Joint optimization of the perceptual core and lossless compression layers in scalable audio coding

MPEG-4 High-Definition Advanced Audio Coding (HD-AAC) enables scalable-to-lossless (SLS) audio coding with an Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) base layer, and fine-grained enhancements based on the MPEG SLS standard. While the AAC core offers better perceptual quality at lossy bit-rates, its inclusion has been observed to compromise the ultimate lossless compression performance as compared to the SLS `non-core´ (i.e., without an AAC base layer) codec. In contrast, the latter provides excellent lossless compression but with significantly degraded audio quality at low bit-rates. We propose a trellis-based approach to directly optimize the trade-off between the quality of the AAC core and the lossless compression performance of SLS. Simulations to test the effectiveness of the approach demonstrate the capability to adjust the trade-off to match application specific needs. Moreover, such optimization can in fact achieve an AAC core of superior perceptual quality while maintaining state-of-the-art (and surprisingly sometimes even better) lossless compression, all this in compliance with the HD-AAC standard.