Audio encoder and decoder with program information or substream structure metadata

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for generating an encoded audio bitstream, including by including substream structure metadata (SSM) and / or program information metadata (PIM) and audio data in the bitstream. Other aspects are apparatus and methods for decoding such a bitstream, and an audio processing unit (e.g., an encoder, decoder, or post-processor) (100, 105; 200; 300) configured (e.g., programmed) to perform any embodiment of the method or which includes a buffer memory (109, 110, 201, 301) which stores at least one frame of an audio bitstream generated in accordance with any embodiment of the method.