AEQ is back at NAB to showcase its solutions: AoIP DANTE, Intercom, Multiconferencing, Audio Transport and Reportage.
The following are presented:
SOLARIS, audio multicodec gateway, which incorporates between 8 and 64 stereo audio codecs into a single-rack unit computer or a dedicated or shared server
TP 9000, new 9000 series desktop and rack-mounted Intercom Panels, based on 4-way levers and full color displays.
Olympia 3 System, A commentary system for large events that manages the resources of large deployments of Olympia 3 commentator positions, with or without an audio matrix.
In addition, after its launch last year, you will be able to see, with expanded functionality:
VENUS 4, IP audiocodec, stationary, dual, full duplex stereo.
And other up-to-date equipment such as the ATRIUM audio console and the XPeak matrix-free intercom for remote production.
SOLARIS, AUDIO GATEWAY MULTICODEC
SOLARIS is a high-density multi-channel audiocodec. It can be purchased with 8 bi-directional stereo channels, and upgraded in groups of 8 channels, reaching up to 64 channels - all in a single 1U 19" rack form factor. Intended for multiple STL links, broadcasting companies and remote contributions. Among its high-end features are:
AoIP-only local audio. Audio I/O is provided via Dante (AES-67 compatible) with the possibility to add redundancy using a second Ethernet port where required.
Audio encoding algorithms for all kind of uses, including legacy G.722 and G.711, plus uncompressed PCM audio (16 bit), state-of-the art OPUS in various flavours and optionally, under license, several MPEG-4 AAC modes plus apt-X. Communications can be established using SIP or RTP.
The unit can be remotely controlled using a Web interface allowing for complete configuration and operation of the unit, and a set of diagnostics tools are included, such as Syslog, SNMP, CPU load and memory usage, etc. Also, integration with ControlPhoenix (our suite for Phoenix family audiocodecs control and operation) is foreseen.
Calls can be made manually, using the internally stored contact list or from each channels’ list of last calls.
TP9000 - INTERCOM USER PANELS WITH 4-WAY TOGGLE KEYS 
For Crossnet intercom systems up to 190 ports and Conexia up to 1000 ports.
AEQ presents at NAB the new 9000 series desktop and rack-mounted Intercom Panels, TP9116 and TP9416, as well as the expansion panel, EP9116. Based on 4-way levers with two functions per lever, as well as individual level adjustment on the key itself.
"Talk" and "Listen" functions and individual volume control for each communication point, via a 4-way lever-type key. 16 cross-stitch keys, four pages, manage up to 64 destinations or groups. The information is presented on four RGB graphic displays. With audio quality for Broadcast. A rack unit format.
Designed for the high level of broadcast audio quality of Conexia and CrossNET systems. IP connectivity that handles audio in DANTE™ or AES67 format and low bit rate voice. Acoustic echo cancellation, automatic leveling of voice power or tonality and voice-over habits of each operator. Acoustics carefully studied to achieve the best intelligibility and naturalness of sound.
DSP functions for perfect communication:
The integrated processor features:
• Acoustic echo canceller to prevent local feedback and possible return.
• 3-band parametric EQ and high-pass and low-pass filters, to adjust brightness and choose the best compromise between naturalness of speech and intelligibility.
• Dynamics Adjustment:
- Compression, limiting, and expansion, to allow a wide range of distances and angles to the microphone.
- Noise door, to eliminate or minimize ambient noise in the room, soundproofing the user panel and creating the best listening environment for communication.
• Incorporates internal TEST audio signal generators (tone 1Khz @ -20dBFs, pink noise @ -20dBFs).
• It has a replay function that allows you to play the last 16 seconds of audio emitted by the speaker/headset.
OLYMPIA 3 SYSTEM, COMMENTARY SYSTEM FOR LARGE EVENTS
AEQ's OLYMPIA 3 Commentary Unit (CU) is a piece of equipment specifically designed to incorporate audio commentary into broadcasts. It can operate independently or as part of a Dante/AES67 AoIP multi-channel network.
Now, under the name of OLYMPIA3 SYSTEM, the software infrastructure has been created that allows the connection to matrices of the AoIP commentary system for large events, with multiple venues and multiple sports. The architecture can be distributed to improve flexibility and scalability, as one-sided services for larger sporting events are scheduled based on the contracting of circuits and equipment, which is done by the broadcasters who own the rights.
As a result of this design concept, a very flexible and scalable system has been created to cover the size and capacity of the AoIP Network - No specific or dedicated HW is required for the origin and destination of audio signals: any AES67 or Dante compatible device can service the Olympia 3. Technical control and operations are achieved with the new software applications of OLYMPIA3 SYSTEM:
System Planner: SW application that allows the Host Broadcaster to plan the required AoIP network, auxiliary audio network devices or network nodes, and format converters. This planning is total, from the Broadcast Venues, contribution networks, signal distribution to broadcasters and related switching as needed. It also powers the distributed database systems needed at the headquarters level to service commentary units with the correct configuration for audio I/O.
AEQ Olympia 3 CU Control / CU Setup: Application that manually or via a configuration "Wizard" determines, for example, which Inputs, Outputs, Sum Buses, Tie-lines and monitoring sources should be available to commentator units at local and headquarters level. This also works in combination with the headquarters database, which is fed with the System Planner. This control software also provides all the necessary tracking, both visual and audio, as well as communication between the technical staff and the Talents or Commentators.
OLYMPIA3 SYSTEM was first used in the summer of 2023 at the Asian Games and is being adapted to the needs of the world's biggest sporting event to be held this summer.
