EBU acquire APT audio technology

The European Broadcasting Union has adopted the use of Belfast-based APT's loss-less algorithm, apt-X, by purchasing an apt-X ISDN codec for deployment with its Euroradio satellite network.
Geneva-based EBU is the largest professional association of national broadcasters in the world. It serves 71 active members in 52 countries in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East and 46 associate members in 29 countries around the world. On behalf of its members the EBU negotiates broadcasting rights for major sports events, owns and operates the Eurovision and Euroradio network, organises programme exchanges, is the centre for coproductions and acquisitions, and provides a full range of other operational, commercial, technical, legal and strategic services.
The Euroradio Control Centre (ERC), which is situated in the EBU headquarters, is responsible for the management of the Euroradio satellite network. It is active in the exchange of music between EBU members, either by satellite or via ISDN services.
The apt-X enabled codec has been installed at ERC where it is allowing the EBU to exchange high quality classical music between public service broadcasters. The ISDN codec is the result of a licensing programme, whereby third party companies can utilise the benefits of the loss-less apt-X algorithm by integrating it into their own products.
Jon McClintock, commercial director for APT, says he is delighted that an organisation as prestigious as the EBU has chosen apt-X. "The EBU specified apt-X to service the needs of broadcasters who want to take classical concert feeds in the best possible quality. This is a major decision as it sees the continued acceptance of the algorithm, especially in light of the fact that many broadcasters would have been committed to MPEG alternatives," he says.
Since installation, the codec has been used for a number of key broadcasts including a recent BBC Radio 3 concert which was broadcast live from Hungary. Radio 3 also receives all the Metropolitan operas from New York via the EBU Euroradio satellite network.
(GB)