Audio encoding method and system for generating a unified bitstream decodable by decoders implementing different decoding protocols

Abstract

In a class of embodiments, an audio encoding system (typically, a perceptual encoding system that is configured to generate a single ('unified') bitstream that is compatible with (i.e., decodable by) a first decoder configured to decode audio data encoded in accordance with a first encoding protocol (e.g., the multichannel Dolby Digital Plus, or DD+, protocol) and a second decoder configured to decode audio data encoded in accordance with a second encoding protocol (e.g., the stereo AAC, HE AAC v1, or HE AAC v2 protocol). The unified bitstream can include both encoded data (e.g., bursts of data) decodable by the first decoder (and ignored by the second decoder) and encoded data (e.g., other bursts of data) decodable by the second decoder (and ignored by the first decoder). In effect, the second encoding format is hidden within the unified bitstream when the bitstream is decoded by the first decoder, and the first encoding format is hidden within the unified bitstream when the bitstream is decoded by the second decoder. The format of the unified bitstream generated in accordance with the invention may eliminate the need for transcoding elements throughout an entire media chain and/or ecosystem. Other aspects of the invention are an encoding method performed by any embodiment of the inventive encoder, a decoding method performed by any embodiment of the inventive decoder, and a computer readable medium (e.g., disc) which stores code for implementing any embodiment of the inventive method.