aptX origins – the 1980s
The beginnings of superior quality Bluetooth audio
The aptX audio codec originated as the result of research undertaken at Queen’s University Belfast in the late 1980s. This innovative work was focused on bit rate reduction for wideband stereo audio. aptX was born with the realization of unprecedented bit rate reduction and processing speed. It brought with it the promise of delivering exceptionally high quality audio over a Bluetooth connection, something that had been previously unachievable.
aptX in professional audio – the 1990s and 2000s
aptX in professional audio – the 1990s and 2000s
The aptX audio codec algorithm originated as the result of research undertaken at Queen’s University Belfast in the late 1980s. This innovative work was focused on bit rate reduction for wideband stereo audio. aptX was born with the realization of unprecedented.
Standardization with ISDN
Bundling aptX with ISDN lines - the digital dial-up telephone lines provided by telecoms companies - enabled the film industry to standardize on aptX for multiple applications, such as mix approvals, voice over, ADR and foreign language overdubs. As a result aptX can be heard in thousands of theaters around the world.
The global radio broadcast industry
The global radio broadcast industry became increasingly reliant on aptX during the 1990s and 2000s to deliver digital sound with near-CD quality. Over 30,000 radio stations worldwide, and thousands of cutting-edge film studios started using the aptX codec for high quality audio delivery.
aptX sets the stage for a revolution in consumer audio – the late 2000’s
Superior wireless audio quality for consumers
In 2009 the aptX audio codec began to bring high quality audio to wireless consumer electronics applications. Until then, Bluetooth Stereo had the unfortunate reputation for providing only average audio quality - but with aptX, Bluetooth enabled products overcome this barrier. aptX provides a means to consistent, high-quality audio over Bluetooth.
aptX and the modern ecosystem
Today, it’s estimated that more than 1 billion smartphones, tablets, PCs and TVs are aptX enabled. The aptX codec provides advanced quality audio in approximately 50 million Bluetooth headsets, speakers and soundbars.
aptX is a strong, recognized brand in the consumer electronics marketplace, supporting all major platforms including Android, Win10 for PCs and Smartphones, Mac OS, and BBM.
In early 2016, Qualcomm launched aptX HD, a next-generation bit-rate efficient solution that enables advanced, ‘better-than-CD’ high definition sound quality in audio when transmitted over a Bluetooth connection.
Another disruptive technology in the aptX family, aptX Low Latency enables high sound quality and low latency in audio when transmitted over a Bluetooth connection. Low latency, synchronized audio is vital for video, media and gaming applications. As people turn to soundbars for quality audio with modern televisions, low latency ensures the sound stays in sync with the video, key to a positive viewing experience.
