IBC 2018 Report: Audio-Over-IP at the Crossroads of Next Generation Audio

In my previous report on IBC 2018, I addressed some key technology trends from the IBC show in Amsterdam (September 13-18, 2018), in the perspective of audio technology, content production, and distribution. Of course, on the backbone of all the tremendous changes that are currently happening in the media business, broadcast, and professional production, the topic of audio-over-IP (AoIP) and the ongoing transition to fully IP-enabled operations in all platforms - traditional linear television, radio (digital, hybrid, virtual, etc.), and new over-the-top and on-demand streaming services - is front and center.

With the recent publication of the new SMPTE ST 2110 suite of standards for real-time media transport over IP and the critical role of AES67 in defining the audio component of these, the 143rd International AES Convention in New York, co-located with the NAB Show New York 2017, will be an important moment for the audio industry to learn, engage, experiment and plan its future. The Audio Engineering society, the Media Networking Alliance, and other industry organizations will focus on education, education, education.

InfoComm 2016 was an important opportunity for the AVnu Alliance to reinforce the work being done around IEEE 802.1 Audio Video Bridging (AVB) and Time Sensitive Network (TSN) standards, with new companies joining the consortium, introduction of new reference platforms and tools, and Cisco finally introducing AVB-enabled switches. More importantly, Coveloz promoted a demonstration of deterministic network control of AES67 audio transport running over an Ethernet AVB foundation.

In our regular column Standards Review, audioXpress has been addressing the specifics of audio networking, available protocols and development solutions. This article explores the options for audio networking development and implementation in new audio products based on RAVENNA and what differentiates this powerful media network technology, also at the forefront of AES67 interoperability efforts .

Three great amplifier designs, practical test and measurement, acoustical treatment advice, and more are all included in audioXpress April 2016. Building new audio products with audio networking? Then don’t miss this month’s Standards Review article on RAVENNA/AES67 development.

Ottawa-based embedded solution provider Coveloz added its expertise to the RAVENNA manufacturer’s community. Known for their high-performance SoM solutions for time-sensitive networking (AVB), Coveloz has now added support for RAVENNA/AES67 to their development modules.

Sponsored by the AVnu Alliance, the first annual Conference on Time Sensitive Networking and Applications (TSNA) is taking place in Santa Clara, CA on April 28-29. With speakers from industry-leading organizations like Cisco, National Instruments, Intel and more, the event will address how this standard is developing including market specific use cases across Industrial, Consumer Electronics, Pro A/V and Automotive.

Coveloz, a Canadian company specializing on embedded development and applications for programmable time-sensitive network solutions, announced availability of a new development board for designers of professional networked audio and audio processing applications. The company offers solutions for both IEEE-AVB and AES67 Audio Transport, media clock distribution over Ethernet and professional audio processing.