SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY : Hughes Aircraft Says New Technology Improves Television, Stereo Sound

Hughes Aircraft says it has developed a new technology that makes television sets and stereos sound nearly as good as if you were listening to a live studio performance.

The technology, developed by Hughes’ researchers in Rancho Santa Margarita, will be available on top-of-the-line Sony TV sets this summer, Hughes officials said. Sony has signed a non-exclusive license with Hughes to use the technology.

Hughes said its Sound Retrieval System technology, which is contained on several computer microchips, uses audio signal information that current stereo technology either conceals or changes.

The technology allows audio equipment to retrieve and restore “spatial” information that is present in all acoustic environments. The information is processed in a manner similar to the way the human ear recognizes the source or location of a sound, Hughes officials said.

As a result, they said, listeners will perceive sound as coming from an area much larger than the physical limits of two speakers, regardless of how close or far apart they are placed.

Hughes said the technology will operate on both stereo and monaural equipment.

Hughes is negotiating license agreements with other consumer electronics companies, company spokesman Bill Herman said. The company would not disclose how much revenue it received under the Sony or other license agreements.

Although known mainly for its aircraft and satellite business, Hughes has been making audio equipment for aircraft and ships since the 1970s, Herman said. For example, the company produces passenger entertainment systems for commercial airliners and high-security communications gear for military aircraft.