NEWS
For the latest show news and updates follow #ISE2014 Networking: we’ve all come a long, long way…
…but how near are we really to achieving the vision of a single-network approach to audio, video, control data and more? A variety of expert-led educational sessions at ISE 2014 should offer some timely insights
David Davies, ISE Daily team
Changes in technological terminology can sometimes be so slight as to appear imperceptible. The
transition from ‘audio-only networking’ to ‘media networking’ is not one such example, however; by contrast, the shift in language heralds a decisive move in favour of a more all-encompassing concept of networking and what it can do for the installed environment. Speaking to me recently, Bosch Communications Systems platform strategist Ethan Wetzell crystallised the transition nicely. Media networking, he says, “begins to create a larger vision of a solution to a general problem rather than a specific technological element. I think the term is best used when it refers to all of the key elements that go into a true solution: the distribution of content is key, of course, but there are additional elements that need to be addressed, such as control, discovery and configuration.” Predictions of when this nirvana might dawn vary dramatically, but bit by bit, the necessary elements do appear to be falling into place. Following the initiation of audio device certification testing last year, the testing of pro-video devices related to the Audio/Video Bridging (AVB) standards is expected to get underway in 2014. The recent publication of the AES67 standard for streaming audio-over-IP
‘The term media networking begins to create a larger vision of a solution to a general problem, rather than a specific technological element’
interoperability appears to herald greater unity for Layer 3-based solutions. Meanwhile, several individual solutions continue to gain traction: the profile of the ALC NetworX-developed, broadcast- oriented Ravenna technology has risen dramatically over the last two editions of IBC, while Dante – which, it should be noted, has always been marketed as a ‘media networking solution’ – had collected more than 125 licensees by the close of 2013. It’s true that the inherent
Light stage monitor MEYER SOUND
The new self-powered MJF-210 low-profile high-power stage monitor expands Meyer Sound’s on-stage solutions and makes its trade show debut at ISE 2014. Built for the demanding needs of today’s live productions, the MJF-210 is the lightest stage monitor in the company product line and carries the sonic performance of the MJF-212A stage monitor, which has been used by Metallica, Usher, Judas Priest and Michael Bublé. “The MJF-210 started with a customer’s request to bring the intelligibility and power of the MJF-212A into a more production-friendly package,” said Pablo Espinosa, chief loudspeaker designer and vice president of R&D. “The result is a product that reflects users’ needs in the field, and its small footprint also offers more flexibility in
28 thedaily 2014
bringing the myriad self-powered advantages to the stage.” It features a low-profile design with what the company says is an impressive power-to-size ratio and very low distortion. Each monitor measures less than 14in high and weighs 67lb. With the amplifier built into the cabinet, the MJF-210 eliminates amplifier racks and saves valuable backstage and truck space. The front of the MJF-210 slopes at an optimal 40° from the stage, while the constant directivity horn (50° H x 70° V) is said to give the performer more freedom to move on stage while staying within the wide vertical coverage. The drivers are powered by a three-channel Class D amplifier. For applications with even higher power requirements, the MJF-212A stage monitor is available. Stand: 1-F90
complexity of a one-network approach to multiple media forms cannot help but generate concerns about troubleshooting. But the benefits in terms of cost-savings and scalability will surely prove decisive in the end. Then, too, there is the potential of enhanced interoperability “between video, signage, audio, lighting and other technologies… a huge advantage,” as QSC’s Richard Zwiebel told me recently. Zwiebel, as it turns out, is set to expand on the opportunities of one
network during an ISE 2014 educational programme session. Scheduled for 11:30-12:30 today, ‘Network Everything’ will examine the theoretical and practical thinking behind the implementation of a single backbone for audio, video, control, signage, POS and data. But Zwiebel is by no means the only distinguished industry figure to be addressing the networking landscape. Tomorrow [5 February] (13:00-14:00), RH Consulting founder Roland Hemming will look at the development and evolution of audio networking and control, what’s going to happen next and why. Later the same day (14:30-15:30), Aidan Williams, CTO of Dante developer Audinate, will be getting down to some of the networking basics – what matters, what doesn’t and why. The AVB project will come into sharp focus during a session led by Meyer Sound’s Jeff Koftinoff tomorrow (13:00-14:3 0). With certification now open for AVB- enabled pro-audio products and bridges, Koftinoff will examine the stages entailed in building an AVB- based medium-scale audio network. Collectively, these sessions
crystallise an important moment of transition – from the extensive network as abstract notion to reality. There are many challenges still to be overcome in terms of end-user awareness and skillsets, but the sense of a shift from general trepidation about networking towards a cautious excitement is very real.
KVM over IP extender supports DVI GEFEN
New for ISE 2014 from Gefen is the DVI KVM over IP extender with local DVI output, which provides remote access to servers from workstations placed up to 100m from the LAN. The new product supports high-
resolution digital video in the DVI format, four USB ports for connecting keyboard, mouse and other peripherals, analogue audio from server to workstation, and RS-232 extension over the LAN. Each sender and receiver can be connected directly or through a Gigabit network switch using a single Cat5 cable. Each sender and receiver can be configured to operate in a one- to-one relationship in which the receiver can only access a specific sender, or all senders and receivers on the LAN can be assigned unique IP addresses to facilitate the routing of up to 256
Gefen’s DVI KVM over IP can be combined with other extenders
senders to any receiver. This creates a scalable, virtual cross- point matrix without any additional wiring. In this configuration, each receiver is able to access any of the senders within its network. The DVI KVM over IP can also be combined on the same LAN with Gefen’s HDMI and VGA KVM over IP extenders, allowing a convenient and efficient method of video format conversion within the infrastructure.
Each sender is also equipped with a loop-through DVI output so
that users can install a local display at the computer side for monitoring video. The receiver also includes a built-in Ethernet switch and two additional Ethernet ports for connecting IP-enabled devices at the remote location. Each DVI KVM over IP extender includes a web server interface for easy operation, configuration and setup. Alternative methods of control include keyboard switching software or the push-buttons on the front panel. Stand: 1-M27
>>NewsAnalysis
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