Method of audio encoding

Abstract

There is described a method of encoding an input signal () to generate a corresponding encoded output signal (), and also encoders () arranged to implement the method. The method comprises steps of: (a) distributing the input signal to sub-encoders () of the encoder (); (b) processing the distributed input signal () at the sub-encoders () to generate corresponding representative parameter outputs () from the sub-encoders (); and (c) combining the parameter outputs () of the sub-encoders () to generate the encoded output signal (). Processing of the input signal () in the sub-encoders () involves segmenting the input signal () for analysis, such segments having associated temporal durations which are dynamically variable at least partially in response to information content present in the input signal (). Such varying segment duration is capable of improving perceptual encoding quality and enhancing data compression achievable.