APT
Crescent Capital Initial Investment 2005
Crescent led the management buy out of APT in May 2005 in conjunction with Trinity Venture Capital, APT’s management and QUBIS Limited.
APT was formed in 1989 to build upon innovative research into digital audio compression technology carried out at Queens University Belfast. Since then, APT has established itself at the forefront of its field, successfully developing the high quality 4:1 compression algorithm marketed as apt-X®.
apt-X® has established itself throughout the audio industry as the ultimate high quality, low delay audio data compression technique available. Using Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation (ADPCM) principles, apt-X® is able to offer high quality audio even after numerous encode/decode cycles and the lowest latency available - less than 3ms at an audio sampling rate of 48kHz.
APT have also developed the WorldNet series of hardware audio codecs which incorporate the apt-X® compression technology. These products enable the transport of CD quality audio over a variety of telecom links such as ISDN, IP, X.21 and E1/T1 and have achieved international penetration in the world of broadcasting and telecommunications.
APT licenses the apt-X® to a variety of customers including many of the world’s most prestigious OEMs in the broadcast and professional audio industry, security organisations and the consumer audio industry.
The WorldNet product range is sold chiefly to the broadcast and professional audio industry. More than 10,000 radio stations around the world use apt-X® as their distribution / contribution and storage medium of choice and the technology is particularly suited to contribution links within DAB networks. apt-X® is also favoured by many post-production studios and audio professionals.
APT distributes its products and technology through its direct sales force as well as through a network of specialised distribution partners worldwide. The company also undertakes Joint Ventures and other agreements with technology partners.
Contact Details
Crescent Contact : Hal Wilson
Edgewater Road
Belfast, BT3 9JQ
Northern Ireland
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9037 1110
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9037 1137
Noel McKenna Chief Executive, Audio Processing Technologies
Noel McKenna is Chief Executive of APT - Audio Processing Technology, the audio compression specialist. They supply their world renowned apt-X® algorithms in a variety of formats to leading audio manufacturers and users worldwide.
APT is regarded as an industry leader and is at the forefront of its field having developed the highly acclaimed 16 bit Standard apt-X® and the 16, 20 and 24 bit Enhanced apt-X®. This patented technology is recognized throughout the industry as providing the highest quality audio and, as a result has achieved international penetration in the worlds of broadcasting and professional audio applications.
Crescent Capital NI Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
Crescent Capital NI Ltd is a member of the EVCA