Definition of Noise shaping
In signal processing, noise shaping is a technique typically used when processing digital audio, image, and video signals. It is usually used in combination with dithering, and forms part of the process of quantization or bit-depth reduction of a signal. Its purpose is to increase the apparent signal-to-noise ratio of the resultant signal. It does this by altering the spectral shape of the error that is introduced by dithering and quantization, such that the noise power is at a lower level in frequency bands at which noise is considered to be less desirable and at a correspondingly higher level in bands where it is considered to be more desirable. A popular noise shaping algorithm used in image processing is known as ‘Floyd Steinberg dithering’; and many noise shaping algorithms used in audio processing are based on an ‘Absolute threshold of hearing’ model.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Noise shaping?
In signal processing, noise shaping is a technique typically used when processing digital audio, image, and video signals. It is usually used in combination with dithering, and forms part of the process of quantization or bit-depth reduction of a signal.