Riedel adopts AVB for Artist intercom

The Artist digital matrix intercom from Riedel is now AVB compliant following the launch of the AVB-108 G2 Client Card as well as the Connect AVB and Connect AVBx8 panel interfaces.

The manufacturer describes the goal of connecting intercom panels over an IP-based LAN environment as ‘the dream of many system planners’, but traditional IP-based problems such as latency and missing synchronisation have long prevented them from doing so. Riedel reports that it has solved these issues by implementing the audio video bridging (AVB) protocol, which guarantees bandwidth and quality of service for the transport of AES3/EBU audio via IP-based networks.

As a result, intercom applications for the new products reportedly boast matrix-to-control panel connections via LAN, audio distribution via LAN, matrix-to-matrix trunking connections via LAN and distribution of digital partylines via LAN.

The AVB-108 G2 card is a regular Artist client card for use inside the Artist mainframe, converting eight Artist matrix ports into AVB and vice versa. Multiple cards can communicate with one another to facilitate trunking, as well as working alongside Connect AVB panel interface, a small external unit, which converts an AES signal into AVB and vice versa, and the Connect AVBx8, described as the ‘big brother’ of the two interfaces and capable of converting eight AES signals to AVB and back again. The AVBx8 is housed in a 9.5-inch, 1RU rack which includes eight Cat-5 ports for the connection of up to eight Artist Control panels in one or two-channel mode to the matrix via IP-based LANs.

Meanwhile Riedel has also launched RiLink, a global fibre service for the broadcast market intended for the long distance transmission of HD video, audio and data.

The system is intended as a cost- and time-saving alternative to satellite when broadcasting signals from a remote location either to a main or foreign studio. The technology is based Riedel’s MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) backbone, and reportedly allows not only the transport of 3G/HD/SDSDI signals, but also return video feeds, full-duplex communications, VoIP telephony and IP data.

Riedel has also declared that RiLink offers higher bandwidth connections than regular satellite links as well as significantly reduced latency, while the company’s policy of charging a flat rate for the complete duration of an event is expected to bring down costs.

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