McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., which has been offering home audio systems that deliver distinguished experiences in music and film since 1949, and Fraunhofer IIS, primary developer of the MPEG-H 3D Audio standard, today announced that McIntosh’s MX123 A/V Processor will support the MPEG-H Audio format and that the manufacturer has joined the MPEG-H Audio Trademark Program administered by Fraunhofer.
By offering products for immersive audio that now feature MPEG-H Audio capability, McIntosh continues to provide an outstanding home audio entertainment experience for discriminating listeners around the world. With a McIntosh home theater system, customers have the ability to create their own luxury audio experience – and truly live their music.
MPEG-H Audio, primarily developed by Fraunhofer IIS, is an open ISO standard and the industry’s most advanced audio system for UHD-TV and streaming. It supports both immersive sound and the ability for users to adjust elements in the audio to their preferences. MPEG-H has been on the air since 2017 on all TV networks in South Korea under the ATSC 3.0 standard. It was also selected for new broadcast standards to be launched in Europe, China and Brazil.
“By adding the MPEG-H Audio format to our home theater products, we are giving our customers access to unique immersive and interactive audio content delivered over TV broadcast and streaming services worldwide,” said Charlie Randall, President & CEO of McIntosh.
McIntosh has also joined the MPEG-H trademark program administered by Fraunhofer. The program signals to consumers that MPEG-H products have been verified to work with each other and support all necessary MPEG-H Audio features.
“McIntosh is an iconic brand that has been known for developing leading-edge home theater products for decades,” said Bernhard Grill, Director of Fraunhofer IIS. “We are very excited to see them add the next-generation MPEG-H Audio standard to their product lineup in 2020.”
About MPEG-H Audio
MPEG-H Audio, substantially developed by Fraunhofer IIS, is the industry’s most advanced audio system for UHD-TV and streaming. It supports both immersive sound and the ability for users to adjust elements in the audio to their preferences. MPEG-H has been on the air since 2017 on all TV networks in South Korea under the ATSC 3.0 standard. It has also been selected for new broadcast standards to be launched in China and Brazil. Fraunhofer offers MPEG-H software implementations for many popular CPU, SoC and DSP platforms. It is widely deployed today in TV sets, premium soundbars and high-end smart speakers.
About McIntosh
Founded in 1949, McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. is known for offering distinguished quality audio products, superior customer service and the ultimate experience in music and film. All McIntosh products are handcrafted at the Binghamton, NY factory by over 150 employees with a passion for music and the McIntosh heritage. McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home entertainment experience for discriminating consumers around the world, with the iconic “McIntosh Blue” Watt Meters globally recognized as a symbol of quality audio. Since its inception, McIntosh has been powering some of the most important moments in music history and pop culture. From President Lyndon Johnson’s inauguration speech to Woodstock to the famous Grateful Dead “Wall of Sound,” McIntosh has not only witnessed history, it has shaped it. With McIntosh, customers have the ability to create their own premium audio experience – and truly live their music. Visit www.mcintoshlabs.com to learn more.
About Fraunhofer IIS
For over 30 years, the institute’s Audio and Media Technologies division has been shaping the globally deployed standards and technologies in the fields of audio and moving picture production. Starting with the creation of mp3 and continuing with the co-development of AAC and the Digital Cinema Initiative test plan, almost all consumer electronic devices, computers and mobile phones are equipped with systems and technologies from Erlangen today. Meanwhile, a new generation of best-in-class media technologies – such as MPEG-H Audio, xHE-AAC, EVS, LC3/LC3plus, Symphoria, Sonamic and upHear – is elevating the user experience to new heights. Always taking into account the demands of the market, Fraunhofer IIS develops technology that makes memorable moments.
Header image: McIntosh Laboratory