Each
audio channel can be broadcast as MPEG compressed audio at bitrates
between 64kbps and 384kbps, or you can use linear (uncompressed)
audio. Audio is 'broadcast' using multicast networking - this means
that however many people are listening to a given channel, only
one copy needs to be sent on your network making the ATXM system
incredibly bandwidth efficient.
Better still,
the multicast audio server scales incredibly well over larger networks
- say a company wide WAN. Multicast Audio channels will only cross
a router or managed switch on your network where the channel is
actually required on the other side of that switch or router. So,
for example:
- You can run
the Multicast audio receiver PCs anywhere on your organisation's
WAN - say a remote office building. Only audio channels that are
actually in use at the remote building will actually travel there,
so the impact on your network will always be minimal.
- You could
place multiple Multicast audio servers on your network, say in
different buildings. Each of these servers would multicast those
audio channels that originate or are available in that building.
Any ATXM Receiver, anywhere on the network can still listen to
any channel, but individual live multicast audio channels would
only travel between buildings where they are actually required
in a different building.
About
the reliability of live audio streams using Multicast:
We've all experienced
streaming audio on the web - it's not exactly reliable in the way
that broadcast users would expect.
Put those experiences
to one side. AudioTX Multiplex delivers live, low delay (100ms or
below), robust, studio quality multicast audio - it meets and exceeds
the expectations of users in radio stations, media centres and broadcast
buildings.
Each audio channel
is sent as an individual audio multicast (i.e. on its own multicast
group or multicast IP address). In addition, one other multicast
group is used for distribution to receivers of information and updates
on audio channels in your system.
All of your
live audio multicasts are available to all of your users at any
time - they simply select the named audio channel directly from
a drop-down list in the Multicast audio receiver. Should you change
the available audio channels, all receivers on your network are
updated immediately with your new channel list.
Applications
of our Multicast audio products:
AudioTX Multiplex
was originally designed to replace or supplement audio ringmain
or house monitoring systems in broadcast buildings. Where previously
RF based distribution was used on coax cabling, or even true multi-pair
distributions circuits were run around offices and each member of
staff would require additional listening equipment such as selectors,
tuners, amplifiers, speakers.
Using our Multicast
audio server, anyone can access hundreds of live audio channels
direct from their desktops with no cabling or additional listening
equipment needed. Audio is multicast using the existing network
and standard office desktop PCs run the Receiver bar on-screen or
minimised as a tray icon near the system clock. The system runs
over any multicast capable network - your LAN, WAN, Satellite or
leased line, wireless networks.
The system is
useful for as many non-broadcast applications also. For example
in house-radio, monitoring information feeds or newswires, distribution
of training radio or in-house conferences or presentations. Distribution
of surveillance audio or monitoring radio or intercom system channels.
In addition
to the standard PC Multicast Audio Receiver, we also have a number
of alternatives. We have a hardware multicast audio receiver which
comprises a smart looking chrome panel with backlit LCD display
- this can be used in common areas where there is likely to be a
group of listeners, each not at a PC! We also have a multicast receiver
for Pocket PCs and handheld units that use Windows versions for
mobile devices.
If you'd like
more information about your planned application, do get in touch
with us!
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