Influence of Changes in Audio Spatialization on Immersion in Audiovisual Experiences

Abstract

Understanding the influence of technical system parameters on audiovisual experiences is important for technologists to optimize experiences. The focus in this study was on the influence of changes in audio spatialization (varying the loudspeaker configuration for audio rendering from 2.1 to 5.1 to 7.1.4) on the experience of immersion. First, a magnitude estimation experiment was performed to perceptually evaluate envelopment for verifying the initial condition that there is a perceptual difference between the audio spatialization levels. It was found that envelopment increased from 2.1 to 5.1 reproduction, but there was no significant benefit of extending from 5.1 to 7.1.4. An absolute-rating experimental paradigm was used to assess immersion in four audiovisual experiences by 24 participants. Evident differences between immersion scores could not be established, signaling that a change in audio spatialization and subsequent change in envelopment does not guarantee a psychologically immersive experience.