Broadcast OEMs flock to Enhanced apt-X..
Posted: Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Broadcast OEMs flock to Enhanced apt-X
05/10/2009
Six leading broadcast equipment manufacturers introduce new-generation IP audio codec solutions replete with low-latency Enhanced apt-X as standard for future-proofed STL.
APTX, the Northern Ireland based developer of high-performance audio coding solutions for broadcast, gaming, consumer and pro audio, today reveals that, in the year to date, six or more tier-one broadcast OEMs have either launched or announced new-generation, own-brand IP Audio Codec products featuring Enhanced apt-X as standard. This move by independent and competing OEMs to acquire under license the industry’s de facto standard low-latency audio codec for deployment in equipment for world broadcast markets demonstrates that Enhanced apt-X coding for audio transport over IP has penetrated nearly every new hardware/software platform for implementing studio-to-transmitter links.
Commenting on this consolidation, Jonny McClintock, Sales President of APTX, said: “It’s no accident that today and going forward, Enhanced apt-X is the must-have codec for low-latency audio over IP and synchronous networks. It’s the result of a total quality approach to engineering design and strategic, long-term engagement with standards bodies and progressive commercial and public service broadcasters. Enhanced apt-X continues to be the work-horse, everyday codec for broadcasters who take for granted high-reliability, high-quality, multiple channel audio contribution over IP. OEM solutions featuring Enhanced apt-X are clearly seen as a future-proofed investment by cost-conscious broadcasters around the world. Enhanced apt-X clearly rocks.”
The list of new tier-one broadcast OEMs deploying Enhanced apt-X in new systems includes: Harris (in the new Intraplex HD Link 950MHz RF STL and the NetXpress LX IP Audio Link); Mayah (in the Sporty reporter Codec shipping since January 2009);Worldcast Systems (in the award-winning APT Equinox introduced at 2009 NAB); BW Broadcast (in the new BW-IPCA1 AoIP codec announced at IBC); MDOUK (with Enhanced apt-X in future versions of STL-IP) and Qbit (in the Q560-Q561 IP Audio Codec pair announced at 126th AES in Munich).
For a more comprehensive listing of broadcast OEM products featuring Enhanced apt-X, visit www.APTX.com
Enhanced apt-X future-proofs broadcast codecs for AoIP
Enhanced apt-X audio coding is now regarded as the de-facto standard for high quality audio delivery throughout the pro-audio and broadcast markets with over 10,000 radio stations worldwide relying on the technology. Enhanced apt-X was developed in 2000: the building blocks are similar in nature to Standard apt-X, however refinements in coding have had significant impact on delay, compression accuracy and dynamic range across the audio frequency range. The fundamental principles are described in more detail here: Enhanced apt-X contains a number of modifications to the QMF, Quantisers and Predictors, to give lower delay, higher audio resolution and a choice of bit rates (16, 20, 24 bit). Enhanced apt-X has been embraced by the broadcast industry over recent years and is the algorithm of choice for AoIP networks and 5.1 audio contribution and distribution.
Features
• outstanding audio quality
• low coding delay
• no ‘dueling’ effects with other algorithms
• based on Time Domain ADPCM Principles and not psychoacoustic masking
• no issue with concatenation – suitable for up to 15 consecutive passes
• interoperability with over 20,000 installed Radio Audio Broadcast Systems
Applications
• Broadcast Studio Transmitter Links or Studio to Studio Links
• Cinema Surround Play-Out Systems (5.1)
• Wireless Audio for Video
• Wireless Speakers for Home Theater Systems
• Multiple Channel Wireless Audio Distribution
