and immersive audio transmissions. IVAS thus addresses immersive communication scenarios within standardized mobile services for the first time, while offering low latency and high spectral efficiency.
However, the introduction of IVAS presents new technical challenges for manufacturers: In addition to voice quality, additional factors must be considered. These include codec implementation, rendering, down-mixing, format conversion, and device and usage contexts, all of which must be tested reliably, reproducibly, and in accordance with 3GPP standards.
HEAD acoustics is preparing for comprehensive IVAS codec testing using the modular hardware test platform labCORE. The underlying test methods, signal paths, and evaluation strategies have already been defined at HEAD acoustics and are strictly based on the relevant 3GPP and ETSI specifications (including codec functionality, bitstream conformity, reference behavior, and playback chains). The integration of IVAS testing capabilities into the HEAD acoustics portfolio will take place shortly.
We give manufacturers planning and implementation security at an early stage
IVAS is becoming relevant in a growing number of product categories, including smartphones, earbuds and headsets, automotive communication systems, and AR/VR/MR platforms. Especially in early market phases, a robust, standards-based test methodology is crucial to avoid later interoperability or quality issues.
With decades of experience in voice and audio codec testing, end-to-end quality assessment, and subjective and objective analysis, HEAD acoustics is positioned as the earliest and most technically sound partner for IVAS-related testing questions.
Manufacturers who integrate IVAS into their products can rely on HEAD acoustics to master the normative and methodological fundamentals – and soon to provide a comprehensive, industry-oriented IVAS testing solution that reduces complexity and minimizes development risks.
You can already test prototypes against IVAS implementation in labCORE! Contact us for more information!
sales@head-acoustics.com
labCORE - Modular multi-channel hardware platform
