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GatesAir Expands Intelligent IP Networking Portfolio Across Over-The-Air Radio Spectrum
New contribution and distribution platforms for transmitter networks, international debut of VMXpress IP studio edge device extends reach, reliability of Audio over IP transport
Cincinnati, OH, August 19, 2015
GatesAir, a global leader in wireless, over-the-air content delivery solutions for radio and TV broadcasters, is bringing its latest IP connectivity innovations for radio broadcasters to IBC2015 (September 11-15, RAI Convention Center, Amsterdam, Stand 8.B20). With new products and applications for robust, interoperable studio networking to multichannel distribution across large national transmitter networks, GatesAir’s continued advances in Audio over IP expand the possibilities of reliable audio contribution and distribution for over-the-air broadcasters.
“The adoption of IP as a transport mechanism continues to increase as network reliability and visibility improves, product choices grow, and interoperable, open-standards solutions for contribution and distribution becomes a reality,” said Rich Redmond, chief product officer, GatesAir. “GatesAir continues to research and develop new innovations in IP connectivity from production studios to transmission plants that optimize the use of IP networks, and open new opportunities for the wireless delivery of multichannel content across terrestrial and streaming platforms.”
Intelligent Intraplex® and DAB Radio Networking
At IBC, GatesAir will expand its Intraplex® IP Link portfolio for intelligent networking across all contribution and distribution scenarios, from remote broadcasting to STL connectivity. GatesAir will introduce the Intraplex IP Link 100P, a new single-channel, full-duplex model that adds advanced signal monitoring capabilities and enables integration with Intraplex SynchroCast® systems for multicasting across transmitter networks. Broadcasters using the IP Link 100P benefit from Front Panel Display-based management, and seamless compatibility with networked applications that require affordable GPS timing.
Both the IP Link 100P and existing IP Link 100 and 200 codecs also integrate new software for audio loudness leveling and metering, based on EBU R128 and ITU-R BS 1770-3 standards for legal compliance. The new software provides a standard method to meter and level the loudness of the program audio to control the variability between different programming blocks—notably, the differences between normal programming and advertisements. This capability is also useful in streaming applications, when content replacement is needed at the CDN for consistency in audio levels.
In addition, several new features enhance the robustness of the IP transport, including: dynamic adjustment of the audio stream’s receive buffer based on network jitter and delay measurements’ and support for additional backup audio sources with SHOUTCast/Icecast streams.
Additionally, IP Link Scheduler, a new off-board software application that automated scheduled commands for audio streams, will be introduced for all IP Link codecs. Its primary application provides time-of-day switching of program stream playout, and adjusts the quality and protection of audio streams based on commands. IP Link Scheduler’s protection capability can be used in conjunction with Intraplex LiveLook, a software-defined network analytics system for IP Link codecs, to alter the protection of audio streams during certain times of the day; or specific days of the week. Several enhancements have been added to LiveLook for monitoring network audio, including email notification of the stream status based on user criterion.
GatesAir will also address IP connectivity across large DAB transmitter networks, with robust multichannel stream redundancy via a new dual EDI interface. The new interface, built into GatesAir Maxiva™ VAX DAB Radio transmitters, enables seamless switching between main and backup paths across IP networked DAB distribution architectures. As EDI is an IP-based transport system, broadcasters can take advantage of lower program delivery costs and greater multipoint flexibility. The Dual EDI inputs can also seamlessly link third-party DAB headend and multiplexers with Maxiva exciters to further simplify and accelerate DAB network deployments.
Interoperable Studio Networking
IBC2015 marks the international debut of VMXpress IP, an AES67-compliant audio and logic device that establishes a standards based Audio over IP gateway for radio studios.
Leveraging the non-proprietary nature of ALC NetworX’s Ravenna networking technology, VMXpress IP drives interoperability across the studio and signal transport architecture through its open, standards-based foundation. VMXpress IP evolves the robust networking architecture of GatesAir VistaMax® audio distribution and Flexiva™ consoles, seamlessly integrating with existing and emerging AES67-compliant devices to help broadcasters build the optimal connected studio facility. VMXpress IP facilitates and simplifies connectivity with audio processors, satellite receivers, phone systems and studio support equipment. Overall, broadcasters will enjoy a highly reliable, minimally wired and flexible network to move audio and data facility-wide.
Beyond the studio, VMXpress IP extends networking to leading IP transport solutions, including GatesAir Intraplex IP Link codecs, for low-latency audio contribution and distribution. This expands Audio over IP connectivity to transmitter facilities (STL), live remote broadcast sites, and the Internet for streaming content to other studios and the web. Therefore, the limitations of AES and analog connectivity are eliminated, instead leveraging intelligent networking with IP transport systems by using AES67 over the local Ethernet.
About GatesAir
GatesAir, Inc. provides complete solutions for over-the-air radio and television broadcasting, leveraging wireless spectrum to maximize performance for multichannel, mission-critical services. Powering over-the-air networks worldwide with unparalleled reliability for nearly 100 years, GatesAir’s turnkey solutions enable broadcasters to create, transport and transmit radio and TV content. With customers in more than 185 countries, the company leads the industry in innovation and design breakthroughs, improving efficiency and reducing total cost of ownership. Visit www.gatesair.com for more information, and follow us on Twitter at @GatesAir.
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