scope:

The present document provides speech & audio transmission performance requirements and measurement methods for headset functions of superwideband/fullband terminals. The present document provides requirements in order to optimize the end to end quality perceived by users.

Users become more sensitive to voice and music quality (for music used in conversational services) when using ICT/terminal equipment and so are more demanding for further enhancement especially further extension of the audio coded bandwidth.

For instance, this is the case for high quality conferencing services with music on hold, better background environment rendering and longer duration than normal point to point calls.

Standardized superwideband and fullband coders are now available, some being also compatible with wideband coders.

The present document will consider only conversational services (that may be mixed with other services) and does not cover the streaming-only services.

Such applications include:

• Speech and audio communication including conferencing.

• Bandwidth extension which may allow usage for some mixed content.

• Superwideband enhancement coupled with stereo/dichotic.

The send path it can be characterized in two ways:

• The signal picked up by microphone may combine speech, music and every type of environmental signal.

• Direct insertion of any type of signal.

For receive path, signal may be combine two types:

• Communication signals such as described for send path

• Signal coming from distributed applications (e.g. advertisement, music on hold, etc.).

Handset terminals will not be within the scope of the present document.