Bluetooth SIG is an organization that monitors and licenses Bluetooth-related standards on devices. Said to release a brand new audio codec officially. SIG also promises to make wireless headphones use less power while still improving sound quality. LC3 or Low Complexity Communication Codec can transmit signals with a lower bitrate. Especially without losing sound quality like on the popular Bluetooth standard – SBC codec. This new standard development process was announced at CES 2020.
With the ability to hear sound at low bitrates, the headset uses less power. That’s very important for today’s true wireless in-ear headphones. Devices face the dilemma of balancing size, mass, battery life, and sound quality. “The LC3 codec allows the transmission of only half the bitrate of the SBC codec and still retains the recording quality,” – stated Bluetooth SIG organization. Increased efficiency and signal transmission quality mean smaller batteries. Or provide a longer usage time with the same size headphones.
You can compare SBC and LC3 codec quality using the link above. SBC codec, the transmitted signal is cracked even at 192 kbps. While the LC3 codec still produces clean, clear sound at 128kbps. The LC3 started to show quite rough, not very smooth at 96 kbps. However, it is worth the trade-off so that manufacturers can produce ultra-compact true wireless devices.
The LC3 codec is just one of the recently introduced low-energy technology standards, in addition to new wireless signal transmission technologies. These technologies assist the deaf. Along with that is the ability to transmit “unlimited” signals for audio devices.