Audio Quality Assessment for Virtual Reality

Abstract

A variety of methods for audio quality evaluation are available ranging from classic psychoacoustic methods like alternative forced-choice tests to more recent approaches such as quality taxonomies and plausibility. This chapter introduces methods that are deemed to be relevant for audio evaluation in virtual and augmented reality. It details in how far these methods can directly be used for testing in virtual reality or have to be adapted with respect to specific aspects. In addition, it highlights new areas, for example, quality of experience and presence that arise from audiovisual interactions and the mediation of virtual reality. After briefly introducing 3D audio reproduction approaches for virtual reality, the quality that these approaches can achieve is discussed along with the aspects that influence the quality. The concluding section elaborates on current challenges and hot topics in the field of audio quality evaluation and audio reproduction for virtual reality. To bridge the gap between theory and practice useful resources, software and hardware for 3D audio production and research are pointed out.