Jake’s Take…
Multifaceted Gateway IP Codec
As the move towards centralization continues, and with many broadcast stations now gathering content from home, there is a need for an even higher density codec. As your cluster of stations needs more inbound and outbound feeds for your STLs, remote setups in your talents’ homes, or other remote broadcasts at the same time, the need for a higher capacity codec also grows. At Tieline, our engineers, this past year have been hard at work developing new features for our current generation rack units (Genie and Merlin families). They have also been creating a new 16-channel DSP-based and extremely versatile codec, the Gateway. In this month’s Jake’s take, we will dive into some of the new capabilities of the multi-channel codec, Gateway.
Gateway for Remotes and Contribution
First, let’s take a look at remote and contribution capabilities in this new studio codec. Before the “Work from Home” and centralization of main studios, the “norm” was to have a handful of IP codecs at the studio ready for inbound audio feeds and perhaps a handful of codecs for audio syndication. Now with COVID, as the push for centralization increases, so does the need for audio I/O outside the studio.
Starting at a total of 8, up to a grand total 16 IP Streams in bi-directional stream format, the Gateway bridges this gap for medium and large stations that need a greater number of audio feeds from remote locations (i.e., home studios). The higher density in one rack unit decreases the amount of rack space used and instead of needing two, three of even four rack units, engineers will now have the ability to centralize their inbound feeds to a single point in the studio rack room.
Gateway for Audio Distribution
Lastly, for those who are looking to centralize content distribution or self-syndicate your audio program without a satellite provider, then you have come to the right place. The new Gateway codec is going to allow broadcasters the ability to syndicate their audio content to a grand total of 80 locations throughout the world. Not only can this reduce equipment and satellite time, but it can also reduce the amount of studio contribution codecs that your affiliates have on hand.
For example, your affiliates may already have a Tieline codec, or are in need of a remote contribution unit for their studio. With Tieline’s Gateway, you can receive a syndicated audio feed on stereo 1, but also receive a remote audio feed on stereo 2. This gives our users the ultimate flexibility in stacking use-cases at the studio.
AoIP Interoperability
Over the past few years radio station owners and operators are adopting newer technologies, like Wheatnet IP or AES67/SMPTE audio networks. This allows users to expand their network needs quickly without breaking the bank. Here at Tieline, we have noticed these changes and have provided the proper tools for all types of stations. For instance, the Gateway offers Analog and AES3 I/O over Studio Hub connectors, but it also offers AES67/SMPTE 2110 (or Wheatnet IP) capabilities for all 16 encoders/decoders. Not only does this future proof those stations who are awaiting the transition to an AoIP network, but also allows those who have fully embraced this technology to easily integrate into their existing network.
Learn More About the Multifaceted Gateway IP Codec
As the demand for capacity increases, so has the need for audio I/O and routing capabilities. In addition, the need for ease of use for content delivery has grown. Over the next few months, I will share with you some insights into many of the features that the Gateway has to offer and some unique advantages that this platform can provide to your radio station operation. If you want to know more about the Gateway codec right now, visit https://tieline.com/gateway-codec-delivers-innovations/ to view information about the unit.
For those who are interested in sharing their story, or if you have an idea for a future “Jake’s Take”, please feel free to contact me directly at Jacob@tieline.com.
Contact Tieline:
• For USA, Canada & Latin America contact: sales@tieline.com
• For Australia and International: info@tieline.com
(Jake’s Take on the “Multifaceted Gateway IP Codec” was published on 2nd November, 2020)
