Last year CCS Musicam launched the Netstar audio codec which can transmit audio over lan, wan and IP networks using TCP/IP, as well as by using conventional ISDN telephone lines. Now, CCS have launched the Roadstar audio codec, a portable version of the Netstar, which has some additional features and can be seen on the Sonifex stand number 7.
It has been designed as a commentary unit to operate at sports grounds. With a built-in 4 channel mic/line mixer and headphone mix matrix, the RoadStar is ideal for remote broadcasting. Based on the NetStar codec, it is housed in a compact, portable enclosure with protective elements for controls, cables and connectors. Four XLR inputs feed individual level and pan controls. Each input can be switched for mic, line or unbalanced operation and they all have switchable phantom power at 48V. A separate AES/EBU input can be enabled to bypass the mixer section. Both analogue and AES/EBU outputs for return audio are standard.
RoadStar can send and simultaneously receive bi-directional audio via IP through its ethernet port, and can connect to ISDN codecs through its included 1-BRI ISDN terminal adapter. Simultaneous operation on both IP and ISDN is possible. RoadStar comes complete with all of the popular coding algorithms including G.711, G.722, MPEG 1 and 2 Layer II, and MPEG 1 and 2 Layer 3 to assure compatibility with older CCS and other codecs. In addition, RoadStar includes MPEG 2 AAC, and MPEG 4 AAC low delay, for superior audio performance at lower bit rates. RoadStar also supports bi-directional, uncompressed, linear audio over IP, for use over networks of sufficient bandwidth.
RoadStar features four bright, vertical peak and average reading LED VU meters, a large, easy to navigate menu display, and a flexible dual headphone monitoring system that lets users monitor send audio, receive audio, or a mix of the two. The headphone mix function is especially well suited for live remotes and voice talents, who often need to monitor both send and receive audio simultaneously.
RoadStar can automatically detect the calling codec and can be operated from its front panel, or via remote control from any internet web browser. RoadStar also contains eight end-to-end remote contact closures to actuate remote equipment, and full RS232 ancillary data capability.
Also on display on the Sonifex stand is the TEAM audio multiplexer, for transmitting multiple channels of audio down an E1, ISDN or IP line, and the Prima LT ISDN codec, the most successful of the CCS Musicam products, used for ISDN connectivity and considered a standard in the UK.
CCS Musicam products are distributed exclusively in the UK by Sonifex Ltd.
