Philips PSC604/00 Volantino

Philips Electronics White Paper 

Page 6 of 9 

 

3.  Virtual 5.1 Channel Surround: From 5.1 channel sources 

such as multi-channel software DVD players, 
QSurround virtualizes each channel for dynamic 
reproduction through stereo speakers. In addition, 
QSurround enhances playback through multi-channel 
5.1 speakers for a seamless and more immersive 
surround experience. 

 
Attacking MP3 Format Limitations. 
 
QSizzle and QRumble are audio frequency response modifiers. 
This technology is in the same general category as tone 
controls and equalizers (i.e. filters). However, whereas 
conventional filters are static, QSizzle and QRumble are active. 
 
Static filters apply a fixed change to the input signal according 
only to their user settings, without regard to the nature of the 
sound input signals. For example, if a bass tone control is set 
by the end user to provide a given boost amount, this boost 
amount, and the shape of the filter curve (boost vs. frequency) 
remain constant over time, regardless of the instantaneous 
characteristics of the audio input signal itself. In a sense, the 
filter “ignores” the signal and blindly makes its assigned 
modification. 
 
Static filtering must be judiciously applied. With more dramatic 
filtering, i.e. high boost levels, a truly artificial tonal characteristic 
is imparted. This is perceived by the listener (consciously or 
unconsciously, according to their level of sophistication) as 
being systemic – that is, separate and independent of the 
content. Second, increased boost also carries a higher risk of 
overload distortion, requiring more frequent user adjustments 
to deal with extremely variable content. 
 
QSizzle and QRumble are active filters – their response varies 
dynamically, in real time. Unlike the classic bass and treble tone 
controls, both QSizzle and QRumble are composed of 
multiple independent processing channels. Each channel 
applies variable dynamic emphasis in accordance with the 
audio input signal. In direct contrast to static filters, user 
settings for QSizzle and QRumble provide guidelines for the 
desired effect, rather than fixed rules. The instantaneous 
degree and frequency weighting of the emphasis are 
controlled by the input signal itself. This use of content to 
control emphasis results in highly correlated, natural sounding