Packets Everywhere: How IP-Audio and Ethernet AreTransforming Modern Radio Facilities

摘要

For years, Ethernet has been on the peripheryof radio station infrastructure. We've used it fortraffic management, file sharing, allowing theInternet into our studios, and some audio playback— and there's where the story ended.Now, however, broadcasters are finding interestingnew uses for Ethernet, thanks to the emergentaudio standard called IP-Audio. IP-Audioopens up new capabilities and possibilities forbroadcasters because it enables real-time transmissionof uncompressed, linear audio alongside directmachine control of audio devices and playoutcomputers, transmission of PAD / metadatastreams, direct playout of digital PC content sansaudio cards, wide-area connectivity (separatefloors or separate buildings), high-spectrum STLdata links and more — all using the dramaticallyreduced wiring infrastructure that the Ethernet environmentprovides.This paper will examine some of the innovativeways radio broadcasters are employing IP-Audioand Ethernet for applications such as alternativeSTL, large-scale studio connectivity, networkedaudio monitoring, and remote system administration.