Speech reinforcement Using sound bars has hardly changed for years, because outdated technology made it difficult to get qualitative solutions. In the meantime, it has become increasingly difficult to understand dialogues in films and series. Sonos therefore has a renewed speech reinforcement function for the Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar.
If you watch TV, it is not always easy to hear what is being said. And that does not only apply if there is no subtitles while Dutch is spoken, but also if you prefer to listen to English (or American) spoken like me. The hard -to -understand spoken one can also be due to production errors or hasty noise mixes and for people with hearing loss it is completely a challenge.
Sonos Speech reinforcement
That is why Sonos is now introducing his renewed speech reinforcement function with 4 adjustable levels with which you can tailor the brightness of dialogues to specific needs, including a level that is specially developed for people with hearing loss. After a long search for the right solution, artificial intelligence (AI) offered the breakthrough. It enables Sonos to accurately and consistently recognize dialogues and to apply the right degree of speech extraction, so that conversations are really standing out and understandable.
This new function was developed in collaboration with RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People) and coordinated with sound engineer Chris Jenkins. The result: clear dialogues without making concessions to the full film experience. The renewed speech reinforcement will be available from the beginning of May via a software update for the Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar.
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Sonos renewed speech reinforcement function
• AI-driven solution: AI brought a breakthrough in the development of this function. By integrating machine learning into speech extraction technology, Sonos learned how dialogues can be disconnected from other sounds in the middle channel and speech in real time. For example, the dialogues are highlighted, without disturbing the volume or harming the film experience.
• Control of the dynamic range: Thanks to AI, Sonos can better control and reduce the dynamic range (the volume difference between the softest and loudest sound) to a pleasant level for all listeners. Speech is clear and well understood, but never too loud. Unspextal sounds remain audible, but without sudden peaks. Everything happens on an even, comfortable volume – something that is essential for people with hearing loss.
• Designed with real people, for real life: RNID put a group of 37 participants together with various ages and hearing profiles to help Sonos gain more insight into the listening experiences of people with hearing loss. These participants share their daily listening experiences in detail and participated in listening tests that were specially designed and performed by the RNID research team. Their feedback has contributed directly to the development of speech reinforcement.
• A holistic solution: Speech reinforcement ensures an inclusive, understandable viewing experience for everyone, and can supplement or even replace existing hearing aids. It is a targeted solution that improves the intelligibility of speech, while the natural balance between dialogues and background sounds remains room for more comfortable volume levels and there is less visual distraction.
