Announcing xHE-AAC support for MediaConvert

AWS Elemental MediaConvert now supports the Fraunhofer xHE-AACTM (Extended High-Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding) codec. This integration empowering our customers to deliver unparalleled audio quality with greater efficiency and versatility. Designed by Fraunhofer, the xHE-AACTM codec provides improved sound quality at reduced bitrates compared to traditional AAC audio. It excels in adaptive streaming scenarios like podcasts, audiobooks, digital broadcasts, and music streaming platforms. The codec intelligently adapts in real-time to varying network conditions, ensuring listeners enjoy consistently clear and uninterrupted audio, even in regions with unstable or limited connectivity. For content creators and streaming providers, the integration of xHE-AACTM into MediaConvert opens new opportunities to reach broader audiences while significantly reducing operational costs.

Key features include high quality at very low bitrate. With adaptive DASH/HLS streaming from 12 to more than 320 kb/s for stereo, as well as improved speech quality and stereo imaging, xHE-AAC can improve reception and sound quality, IPF frame support - Similar to video I-frames, these independently decodable frames enable seamless bitrate switching in adaptive streaming workflows, advanced loudness and dynamic range control - Built-in per-frame metadata enables consistent loudness and optimal dynamic range for improved listening experiences. The new “anchor“ loudness mode can align loudness levels based on detected speech segments, and Adaptive streaming optimization - Automatic IPF frame placement ensures optimal segmentation for HLS, DASH, and CMAF outputs.

The xHE-AAC codec is available for all output types that currently support AAC. Note that audio normalization settings are not available with xHE-AACTM encoding due to its own integrated loudness measurement pass. For detailed information about supported configurations and implementation guidelines, please refer to the AWS Elemental MediaConvert documentation. The xHE-AAC word mark and the xHE-AACTM logo are trademarks of Fraunhofer and registered in Germany, the United States and other countries.