Vortex Makes Broadcasting Over IP Reliable And Flexible

We all know that getting Audio and Video over IP can be quite difficult at times. You aren't always sure things are going in the right direction and even when they are, is your feed really making it to the other side?

Vortex, along with their partners, have been making IP more reliable and flexible whilst being easy to use. The majority of our IP products come with the latest standards in IP transportation, this includes all the latest audio formats for a robust audio stream, a portable video codec with a flexible take on H.264 and the use of multiple protocols to provide compatibility with a wide range of every day IP products.

ACCESS, BRIC-Link and LiveShot continue to push the standard of Video and Audio over contended IP networks. ACCESS and LiveShot are the portable answer to IP; whether it's 3G/4G or Satellite, ACCESS and LiveShot are capable of adapting to those streams. Each unit has the ability to manage low bitrate or high bitrate data streams and at latencies less than 200ms or as high as necessary depending on your transportation method. ACCESS and BRIC-Link are always being updated with new features; this includes the latest OPUS codec for more dependable audio streams and Crosslock VPN, the latest in network management for reliability and redundancy. Crosslock VPN allows intelligent monitoring, forward error correction, error masking and network device management for both sides of the connection simultaneously. BRIC-Link brings robust Audio over IP to the dedicated link department, offering a second Ethernet connection via USB (BRIC-Link II only) and a wide variety of algorithms for flexibility and compatibility. Both ACCESS and BRIC-Link support HTTP, RTP, Multicast and SIP streams, giving you full reign over your audio contributions. BRIC-Links are 1/2U in width and can fit side-by-side in a 1U rack (adapter required for BRIC-Link Classic).

Every LiveShot Portable or Rack unit is capable of bidirectional HD video using the HIGH profile H.264 format, reengineered for the highest standard in both low, medium and high bandwidth scenarios. The bidirectional stereo audio is handled separately from the video feed; audio is diverse across all network connections providing redundant audio transmission. A Full-duplex Cue channel is available via 3.5mm TRRS and is also handled as a separate stream, typically using GSM for low delay, low bandwidth communications. Using the LiveShot Hub, you can install 4 USB network connections or extend that even further with an additional USB hub if necessary. LiveShot offers full control of your broadcast in real time; swap and disable your network devices on the fly, adjust your delay settings and monitor your stream via the LiveShot app using your mobile phone or tablet. A built-in WiFi access point allows you to connect directly to your LiveShot portable for full control, monitoring and the unit can act as an internet gateway for connected devices.

When it comes to budgeting Audio over IP, Vortex have the answers. CallMe-T is a small-size, low-cost IP Audio Codec supporting Opus/G.722 audio coding algorithms with stereo audio inputs and outputs on ¼" Jacks plus RJ45 Ethernet connectivity. It is housed in a 108mm x 103mm x 44mm enclosure for desktop use whilst for larger installations, 4 can be mounted side-by-side in 1U. There are two versions: CallMe-TS designed for standalone use with remote control interface and CallMe-TR which has dedicated pushbuttons to make and disconnect calls to other codecs. CallMe-TS Studio Codec has been designed as a hardware back-end for CallMe Click-and-Connect™ – Vortex's internet codec service which lets guests and reporters send high-quality low-delay audio back to the studio without the need for them to have their own IP codec or download special software. Apart from CallMe-TS, CallMe Click-and-Connect™ is, of course, compatible with most IP Audio Codecs too.

The team at Vortex offer remote support when purchasing any of their products and that includes expert advice, support and repairs for almost all their products. We also offer one full of day of training when purchasing a LiveShot kit to help get the best out of your broadcasting as soon as it's in your hands.

For more details or just to have a chat about your broadcast needs, send an email to [email protected], call +44 (0)20 8579 2743 or head to www.vtx.co.uk for more information.

This article is also available to read at BFV online here, page 12.

(JP/LM)