PL+S: Outline to unveil Newton processor
- Details
Newton is a full-featured, FPGA-based ‘multi media nucleus’ that “takes technology convergence for audio-visual systems to the next level”. In addition to comprehensive loudspeaker system control facilities it additionally offers media conversion, sync and clock management plus audio distribution with networking capability, along with a very high potential i/o count (up to 216 in both directions simultaneously).
Newton also features several innovations that solve common real-world problems. As standard it is fitted with Analogue, AES, MADI optical, MADI coaxial and Dante inputs and outputs, which can be freely mixed and matched to suit the application. Further, it can simultaneously manage multiple clocks from different sources: this means that several non-synchronised digital protocols can be connected to Newton without affecting the phase coherence of the audio outputs. At a point where systems convergence and integration is more important than ever, this feature is set to make life a great deal easier for many professional users globally.
Newton is also equipped for the most mission-critical applications in terms of backup strategies - for example, unlike any other device currently available, Newton features dual redundant internal power supplies with separate AC inlets. It can also be configured to use different types of input as ‘main’ and ‘backup’ with auto-switchover in the event of failure, an ideal safety net for major televised events and similar applications.
(Jim Evans)