DSP Group has some interesting new tech for improving call clarity.  Its Flexible Noise Reduction (FNR) algorithm reduces background noise for both the caller and called parties, while its Flexible Listening Enhancement (FLE) algorithm which dynamically adjusts the volume of ring tones and listening voice levels relative to the ambient background noise.  Both algorithms sound intrigue me—I’ve been in plenty of situations where noise level and/or volume have been problems.   The company is also touting its WideBand Voice Synthesis (WBS) algorithm, which supposedly makes audio more natural and understandable.  Frustratingly, I can’t find any info on the algorithm online, so I have no idea how it’s supposed to do that.  (The best I can offer is their general VoIP page.)

FYI, DSP Group will be exhibiting at the Courtyard Las Vegas Convention Center (meeting room B), which is located just across the street from the central exhibition hall, during CES exhibition hours, from January 7 to January 10, 2010.

Anyway, here’s the press release on the new algorithms…

DSP Group's CleaRtalk Enhances Speech Clarity for Improved Comprehension and Attentiveness

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 4, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DSP Group, Inc.(TM) (Nasdaq:DSPG), a leading global provider of wireless chipset solutions for converged communications at home, announced today the availability of CleaRtalk(TM), voice processing capabilities which dramatically improve user comprehension and attentiveness. CleaRtalk enhances communications effectiveness for both callers and called parties while conversing using corded, cordless and IP phones.

CleaRtalk includes specialized algorithms designed to make speech clearer and more audible. The WideBand Voice Synthesis (WBS) algorithm makes audio more natural and understandable, closely resembling the live human voice. Hearing and comprehension are also enhanced by DSP Group's new Flexible Noise Reduction (FNR) algorithm that reduces background noise including noise from cars, trains, and the wind for both the caller and called parties.

Another major addition is the new Flexible Listening Enhancement (FLE) algorithm which dynamically adjusts the volume of ring tones and listening voice levels relative to the ambient background noise, so calls are not missed and speech is always audible.

As part of the CleaRtalk family of algorithms, DSP Group also enhanced its high-quality full-duplex speakerphone performance to conform to the advanced CAT-iq and high-end VoIP telephony roadmap. The Enhanced Acoustical Echo Canceller (E-AEC) supports true wideband voice and provides additional noise reduction, filtering and equalization capabilities for keeping the best audio quality during hands-free conversations.

"We are pleased to deliver a superior listening user experience to our customers and their consumers," said Oz Zimerman, Corporate VP Marketing of DSP Group. "With our new offering we are reaching the highest standards of audio quality, which will bring unique value to the home and office telephony market."

About DSP Group

DSP Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:DSPG) is a leading global provider of wireless chipset solutions for converged communications at home. Delivering system solutions that combine semiconductors and software with reference designs, DSP Group enables consumer electronics (CE) manufacturers to cost-effectively develop new revenue-generating applications with fast time to market. At the forefront of semiconductor innovation and operational excellence for over two decades, and with a dominant share of the wireless home telephony market, DSP Group provides a broad portfolio of wireless chipsets integrating DECT, Wi-Fi, PSTN and VoIP technologies with state-of-the-art application processors. Enabling converged voice, audio, video and data connectivity across diverse consumer products -- from cordless and VoIP phones to home gateways and connected multimedia screens -- DSP Group proactively partners with CE manufacturers to shape the future of converged communications at home. For more information, visit www.dspg.com.