In the world of audio networking there are numerous myths and misunderstandings that can hinder the adoption and understanding of this transformative technology.
This presentation will debunk these misconceptions and shed light on the truth behind audio networking. By addressing some common myths - including the notion that it is only for large-scale installations, introduces significant latency, requires expensive equipment and IT expertise, lacks reliability or compromises sound quality - we will provide an accurate and comprehensive understanding of audio networking.
By dispelling these misconceptions audio professionals will gain the confidence to explore and embrace the benefits of audio networking technology, including enhanced scalability, flexibility, centralized control, improved audio quality, interoperability, remote production capabilities, simplified cabling, system monitoring, and integration with emerging technologies.
Let’s pave the way for a more informed and empowered audio networking journey.
"Your Flight Will Be Delayed by 5 ms" - Understanding Latency in AoIP Systems
NET-1-2 | Start 14:30 | Duration 30 min. | Andreas Hildebrand | Talk (English)
What is latency in AoIP systems and where does it come from? Why is latency varying? What minimum and maximum latencies can be expected? This presentation will provide answers to all these questions and explains buzz words and abbreviations such as packet time, PDV, software jitter and more...
The presentation sets the scene by explaining the fundamental differences between circuit-switched packet-switched networks (in principal, the difference between traditional analog / digital and network-based transport mechanisms). While circuit-switched networks in principal are only affected by the speed of light and thus latency is a direct result of distance, packet-switched networks add a number of additional factors to the calculation. Even more complex, most of these additional factors are highly dynamical, depend on other factors or can be configured to match particular applications or use cases. The presentation looks at important factors like network technology and topology, stream and packet configuration, device implementation and many more aspects. It also describes the highly dynamic effect of other network traffic with respect to latency.
While all of these factors appear to implicit that IP-based media transport technologies are not applicable to use cases with low latency requirements, attendees will learn how to counter all these variable factors, what latencies are actually achievable and what benefits are offered by flexibility IP-based systems are offering.
50 Years of Ethernet: What did it bring to the audio industry?
The pro audio industry is getting ready for a game-changing phenomenon: the widespread adoption of audio networks. Ethernet, a 50-year-old technology, is revolutionizing the audio realm and will change the way professionals work, expanding old limitations and bringing in new features and workflows:
- Immaculate Audio Quality: Experience high-resolution, low-latency audio transmission.
- Scale and Flexibility Unleashed: Expand your audio systems effortlessly while simplifying setup and configuration.
- Take Control, Centralize Power: Boost your efficiency during live performances and studio recordings.
- Cut Cable Chaos: Say goodbye to tangled nightmares!
- Unite the Audio World: Embrace a standardized framework for interoperability and endless creative possibilities.
- Conquer Distance: Enter the era of remote audio production.
- Monitor with Precision: Harness the power of robust monitoring and diagnostics.
With higher network speeds and Wireless TSN technologies looming on the horizon, Ethernet's role in professional audio will expand even further. And the convergence of Ethernet with emerging technologies like IoT and AI will unlock a new realm of intelligent audio system management and automation.
Let’s embrace Ethernet's unparalleled potential and shape the future of sound.
Do we really need PTP? A Comparison of Clocking & Synchronization in RTP, RAVENNA/AES67 & ST2110, AVB and IPMX
NET-1-4 | Start 15:30 | Duration 30 min. | Andreas Hildebrand | Talk (English)
AES67 and SMPTE ST 2110 require PTP for proper synchronization. Occasionally, people feel that proper PTP operation is quite difficult to maintain. Can't we use something easier? This presentation looks at how clocking & synchronization is achieved in other AoIP technologies and compares plain RTP, RAVENNA/AES67 & ST2110, AVB and IPMX.
The presentation starts by introducing the differences between asynchronous, plesiochronous, isochronous and fully synchronous operations. It then looks at particular synchronization requirements of professional media transport systems.
After setting the scene, the individual synchronization methods provided by various common transport technologies are explained and compared against the requirements. The presentation looks at the inherent asynchronous operation of RTP as specified in RFC 3550. It then explains why RAVENNA, AES67 & SMPTE ST 2110 required a more advanced synchronization method, why PTP had been chosen and how synchronization is actually achieved.
Another popular transport mechanism for certain fields of application is AVB; it turns out that AVB also utilizes a variant of PTP but differs from the beforementioned standards in the way it actually implements synchronization.
