CONCEPTS

eMDee Technology developed an approach to networked audio and radio simulation. Based on DSP technology and the UDP/IP network protocol, we have developed a method of sampling, mixing, and routing audio through a standard 1Gbps network that is optimized for low-latency networked audio. The result is a simplified system that provides many advantages, such as near-zero transport delay between speaker and listener. Our approach was to make networked audio systems simpler for the user without sacrificing existing capabilities. We also focused on using standard network protocols and non-proprietary formats that make interfacing easy and straightforward. DisComm Audio Network is the result.

DisComm Audio Network solves many problems that have been inherent in past systems:

• Cabling is simplified: By placing all audio streams on the DisComm Audio Network, there are no more long audio cable runs and no limitations on cable length such as with USB.
• Not operating system dependent: Interfacing to the audio streams is available through standard UDP/IP network packets in a published format. The Windows multimedia system is no longer necessary.
• No Sound Cards: DisComm Audio Network digitizes the data directly at each Node so there is no need to utilize sound cards on a PC.
• Near zero delay between transmitter and receiver: By utilizing high-speed DSP technology at each DisComm Audio Network Node, audio packets are able to be processed with a much lower latency so that there is no noticeable delay between speaker and listener.
• Integrated I/O: Each DisComm Audio Network has integrated digital and analog I/O capabilities. This enables analog devices such as PTT switches, volume knobs, and other items to be available on the DisComm Audio Network without having to implement an additional I/O system.