AES50 can carry up to 48 bi-directional audio channels plus 5 Mbit/s of generic Ethernet control data on a single CAT5 cable. HyperMAC can carry up to 384 bi-directional audio channels plus 100 Mbit/s Ethernet on CAT6 cable or fibre.
"In live sound applications, we are confident that the AES50 approach has significant advantages over other technologies - in particular the open standard, exceptionally low latency and robust error correction which will assure us of the high quality and reliability expected of our products." says Midas' managing director John Oakley. "We are delighted to be working with Sony Pro-Audio Lab to bring this exciting technology to our customers."
Simon Harrison, Midas' research and development director, says: "The format also provides comprehensive clock distribution features which allow flexible system clocking - essential when live events involve broadcast feeds. It also incorporates an extremely flexible Auxiliary Data system which has allowed us to provide a totally integrated control and distribution system on the XL8."
Midas prefer open standards wherever possible and view the publication of the AES50 standard as an important step towards the easier interconnection of large-scale digital audio systems.
Michael Page, lead engineer of audio networking technology at Sony Pro-Audio Lab, says: "Our SuperMAC FPGA logic cores were launched in April 2005 and are now mature. We have since delivered logic cores for HyperMAC and Router technology to companies such as Midas who are making FPGA implementations. Our next target is the launch of the SM10 SuperMAC chip which we expect to be shipping shortly - this will make implementation of AES50 interfaces simple and easily accessible to all."
(Chris Henry)
