Measuring the sound quality of TV sets

A new international standard, IEC 60268-23, specifies acoustical measurement methods for television sets, monitors with built-in loudspeakers and other audio devices with similar acoustical properties, such as flat-panel loudspeakers.

The new standard provides measurement methods for the audio system of TVs and monitors that take the listening environment into account. This ensures that the sound quality of these devices is consistent, regardless of the installation type and position of the loudspeaker.

The new standard was needed because the sound characteristics of TVs and monitors can vary significantly depending on the location and position of the loudspeakers. A lot of TVs place their speakers at the bottom of the screen, while others are in the middle, side or on rear of the set.

Speakers can also be used on stands or mounted on a wall. Methods used for their installation continue to evolve. Due to these variations, it was essential to develop new measurement methods for loudspeakers of TVs and monitors that can take into account the listening environment.

The standard applies to acoustical measurements that are performed under free-field conditions and in situ. It does not assess the perception and cognitive evaluation of the reproduced sound, nor the impact of perceived sound quality. IEC 60268-23 complements the existing loudspeaker measurement methods.

Most of the world’s audio-video devices rely on the standardization work of TC 100🡭. The committee has published more than 500 standards which shape the audio, video and multimedia landscape.

Other technical areas that are covered include colour measurement and management and multimedia systems and equipment for cars. These standards ensure that equipment and systems are not only of the highest quality but also interoperable, which means that they can be used together seamlessly, regardless of the manufacturer.

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