Vortex At IBC: Helping Broadcasters Get Connected

Vortex will be exhibiting at IBC in September in its usual location – and again as usual, we've been very busy.

Vortex is well-known in the field of IP Codecs – with the Comrex ACCESS-IP and LiveShot in particular. It has taken connectivity a step further with its CallMe Click-and-Connect web-based codec which is a new way to get audio from guests, reporters and contributors back to the studio with no hassle. With CallMe, there is no need to download dedicated codec software as CallMe gets everyday devices connected to professional IP audio codecs at the studio. Smartphones, tablets and computers are able to browse to a Station's dedicated CallMe page and set up a connection at the click of a button. With CallMe, subscribers receive their own webpage with the URL of their choice and this will be assigned to which of their studio codecs they prefer, supporting 2, 6, 10 and more simultaneous connections from a single webpage. Stations are free to customise their own CallMe page by uploading a logo, background image and colour scheme to match the Station's normal branding.

Each CallMe link can have a schedule to be active or inactive at any time and the only thing the Contributor needs is a link to the Station's CallMe webpage. A login username and password can also be assigned to avoid unwelcome guests. CallMe is fully compatible with Comrex BRIC-Link, ACCESS, STAC-VIP and the new VH2 VoIP Hybrid and with JK's AutoHybrid IP2.

To be introduced at IBC is Vortex's own dedicated CallMe-T low cost studio codec specifically designed to provide a Studio back-end for CallMe. It is supplied pre-registered with the Station's CallMe account making the solution plug-and-play.

Also on show at IBC will be the ACCESS that now supports multi-streaming to provide even better stability by using a number of network connections and Vortex will be showcasing a number of Comrex add-ons which include MCC Multi-Codec Control that allows management of a fleet of codecs from a single web page. Apart from allowing Connect / Disconnect, it shows audio levels and connection status with both graphical information and a clever traffic-light indication of the quality of the IP network. Green indicates a stable connection whilst amber and red show various states of connection deterioration which may manifest itself as increased delay or reduction in audio quality, both of which can be easily handled if the situation is known.

HotSwitch has been developed to allow connection of multiple remote codecs to a single studio codec with each one receiving studio audio with live switching between them to go "on-air". It is useful for election and sports roundups where a number of remote sites are all reporting different aspects of the same event.

Also new this IBC is Vortex's VX-4901 intercom / pushbutton panel. When paired with a BRIC-Link IP Codec the combination works as an IP Intercom station whilst it provides one-button-dial connectivity for both ACCESS and BRIC-Links. Each button is pre-configured by the user; a mic input is also available with phantom power and built in headphone amplifier and dual speakers. The VX-4901 is linked to the remote IP codecs over any network and need not be co-located which means that an operator is able to control a number of connections without the need for computer or software.

Continuing the IP connection journey, the STAC-VIP VoIP Phone-In system lets users control up to 12 "lines" from a single webpage and conference any number together. Apart from accepting PSTN calls delivered over IP, it works with audio codecs including CallMe Click-and-Connect, making it ideal for managing reporters and guest contributors with high-quality broadcast audio.

LiveShot Video IP Codec is unique in the combination of video and audio codecs that are incorporated in the same unit. It provides HD plus stereo audio to the studio, return video and audio plus a separate low-delay two-way comms channel, all in the same unit. With its multi-streaming capability offering both bonding and diversity, it provides all the clever forward error correction and error masking capabilities of the industry-standard ACCESS codec in a package weighing less than a kg.

Vortex is in the same location at IBC – Stand 12.G11; from entrance C, head left up the escalators into hall 12 and left again. More info at www.vtx.co.uk and for further enquiries, support and quotations email [email protected] or call +44 (0)20 8579 2743.

Image: CallMe.

www.vtx.co.uk

(JP/CD)