Comrex ACCESS broadcast audio internet codec is top 'contender'

The new Comrex ACCESS broadcast audio internet codec is unique as it has been designed from the ground up to be used on the public internet where connections may be contended as can happen when 'Joe-90' next door gets home from school and starts to download movies and music.
The Access uses its own new ultra low-bitrate dynamic BRIC coding (Broadcast-Reliable Internet Codec) combined with powerful forward error correction techniques to deliver wideband low-delay bi-directional audio over networks that may have high packet loss or jitter such as cable, DSL, WiFi, Satellite, 3G and cellular connections.
Telephone providers are migrating their infrastructures from traditional circuit-switched connections such as PSTN and ISDN, to packet-based networks, with ever-increasing availability of broadband Internet access at the expense of point-to-point connectivity. Broadcasters are accustomed to high-quality low-delay circuits such as those provided by POTS and ISDN codecs whose algorithms do not work well over packet-switched networks, either compromising audio quality or increasing delay to avoid dropouts. BRIC Audio Coding has been developed specifically to overcome these deficiencies.
Audio coding algorithms can be selected depending on the type of connection available, quality required and acceptable delay. These include BRIC-HQ (High Quality) 12KHz stereo audio using 30Kbits/second, BRIC-UR (Ultra-Reliable) that provides 7KHz audio using 10Kbits/sec with only 80mS delay, right up to 15KHz near CD-quality stereo using the highly accomplished AAC algorithms.
Input from major broadcasters at the development stage has resulted in a product range tailored towards their specific needs in the real world. Control of the Access is browser-based providing an integrated solution for STL, Internet and Wireless remotes. It is of course compatible with industry-standard Matrix, BlueBox and Vector POTS codecs.
The ACCESS Field codec has comprehensive mixing and monitoring facilities for stereo audio and a detachable hand-held BRIC Engine for reporters “on the go” with its own microphone and tape inputs, headphone outputs, browser screen, internet interface (including 3G, WiFi and PSTN) and integral 7-hour Lithium battery.
HOT NEWS – the Comrex ACCESS is an “Accredited Solution” for remote broadcast with the Thrane & Thrane BGAN Satellite terminals.
Come and hear the Access at Vortex at IBC on stand 11.701 or visit Vortex Communications webite at www.vtx.co.uk for further details.
(SP)