In computer music, many spatialization algorithms use a self-contained syntax and storage-format, wherein control messages (e.g. trajectories to move a sound virtually) programmed for one application are incompatible with any other implementation.
This lack of a standardization complicates the portability of compositions and requires manual synchronization and conversion of control data - a time consuming affair. Incompatible data formats also prevent collaboration between researchers and institutions.
The general idea is to develop a format to describe, store and share spatial audio scenes across audio applications and concert venues.
Therefore we call for a collaborative developing of SpatDIF - a format to describe spatial audio information in a structured way to support real-time and non-real-time applications.
You can learn more about the current state of the SpatDIF development in the WIKI. If you are interested, please join also the mailing list.
The Deutsche Telekom Laboratories in Berlin is hosting a workshop on Spatial Audio Formats. We will present the latest revision of the SpatDIF specification and a number of example scenes. A summary of the workshop will be posted in the meeting section of the SpatDIF wiki.