Audio codecs abound at NAB

APT will be displaying an impressive range of state-of-the-art audio codecs and licensing opportunities for its apt-X algorithm at this years NAB Conference.

APT will be displaying an impressive range of state-of-the-art audio codecs and licensing opportunities for its apt-X algorithm at this years NAB Conference.

Since the management buyout in May 2005, the company has devoted considerable resources towards research into new technologies and innovative product development providing their customers in the world of broadcasting with greater choice and flexibility than ever before.

The WorldNet Oslo from APT has established itself as the codec of choice for multiple channel audio applications, transporting high quality content over both synchronous and packetised data links.

With a unique feature set, incorporating Enhanced apt-X coding, the unit delivers real-time, near lossless quality audio on up to 24 channels.

New for NAB is the option to transport audio over IP in addition to E1/T1 links for STL/TSL and studio-to-studio networking applications.

This opens up wider bandwidth for the transport of true broadcast-quality audio and affords the user greater control and monitoring capabilities.

The WorldNet Oslo's new IP connection enables broadcasters to take advantage of the cost savings available on circuit switched networks as well as providing access to multiple transmitter networks such as STM-1, SDH, XDSL running point-to-point and multicast-streaming.

There has also been innovation with regards the audio capabilities of the WorldNet Oslo resulting in the launch of the new Quad Cards and 5.1 phase-locking feature at NAB.

In addition to the stereo duplex cards available in both analogue and digital AES/EBU, the new quad encoder and decoder options enable the sending or receiving of up to four simplex channels per card.

Such high-density audio transport provides the broadcaster with the ability to send up to 24 mono or 12 stereo channels on a single WorldNet Oslo chassis - ideal for STL connections and applications such as disaster recovery sites.

The other exciting addition to the WorldNet Oslo's audio capabilities is the ability to offer phase-matching on multiple channels delivering true audio fidelity for 5.1 contribution and distribution projects.

Unique to the WorldNet Oslo, the ability to match the phase of multi-channel content ensures that the surround sound image remains intact throughout the 5.1 broadcast chain.

Additionally, the new Aux Data Card for the WorldNet Oslo provides the ability to transport asynchronous auxiliary data up to 115.2Kbaud for additional control and data transmission such as RDS and Metadata.

With such a wide and ever-expanding range of options, WorldNet Oslo will fit into a wide range of broadcast applications today and provides scalability and reliability for those seeking a future-proof solution.

A tremendous addition to APT's product portfolio, the new WorldNet Chicago Lite offers digital audio over IP for bidirectional stereo audio transport.

The WorldNet Chicago Lite features Enhanced apt-X to provide the low delay, AM, FM, DAB and HD radio audio quality for which digital radio broadcasters strive, while ensuring that the running costs of an audio network remain competitive through the use of an IP transport network.

Scalable in bandwidth, the Chicago II is also an appropriate solution for low cost engineering communications channels.

In a convenient 1U high 19in rack-mount unit, the WorldNet Chicago Lite boasts an intuitive, user-friendly GUI for easy management and monitoring as well as contact closures and opto-couples for remote status and alarms.

APT is also pleased to announce that the WorldNet Chicago Lite has a 40% reduction in price from the original WorldNet Chicago.

The broadcasters' favourite WorldNet Rio audio codec is now available with an optional E1/T1 interface.

The increased affordability and availability of E1 and T1 connections has led to an increase in demand for these interfaces so APT has added these to the available options on the unit.

The WorldNet Rio is a full-duplex multichannel, multialgorithm audio codec using both Standard and Enhanced apt-X.

WorldNet Rio has been designed to deliver high quality audio for inter-studio networking, remote/outside broadcasts and STL applications.

The groundbreaking apt-X algorithm is recognised worldwide as providing the highest quality audio and has achieved international penetration in the realm of professional audio.

The ability to operate within bandwidth requirements, combined with a unique resilience to bit errors and with minimal delay means apt-X is ideal for applications such as; wireless headphones, wireless 5.1 surround and wireless microphones.

For NAB the company will be presenting the Enhanced apt-X algorithm in multiple formats: Motorola DSP, TI, ADI, Verilog and ARM7.

With potential applications in all areas of high quality consumer and professional audio, Enhanced apt-X licensing options will be available to third party manufacturers wishing to secure a lead in the market.

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