This extension to the EtherSound specification enables bi-directional audio distribution over the same cable, as well as higher sample rate conversions at 88.2, 96, or 192kHz. The EtherSound licensees, which currently include NetCira by Fostex, Nexo, Bouyer, InnovaSON, and Auvitran, will autonomously determine their individual product plan to implement the new features into their products. Many existing EtherSound products are compliant with the new technology and can be upgraded in the field by installing a new firmware.
Before the release, Digigram's EtherSound protocol was restricted to uni-directional audio distribution, meaning all devices located 'downstream' from a source may playback audio from that source. Bi-directional EtherSound now allows the creation of a virtual bus between daisy-chained devices where a maximum of 64 channels of 24-bit/48kHz audio is available for inputs and outputs of all connected devices, be they 'upstream' or 'downstream' of the source. In both versions, control and monitoring data are bi-directional and use the same cable as the audio. Bi-directional EtherSound maintains the technology's very low and predictable latency (125 microseconds), which is suitable even for the most demanding applications such as live sound or broadcast.
New generation EtherSound networks are able to combine uni and bi-directional sub-networks and new generation EtherSound devices will be able to operate in both uni and bi-directional mode. The firmware of many EtherSound devices currently sold can be upgraded to bi-directional EtherSound.
Next generation EtherSound now enables higher sampling frequencies with multipliers of 44.1 or 48 kHz, such as 88.2, 96, 192 kHz, etc., while maintaining the technology's very low and predictable latency (125 microseconds at 96kHz).
The addition of the entry level agreement and an authorized EtherSound implementor partner program has enabled pro audio manufacturers to rapidly build EtherSound-compliant products with very limited development investment. Entry level licensees have the right to implement ready-to-use EtherSound modules provided by Digigram or Authorized Implementors and French company Auvitran has been appointed as the first Authorized Ethersound Implementor.
"In a still difficult economical environment, many manufacturers hesitated to invest into EtherSound, because they lack experience with networking technologies, but need a very fast return on investment." comments Digigram MD Philippe Delacroix, "The Entry Level Licensing Agreement, combined with the appointment of the first Authorized Implementor, now offers a very fast and very cost-effective way of bringing EtherSound-enabled products to the market. We are confident that manufacturers starting at Entry Level will be successful with their new products and will later migrate to higher licensing levels to optimize their EtherSound implementation. The Authorized Implementors will support the licensees at all levels."
Advanced Level licensees gain access to reference designs (schematic and bill of materials) and FPGA binary files, which may be customized by Authorized Implementors. In addition to this, Developer Level licensees have access to the FPGA Ethersound technology object code and parts of the source code, as well as the right to customize the reference design. Again, Authorized Implementors might provide customization services.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
