Digigram Delivers Audio Over Ethernet

By distributing digital audio data over a standard Ethernet network, Digigram has dramatically increased the maximum number of audio channels that can be reliably managed by a single computer.

"Our networked NCX Audio Terminals provide significant benefits beyond standard distributed audio or stand-alone devices," says Digigram, Inc., President Neil Glassman. "They put the power and flexibility of a sound card in an Ethernet device." Such benefits include, a large number of audio signals, control from a central location, improved audio quality, compact, versatile enclosure, simplicity of installation, configuration, and management, as well as greater reliability and flexibility.

A networked application can be rapidly assembled by connecting each NCX unit to the application server PC using standard Ethernet hubs, switches, and cables. When connected to a server via Ethernet (10/100BT), the NCX audio terminal decodes and mixes MPEG Layer II and MP3 stereo or mono audio streams. The IEEE803.3/ANSI 8802-3 Ethernet standards are supported. Overall system configuration is performed from the server where the application software resides, while ongoing application control can be from the server, from individual NCX terminals, or a combination of both. Bi-directional serial communications capabilities are provided on each NCX via RS-232, permitting source selection, status, and other communication with the server. The application determines the balance between server and local control.

Digigram provides high-level software development tools for rapid NCX application development. As the API is based on Digigramâs np SDK, the same application may also manage server-resident sound cards for legacy audio distribution. Digigram's np SDK has been used for years by dozens of OEMs to create mission-critical applications in professional environments.

Depending on the NCX model used, each audio terminal can record/encode, play/decode, or is full duplex. Multiple digital audio data streams can be sent to a single NCX for mixing on the audio terminal, helping to minimize CPU requirements on the application server.

Four models are available: NCX200 Dual channel (or stereo) playback, NCX400 Four channel (or dual stereo) playback, NCX040 Four channel (or dual stereo) record, NCX220 Dual channel (or stereo) playback with simultaneous and independent dual channel (or stereo) record.

About Digigram For more than a decade, Digigram has been an acknowledged leader in developing PC-based professional digital audio solutions. The latest digital signal processing advances are harnessed in Digigram's range of digital audio hardware, drivers, and software. Provided as computer sound cards, custom hardware formats, and software development environments for scores of development partners, Digigram's tools empower users to manage audio for production, editing, video post, archiving, and transmission.

The parent company, headquartered in Montbonnot, France is publicly traded on the Paris stock exchange.

Digigram is a registered trademark and the Digigram logo is a trademark of Digigram S.A. Other trademarks are property of their respective holders.