Biamp moves to AVB with next generation Tesira

US-based manufacturer Biamp Systems has adopted Audio Video Bridging (AVB) as the primary digital media transport for its new Tesira networked media system, which the company describes as ‘changing the scale of possibilities for the way communications systems are designed, installed and experienced’, and ‘affording integrators, distributors and consultants a new world of configuration options based on IT infrastructure’.

A Tesira system – dubbed an ‘enterprise-wide solution’ by the manufacturer – is comprised of intelligent network modules designed to share and boost performance. The system is equipped with modular scalable inputs and outputs, DSPs and networked end-points, thereby creating an extremely broad range of design possibilities including centralised, distributed and hybrid applications.

According to Biamp, the system offers systems integrators the option of customising Tesira with up to eight DSP-2s , for a total of 16 DSPs, in a single chassis, with up to 420x420 audio channels over a scalable digital media backbone (AVB).

The system is, said Biamp Systems president Steve Metzger, ‘unlike anything seen by the industry. We believe it represents a huge leap forward in the progression of our networked media systems concept, and we're excited for our customers to put their hands on it for the first time.  This product challenges conventional thinking about design and scalability’.

At the heart of Tesira is AVB, which is rapidly becoming accepted as bridging the gap between A/V and IT by providing an open standard (IEEE 802) for transporting audio and video over a network. Its use as Tesira’s primary media transport technology means that the system can synchronise multiple streams of audio and video and eliminate buffering delays while also creating resource reservation. The result is that systems integrators can use a single network for all media within an installation, including both AVB and non-AVB traffic.

Also included within Tesira is the option to create partitions, which reportedly allow for phased system configuration, minimising time spent redrawing and compiling. Meanwhile, Biamp’s compilation engine automatically checks that a network design is complete, determines the most cost-effective list of Biamp hardware required, and finally documents the necessary system interconnects to ensure stable operation.

Other features comprise the manufacturer’s new SpeechSense and AmbientSense technologies, which are intended to enhance speech processing by more accurately distinguishing between human speech and ambient noise.

Matt Czyzewski, Biamp vice president of business development, concluded: ‘We have to continue pushing the boundaries of networked media systems. If we don’t, then our products, company and industry will never evolve and realise its full potential. The AVNU Alliance and the AVB standard that has been developed is a great example of the innovation that’s alive and thriving among the companies in our business, and Tesira will help A/V and IT professionals alike realise the power of truly networked systems.’

Shipping: January 2012

Web: www.biamp.com/tesira