Streaming technology has come a long way over the past few decades. We say this not just in terms of the convenience of our current viewing experience, but also the kind of sound and visual quality that we enjoy as a generation. And yet, it has been, is, and will undoubtedly remain an ongoing process. Netflix recently introduced what it calls Studio Quality Audio for Android in the form of a codec update as part of this ongoing process. So, let’s take a closer look at Studio Quality Audio, how it works, and how you can get it for your Android.

Netflix recently introduced audio support for the Android app version of its streaming service in the form of a new audio codec called (Extended) xHE-AAC with MPEG-D DRC. It is virtually program-driven and does not require a hardware update. The features brought by this codec update result in a studio-quality audio experience that Netflix believes will dramatically improve users’ smartphone streaming experience.

There are three key functions that xHE-AAC delivers to create the Studio Quality sound experience that Netflix is raving about. The first is loudness management by adjusting decibel levels to ensure consistent dialogue sound delivery across different types of audio experiences. Simply put, the audibility of dialogue changes depending on the genre of content you are watching on Netflix. To correct this imbalance, the codec adjusts the audio to ensure clarity of sound.

The second feature, Dynamic Range Control, is an algorithm that subtly adjusts the sound of the content being consumed, depending on the type of speaker on your Android phone and the loud or soft nature of the content itself. DRC does this without affecting the dialogue sound.