Research & Development

Fraunhofer IIS is the worldwide leading research lab in the field of audio and image coding as well as media technologies. Numerous state-of-the-art technologies that are now widely used in modern media systems – for example, mp3 and AAC, as well as DCP formats for digital cinema – were developed or co-developed at Fraunhofer IIS.

Ongoing projects in the area of audio technologies include the development of the fifth generation of MPEG audio coding algorithms and new technologies for highest audio quality in communication applications and automobiles. Fraunhofer IIS has also played a pivotal role in the standardization of many broadcasting technologies, including DAB+, DRM+ and Journaline, as well as developing internationally renowned broadcasting equipment such as the Fraunhofer ContentServer product line. Current projects in this area of work include exciting new developments for home connectivity and IPTV.

Additionally, Fraunhofer IIS has been involved in various standardization processes in the field of digital cinema, most notably with the creation of the international DCI test plan to ensure the compatibility of DCI-compliant cinema playback devices. Recent projects in this field are for instance the improvement of light-field technology and the development of the image coding system JPEG XS.

These topics merely scratch the surface of Fraunhofer IIS’ set of innovations devised during the recent two decades.