At ProLight & Sound, the EtherSound development team delivered on a key milestone: a proof of performance demonstration of the new ES-Giga System Transport technology, which is optimized for the expanded bandwidth of Gigabit Ethernet (IEEE 802.3ab). The demo ran throughout the show, and showcased an Ethernet network handling both PCM digital audio and control data.
"ES-Giga is a System Transport technology because in addition to 512 channels of PCM audio data, it offers a dedicated 100 Mpbs for generic Ethernet data traffic," explains business development manager Jimmy Kawalek. "This allows ES-Giga users to run a variety of software programs that monitor and control devices from multiple manufacturers. ES-Giga enables the design and operation of complex audio systems in a flexible and open environment that includes for example TCP/IP protocol."
The proof of performance demonstration showed the ES-Giga System Transport running in a fault-tolerant ring topology using a combination of Cat 5e and fibre optic cable. On a laptop, multiple independent device control software programs were running, using ES-Giga's dedicated 100 Mbps control/data path to communicate with non-EtherSound-enabled devices. ES-Giga allows multiple streams of control and monitoring data, including IP-based protocols, while simultaneously transmitting 512 channels of 48 kHz, 24 bit PCM audio data: 256 channels in each direction. Higher sample rates (96 kHz or 192 kHz) are also possible by combining channels. ES-Giga Version 1.0 is scheduled for release to licensees later in 2006.
The EtherSound road map also includes ongoing development of the 100 Mbps technology now called ES-100 Audio Transport. EtherSound is being used around the world for demanding portable and installed live sound applications, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy. ES-100 continues to expand the capabilities of dedicated 100 Mbps networks. Recent additions include fault-tolerant ring topologies and control of the entire network from any node. ES-100 transmits 128 channels of 48 kHz, 24 bit PCM audio, and accommodates higher sample rates by combining available channels.
(Chris Henry)
