Tieline Bridge-IT II Codec Delivers Affordable IP Network Solutions
As most engineers will tell you, there is a place for affordable equipment that is well built, reliable, and lasts. However, for codec manufacturers there are considerable challenges in delivering products with enhanced connectivity and superior performance at an affordable price point. These include design, component and production costs, supply chain issues, and layers of regulatory compliance. These create significant but not insurmountable hurdles that can only be overcome through careful product design, planning and execution.
Expectations of Low Cost Codecs in 2024
The obvious question is “what do you get for your money in a low cost codec in 2024?” The simple answer is a lot more than you did previously! How can manufacturers do this? The answer lies in ‘trickle-down technology’, which is when development of a premium product indirectly facilitates the inclusion of cutting edge features in low-cost models.
Sure, the lower cost alternative may not include ‘all the fruit’, but for many applications you just don’t need all the advanced and comprehensive feature sets that cost a lot more in premium products. This is analogous to buying a car. The top model may include leather seats, a bigger screen and nicer sound system, but when compared to the base model, key driving and safety features are the same or very similar.
Products like Tieline’s Gateway codec range deliver premium, high channel density solutions, with upgrade options. Whereas the new Bridge-IT II and Bridge-IT XTRA II codecs include fewer channels and streamlined features to deliver inexpensive, reliable, and high quality professional broadcast solutions for:
- Home studios and simple remote broadcasts
- Studio-to-Transmitter Links (STLs)
- Studio-to-Studio Links (SSLs)
- Multi-unicasting and Multicasting applications.
Low Cost Codec Inclusions
Tieline’s first generation of the Bridge-IT IP codec was released in 2009 and 15 years later thousands of units are still broadcasting live today around the world. There was a low cost ½ RU version and a 1RU 19” XTRA version, and these two options have been replicated with the new design.
The new codecs include all the popular first generation Bridge-IT features: a front panel screen and keypad for simple menu navigation, XLR analog and digital AES inputs, a wide range of encoding options, and support for multi-unicast and multicast connections. Additional features include:
- Two full-duplex mono connections, or full duplex stereo.
- Multiple Ethernet and AoIP ports.
- Support for wireless cellular modems.
Inaddition, nowadays there are higher expectations for AoIP network interoperability to support modern IP networking requirements. This is delivered through native support for AES67, ST2110-30, ST2022-7, Livewire, RAVENNA and AMWA NMOS IS-04 and IS-05.
Monitoring and Remote Control
It doesn’t matter whether a codec is deployed at a transmitter site, a stadium, or a radio host’s home, real-time monitoring and management of connections is crucial. Especially when engineers are a long way from where equipment is deployed. Bridge-IT II codecs support SNMP, which is a great tool for:
- Real-time monitoring of connections with alerts and notifications.
- Event-driven monitoring of metrics via preconfigured thresholds or triggers.
- Network performance analytics.
Product manufacturers may also offer proprietary solutions and all Tieline codecs include the built-in Toolbox HTML5 web-GUI, or optional Cloud Codec Controller software for configuring, monitoring, and adjusting connections remotely.
Contribution v Distribution and Enhanced Failover Options
Bridge-IT codecs are ideal for audio contribution, STLs and audio distribution. By supporting stereo or 2 full duplex mono connections, the codecs are capable of receiving two incoming contribution feeds.
For affordable STLs, the Bridge-IT II and Bridge-IT XTRA II include enhanced backup options to support failing over to:
- An alternative LAN connection or attached cellular modem, or
- Pre-recorded audio files on SD card, or
- An HTTP Icecast or Shoutcast stream.
This suite of advanced options ensures connections can be reliably maintained for mission critical STL applications.
Products like Bridge-IT II and Bridge-IT XTRA II offer more than just niche solutions, as they are packed with powerful features to benefit a wide range of broadcast applications. To learn more about Tieline Bridge-IT II and Bridge-IT XTRA II codecs visit www.tieline.com/bridge-it-ii, or contact Tieline sales:
- For USA, Canada & Latin America contact: sales@tieline.com
- For Australia and International: info@tieline.com