VENUS 4 & VENUS 4+, DUAL STATIONARY IP AUDIOCODEC full duplex stereo WITH SMARTALK REMOTE CONNECTION OPTION
With local analog, digital and AoIP Dante connectivity.
AEQ also presents again in NAB VENUS 4 and VENUS 4+, stationary double IP audiocodecs, which correspond to the 4th generation of Phoenix Venus audiocodecs.
This new audiocodec for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint links stands out for having IP connectivity and two simultaneous bidirectional stereo transmissions with different formats and qualities. It also has SIP protocol and EBU N/ACIP standard, as well as OPUS algorithms, configuration help tools and remote control.
Carrier grade for reliable communications
Venus 4 comes in two hardware versions: one with a front control panel and one without. Both versions have analog inputs and outputs balanced by XLR connectors and dedicated connectors for AES/EBU digital I/O. Triple network port, dual RS232 auxiliary data link. Versions with redundant power supply, 48-volt DC power supplies, and local audio inputs and outputs over DANTE/AES 67 IP are available.
Control via the Control Phoenix app.
There is a user-friendly viewport for configuration and an operation window that allows us to work with it as if we were in front of a front control panel, choosing encoding modes, connection modes and establishing or ending calls. Both the configuration functions and the basic operating functions are presented in an accessible and intuitive way.
Smartalk Option
With Venus 4 and Venus 4+ you can activate the Smartalk option: Cloud audiocodec system with link generation and forwarding to the audiocodec. It allows the simple connection between a sporadic or regular participant in a program, from their PC, tablet or mobile phone, and the audiocodec of the studio, simply with a direct web link, sent by the station. Audio is sent bi-directionally in high-quality, low-delay stereo format with OPUS encoding. The presets of the Venus 4 and Venus 4+ audiocodecs allow you to easily switch from use to Smartalk or against an audiocodec.
XPEAK: MATRIX-free intercom system ready for remote production
XPEAK is an intercom system that supports up to 28 user terminals in a variety of form factors: desktop, rack, wired beltpack, wireless beltpack, and PC applications, which can be connected to each other with the greatest operational flexibility and without the need for a matrix.
Its wired user terminals have Bluetooth and USB connections, supporting all types of headsets with those connections and making it easy to connect with smartphones and PCs.
The stationary terminals have 8 4-way toggle buttons, with two functions per lever, as well as individual level adjustment on the key itself. Beltpacks have 4 keys.
The system is complemented by the XPEAK_IF interface, which provides analogue, digital USB and AES67/Dante inputs and outputs. Ease of setup, adaptability and affordable price.
Automatic Remote Connection
In addition, the connection is simple even if the teams are in different locations, simply by giving them access to the internet. By activating the remote connection option for a network of XPEAK terminals, each terminal automatically communicates with a service installed in the cloud, which puts it in contact with the other terminals of the network, opening communication channels with them. Automatic remote connection can also be used, integrating the terminals into a VLAN.
This makes it easy to set up the coordination of remote productions.
ATRIUM: IP DIGITAL AUDIO CONSOLE FOR RADIO AND TV PRODUCTION AND BROADCASTING
ATRIUM is a digital audio mixer specially designed for radio and television audio production and broadcasting, in the work environments with the highest operational requirements.
It handles up to 1000 channels of local or IP audio, controllable through one or more surfaces, each with up to more than 90 motorized and pageable faders.
Simplicity of operation through a set of touch screens, encoders, indicators and keys, which are pre-configured according to needs, and which dynamically adapt their function to the context.
The new X_CORE engine that incorporates ATRIUM, can be securely shared between up to 6 consoles. It accepts and delivers audio in the most varied formats used today in audio and television production such as analog microphone and line, AES3, AES 10, AES67 in Dante and Ravenna formats, SDI, and SMPTE ST 2110-30 and 31 with NMOS control, both by cable and fiber optics.
It also allows the transport of inputs and outputs and control through the various equipment of a system, such as routers, audiocodecs, broadcast telephony systems, broadcast automation systems, or intercom systems: Specifically, it controls the NETBOX4 MH and STUDIOBOX studio interfaces.
All this configures a mixing and audio processing system that allows very complex works to be carried out with great precision and quality in both radio and television production and broadcasting.
OTHER AEQ PRODUCTS:
It will also be possible to see, among others, with AEQ branding:
• Multi-Conferencing, Broadcast Telephony and outdoor intercom interface, SYSTEL IP.
• Portable and rackable audiocodecs: Talent, Phoenix ALIO, MERCURY.
• Digital audio arrays with Dante/AES67 AoIP terminations: NETBOX 32 MX and NETBOX DSP. NETBOX 4, NETBOX 8 and NETBOX 32 AoIP terminals.
• FORUM SPLIT, LITE and CAPITOL IP digital audio mixing consoles with AoIP multi-channel connectivity
• Sound emission automation systems for AUDIOPLUS broadcast with IP connectivity
• Digital intercom systems up to more than 1000 x 1000, with IP connectivity such as CONEXIA and CROSSNET, including a wide range of XPLORER user, wired and wireless panels.
With the AEQ and Broadcast Pix brands:
Visual radio solutions. Integration of video production switches with CAPITOL IP, FORUM IP, ATRIUM, and NETBOX 8 and 32 audio consoles, automating video production.
It will also be possible to see, among others, with the KROMA by AEQ brand:
A full range of broadcast video monitors (TFT) in sizes from 4 to 46" even with 4K resolution and in different series for different applications and environments.
Info: www.aeq.eu & CALPRO *
* Distributor for Hellas
Notes: Press Release - AEQ - 03/04/2024