Finally, the presentation looks on how IPMX implements synchronization, in particular as it claims to be SMPTE ST 2110-compliant but can also work without PTP. In the conclusion, the benefits and drawbacks of each method are highlighted and the question if we really need PTP will be answered (or not…?).
On the integration of digital media in the performing arts - Juilliard expands its digital horizon with a comprehensive fiber network.
NET-1-5 | Start 16:00 | Duration 30 min. | Sascha von Oertzen |
Kevin Boutote | Talk (English)
As Chief Audio Video Engineer at The Juilliard School, I am sharing technological advancements implemented to keep Juilliard at the forefront of innovation.
As a global leader in performing arts education, Juilliard responded energetically to the challenge of the Covid19 pandemic by embarking on a comprehensive technology upgrade in 2020. The upgrade was necessary to better showcase our performances to the world, both within our community and beyond, and to support the artistic goals of our students and faculty.
Introduction:
- Student and faculty need: Brief description of the artistic divisions of Juilliard and their activities
- Description of campus and interconnectivity: 3D building sketch with “activated” spaces
- Rapid timeline of design/build process May 2020 to January 2021
Technology used:
- Fiber connectivity
- Networking audio and video
- Cameras, microphones, installed and mobile systems
- The tools created to achieve work goals, use cases, software patching, flexibility in assigning control rooms to production spaces, mobile uses, etc...
Conclusion topics:
- Adapting to rapidly changing technology
- Methods of distribution go beyond audiences visiting concert halls and theaters, streaming
Media consumption habits have shifted, and improvements in broadband and mobile connectivity are determining the viewers and listeners' preferences. As arts educators and creators of media, Juilliard strives to shape its participation, and the future of the performing arts within the highest standards possible and provide the students with the tools and outlets to succeed.
Dynamic Metadata in an SMPTE ST 2110 environment - a proof of concept
NET-1-6 | Start 16:30 | Duration 30 min. | Markus Brockmann |
Andy Weiss | Talk (English)
SRF is the national broadcaster in Switzerland, a small multilingual country surrounded by far bigger nations with a multiplicity of TV stations vying for our national audience’s attention. It goes without saying that in this environment, SRF needs to continually improve its services to excite and maintain its audience.
Next Generation Audio (NGA) came to surface at the right moment for us. The discussions concerning personalized sound experiences and the ongoing aim of optimizing the use of bandwidth found their solutions in the technologies associated with Object-Based Audio (OBA).
Additionally, SRF stepped into the future of IP-based workflows in broadcast by developing Europe’s first all-IP UHD OB Van (EBU Technology & Innovation Award 2019) and building a new Playout and Switching centre completely based on SMPTE ST 2110. One of the lessons learned from this innovation was the need for flexible Metadata-handling in an IP environment.
In this presentation we will highlight these two main issues and how they got married in a proof of concept .
NET-2 | Networked Audio & Video | R 2 | 2023-11-10 | 10:40 - 12:30
curated and moderated by Marc Schettke
Crash Course Networked Audio: A Hands-On Guide in 1 hour
NET-2-1 | Start 10:40 | Duration 50 min. | Stefan Ledergerber | Tutorial (English)
Dive into the world of Ethernet and IP-based audio, a new reality for sound engineers. While many are daunted by the perceived complexities of networked audio, this crash course simplifies the labyrinth of information available online. In just an hour, you'll grasp the essentials for your daily work. This session is designed for everyone from beginners to experienced Tonmeisters. It offers streamlined, practical insights that cut through the theoretical clutter. You'll discover hands-on tips and tricks to elevate your networked audio experience. We'll also explore and compare industry standards and solutions such as AVB/Milan, Dante, RAVENNA, and AES67. By the end, you'll leave with a clear understanding of real-time audio networks and a number of useful practical hints, perfect for those new to the field or those looking to refine their expertise.
Ethernet-based Media Networks: A Dialogue between Users and Manufacturers
NET-2-2 | Start 11:30 | Duration 60 min. | Marc Schettke |
Andreas Hildebrand, Henning Kaltheuner, Stefan Ledergerber, Jochen Wainwright | Roundtable Discussion (English)
The wide-spread use of Ethernet-based media networks leaves both system integrators and end-users with loads of questions. Why have features been implemented the way they were? Why are things still so complicated? What is on the horizon to make our lifes easier?
This panel brings together users and manufacturers of respective technologies. Experts from both sides discuss requirements, implementations and possible gaps in between.
Moreover, the audience is invited to ask additional questions that will be discussed and, as far as possible, answered on stage.