Audio Receiver Automatic Source Switching for Multichannel Signal Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern TVs down-mix multichannel audio signals to 2-channel outputs, limiting the sound quality of supplemental audio systems when connected directly, as they typically supply reduced audio information that lacks dynamic range and bass performance.
Innovation Solution
An audio receiver system that automatically switches between audio sources by comparing the audio signal from the TV with digital audio signals from connected devices, such as cable boxes and DVD players, to identify and output the highest quality multichannel audio signal to a supplemental audio system, ensuring synchronization with video programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a TV down-mixes multichannel audio signals to 2-channel output, then the TV can output audio through its audio output, but the audio information (bass and dynamic range) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
An audio receiver is introduced as an intermediary device between the TV and the audio system. The receiver captures both the down-mixed audio from the TV and the original multichannel audio from the source device, compares them, and selects the higher quality signal, thereby recovering the lost audio information while maintaining system compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors and compares the audio signal from the TV with the original digital audio signal from the source device. Based on this feedback comparison, the system automatically switches between signals to ensure the highest quality audio is always output, preventing information loss
2Ease of manufacture
If a supplemental audio system is connected directly to the TV audio output, then the system is simple to set up, but the sound quality is limited due to down-mixed audio
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the TV's audio output path with the original source device audio path through the audio receiver. By combining these signals and comparing them, the system achieves both the simplicity of direct TV connection and the quality of multichannel audio, resolving the contradiction between ease of setup and sound quality
3Loss of information
If the TV receives multichannel audio signals, then the audio information is preserved, but the TV outputs only 2-channel down-mixed audio
Solution Approach 1:
The audio receiver serves as a mediator that intercepts both the TV's down-mixed output and the original multichannel signal from the source device. It provides adaptability by selecting the appropriate signal based on quality comparison, thereby preserving audio information while maintaining output flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the audio signal parameter by switching between the down-mixed 2-channel signal and the original multichannel signal based on quality comparison. This parameter change allows the system to preserve audio information when possible while maintaining adaptability to different operating conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for automatically switching an audio source includes the steps of receiving an audio signal from a video display device, and receiving a digital audio signal from one of a plurality of audio/video source devices which each can supply audio and video information to the video display device. The digital audio signal is compared with the audio signal from the video display device. The digital audio signal is output to a supplemental audio system of the video display device when the comparing step indicates that the digital audio signal and the audio signal from the video display device contain substantially similar audio programs.