Version: 2.8
Last-modified: 21 January 1998

Ambisonic Surround Sound FAQ

Section 6

Copyright: © 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998 by Martin J Leese
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6. What were Matrix H and HJ?

Matrix H and HJ were surround sound encodings used by the British Broadcasting Corporation in the late 1970s for experimental FM radio broadcasts. Matrix H was based on the QS quadraphonic system and was modified to HJ which was based on Ambisonic principles. The system was not adopted by the BBC because some mono transmissions sounded "phasey". The other rumoured problem was that someone high-up in the BBC thought sound engineers might have to be paid more if they worked with twice as many speakers.

The 'H' has no meaning. The BBC called the first matrix they assessed Matrix A, and then worked up the alphabet.


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