Method and apparatus for balanced audio detection and conversion

An apparatus comprising:

• a first audio input for receiving a first audio signal;
• a second audio input for receiving a second audio signal;
• a processor for determining a first root mean square value for the first audio signal, a second root mean square value for the second audio signal and a combined root mean square value for a sum of the first audio signal and the second audio signal, the processor being further operative to generate an unbalanced audio signal in response to the first root mean square value exceeding a first threshold value, the second root mean square value exceeding the first threshold value and the combined root mean square value being less than a second threshold value;
• and
• an audio decoder operative to decode the unbalanced audio signal.

An apparatus for decoding an audio signal comprising:

• a digital audio input for receiving a digital audio signal;
• a decoder for generating a pulse code modulated audio signal having a first channel signal and a second channel signal;
• a detector to calculate a first root mean square value for the first channel signal, a second root mean square value for the second channel signal and a combined root mean square value for a sum of the first channel signal and the second channel signal;
• a processor to generate an unbalanced audio signal including the first channel signal in response to the first root mean square value exceeding a first threshold, the second root mean square value exceeding the first threshold and the combined root mean square value being less than a second threshold;
• and
• an audio decoder operative to generate a decoded audio signal in response to the unbalanced audio signal.