HD Voice - The lastest high-definition point

HD Voice - The lastest high-definition point

The latest high-definition point of interest is voice, which offers more than twice the quality of standard phone calls. It transmits more than double the range of audio frequencies, offering audio quality which would benefit phone-centric business interests such as conference calls. Broadvox has successfully implemented HD voice over its network using several types of endpoints such as Polycom, Grandstream and Bria softphones.

Consider the benefits that such an enhancement makes. We are accustomed to the PSTN and consider it perfectly acceptable for communications. Now with HD voice having more than twice the fidelity, the listener can clearly hear and understand the letters F, S, M, N, B, D and T. No more “F as in fox or D as in David” and no more stopping the conversation to request a spelling. Accented speech that’s part of our ever-growing diversity and international interaction can be more easily distinguished. And subtle vocal nuances picked up by a call center operator can lead to more effective sales, support and higher customer satisfaction.

These are very good reasons for implementation, but keep in mind some initial considerations.  HD equipment must be present at the endpoints and they must be IP endpoints, not TDM.  They must be HD-capable phones, not HD-compatible. According to Jeff Rodman, Polycom co-founder and voice division CTO, more than just implementation of a G.722 codec is needed to deliver the full range of sound that codecs can theoretically provide. In addition to endpoints, HD-capable microphones and speakers are necessary along with improved acoustic designs.  All of this translates into additional cost. The adoption rate will depend greatly on minimizing the cost differential between it and conventional telecom, and clearly stating the value proposition of improved audio quality.

There is a proposed government initiative to help deploy HD voice technology, thus creating a new marketplace for telecom hardware manufacturers. Tech and social media pundit Jeff Pulver is promoting the cause of HD communications by introducing an initiative known as HD Connect. He believes this technology can reboot the telecom industry and bring billions in revenue. He has lobbied around the world for a widespread rollout, noting it can double a call’s audio resolution for more authentic voice production. HD Connect already has hardware manufacturer support and Pulver reported that he “enjoyed seeing HD voice getting attention at a variety of trade shows and conferences.”

No matter what the necessities or benefits, having major LECs on board is imperative. AT&T has already begun lobbying congress and the FCC to permit them to shut down their TDM network over the next 10 years. Their resources and attention will shift and voice quality will be improved, following other IP communications-based applications and services.  However, will HD voice suffer from the chicken-and-egg issue? While enterprises are planning to adopt it over the next couple of years, carriers must consider upgrading their networks prior to quantifying demand. If customers do not see the required upgrades they may choose to delay implementation. In the end though, it will only be a question of time. As providers become interconnected via IP networks and peering, HD calls will become commonplace and users will enjoy the sound.