Spatial audio rendering using sparse and distributed arrays

A widely distributed but multi-channel audio reproduction system can be used to create dynamic spatial effects for various entertainment and communication applications. In this paper we focus on the follow-me audio effect where the sound source appears moving with the observer who is walking through a hallway or going from one room to another in the home environment. We give an overview of the array theory for the sparse distributed loudspeaker systems, study the binaural properties of the sound field rendered with a sparse line array, and compare two different dynamic rendering techniques in a new type of a listening test.