SPARK Microsystems, a Canadian fabless semiconductor company, is preparing to showcase a groundbreaking wireless audio transmission technology at the AES Show 2024 NY. This ultra-wideband (UWB) technology is claimed to deliver audio quality on par with wired connections, potentially setting a new standard for wireless audio devices. The demonstration will take place on October 10 at 11 AM in Demo Room 3D04 of the Jacob Javits Convention Center, featuring a presentation by audio industry expert Jeff Anderson, who will discuss the results of a third-party analysis comparing SPARK's UWB digital audio performance to that of a digital wire.
The technology boasts bit-perfect fidelity, surpassing current Bluetooth capabilities with uncorrupted audio bit depth and ultra-low latency. This advancement could enable headsets, speakers, and other audio equipment to achieve wired-like sound quality without the need for physical connections. SPARK's headset demo kit, which supports up to 96kHz stereo audio and a 48kHz 16-bit microphone back channel with less than 7ms latency, will be available for attendees to experience firsthand.
SPARK's UWB technology is reported to outperform legacy Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-based audio technologies in data throughput, latency, and power efficiency. This could lead to the development of wireless audio devices with longer battery life and superior performance, particularly in professional settings where audio fidelity and low latency are paramount. The technology has already been adopted by prestigious audio brands Focal and Sonus Faber, indicating industry confidence in its potential.
The implications of SPARK's innovation extend beyond audio quality, offering the possibility of more flexible audio setups in various environments and contributing to the sustainability of wireless audio devices through improved power efficiency. As the audio industry evolves, SPARK's UWB technology may play a pivotal role in shaping the future of both professional and consumer audio experiences. The upcoming demonstration at AES Show 2024 NY is anticipated to be a landmark event for industry professionals and audio enthusiasts, potentially heralding a new era in wireless audio technology.
