EFFICIENT AUDIO CODING USING SIGNAL PROPERTIES

An audio encoder comprising optimizing means ET OPT adapted to generate an optimized encoding template OET based on properties PV of an input audio signal IN, such as in form of a property vector. The optimized encoding template OET is being optimized with respect to a predetermined encoding efficiency criterion. Encoding means ENC then generates an encoded audio signal OUT in accordance with the optimized encoding template OET. The audio encoder may comprise analyzing means AN adapted to generate the set of input signal properties PV based of the input signal IN. In a preferred embodiment the optimizing means ET OPT is adapted to estimate a resulting distortion associated with an encoding template. The optimizing means ET OPT may further be able to estimate bit rate associated with an encoding template. In one embodiment the optimizing means ET OPT is adapted to optimize a bit rate distribution to a number of sub-encoders based on the input signal properties (PV). In another embodiment, the optimizing means ET OPT is adapted to up-front decide on an adaptive segmentation based on the input signal properties (PV). The encoders according to the invention are advantageous in that complex processes of a plurality of encodings prior to deciding upon an optimized encoding template OET can be avoided since the optimal encoding template OET is found based on input signal properties (PV).