At the 2016 NAB Show, Calrec Audio will unveil a number of technologies that
enable broadcasters to interface with multiple protocols at the same time. These
technologies offer unique and comprehensive flexibility across various audio and
video standards.
Calrec will showcase four new networking interfaces at NAB, including an
AES67/Ravenna interface, an AVB interface, and a modular I/O Dante card that also
has AES67 compatibility. In addition, Calrec will debut a SMPTE 2022-6 video
interface.
“We’re drawing a line in the sand with these products,” said Dave Letson, Calrec’s
vice president of sales. “We had held back on publically stating Calrec’s formal
direction on AoIP until we had properly assessed the market and talked to our
customers. We strongly feel that it is not the role of a manufacturer to dictate
which route to take, but to facilitate the broadcasters’ choices.
“Calrec’s customers can now interface with multiple protocols at the same time. For
example, a signal can be received via AES67 and then sent out via SMPTE 2022,
AVB, Ravenna, Dante, or AES67. Signal-processing takes place via modular cards or
1U boxes.
“Each signal also benefits from the management facilities inherent in Hydra2. This
benefit is especially powerful in remote environments where multiple trucks are
connected. It means that different units can operate across multiple formats in the
field, and Calrec always has them covered.”
Each element of Calrec’s protocol range redundantly connects to Hydra2 and
appears like any other I/O resource on the Hydra2 network. Hydra2’s integral suite
of management tools provides additional benefits to allow remote configuration
patching, port protection, alias files, virtual patchbays, and access rights.
The AES67/Ravenna and AVB interfaces are a 1U box that can transport 256
channels of audio on a single connection. A second expansion card provides the unit
with 512 channels of audio — one of the highest-bandwidth connections available for
either protocol. The box is so versatile that it can even accommodate one of each
card, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple formats.
The SMPTE 2022 modular I/O card has a 10GB port that can receive up to four SD,
HD, or 3G video streams, de-embedding 16 audio channels from each. Each video
stream may be retransmitted intact or with new embedded audio. A secondary
10GB port provides for hitless switching, as defined by SMPTE 2022-7.
Calrec’s existing Dante modular I/O card, launched at IBC 2014, utilises Audinate’s
Brooklyn II card and now offers AES67 support as standard. This combination allows
access to up to 64 bidirectional channels in either protocol.
Offering this range of interfaces reinforces Calrec’s stance in the ongoing debate
surrounding the future of audio transport protocols. Having a suite of solutions to
choose from means broadcasters can be confident that they’ll have Calrec’s support
no matter which combination of formats they use — both now and in the future.