How Much is too Much? - On the Acceptability of Packet Loss Distorted Audio

This work investigates the effects of packet loss on perceived audio quality using an acceptability test, seeking to identify the maximum amount of packet loss that can be tolerated before the quality becomes unacceptable. An acceptability test is faster and easier for the subjects than traditional tests such as ITU-R BS.1116 or MUSHRA. It is seen that the acceptability decreases quickly as the packet loss rate increases. Interestingly, no differences are found in acceptability between audio encoded with 128 and 64 kbit/s AAC in situations with packet loss. Statistically significant differences between different temporal loss distributions and between audio clips are also found. From the verdict given after the end of the clip, results indicate that packet losses early in the clip is perceived as less disturbing than more recent losses.