Intelligibility vs comprehension : understanding quality of accessible next-generation audio broadcast

Shirley, BG; Ward, L

Abstract

For traditional broadcasting formats, implementation of accessible audio strategies for hard of hearing people have used a binary, intelligibility-based approach. In this approach sounds are categorized either as speech, contributing to comprehension of content, or non-speech, which mask the speech and reduce intelligibility. Accessibility solutions have therefore focused on speech enhancement type methods, for which several useful standard objective measures of quality exist.
Recent developments in next-generation broadcast audio formats, in particular the roll out of object-based audio (OBA), facilitate more in-depth personalization of the audio experience based on user preferences and needs. Furthermore, recent OBA work has demonstrated that many non-speech sounds do not strictly behave as maskers but are often critical to comprehension of the narrative for some viewers. This complex relationship between speech, non-speech audio and the viewer necessitate a more holistic approach to understanding quality of experience. This presentation describes such an approach, outlining accessibility strategies using next-generation audio formats and their implications for developing effective assessments of quality.

Citation

Shirley, B., & Ward, L. (2016, June). Intelligibility vs comprehension : understanding quality of accessible next-generation audio broadcast. Presented at Understanding Media Accessibility Quality, Barcelona, Spain

• Presentation Conference Type: Lecture
• Conference Name: Understanding Media Accessibility Quality
• Conference Location: Barcelona, Spain
• Start Date: Jun 4, 2016
• End Date: Jun 5, 2016
• Deposit Date: Jul 16, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 16, 2018
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference; Funders : Sir John Monash Foundation; Projects : Laure Ward funded PhD