Broadcast News
18/09/2018
Vortex Unveiling CallMe Cloud Codec & CallMe-T Audio Codecs Upgrades
Vortex is introducing ground-breaking enhancements to its CallMe Cloud Codec and low-cost CallMe-T audio codecs at IBC.
A couple of years ago, Vortex introduced its CallMe Click-and-Connect cloud-based contribution codec that let broadcasters put guest contributors and reports "live" on-air without the need to download special software or have their own IP codec. It was originally developed as an add-on to make further use of the very large installed base of IP audio codecs by allowing third parties to connect with high-quality audio from mobile phones, tablets, laptops and computers.
It became clear however, that many smaller Community and Hospital stations simply could not afford even a bottom-end full-blown codec and were relying on consumer applications streaming to computers back at the studio, often with mediocre results as one might expect. True, it was better than nothing, but how much better if there was a reliable, simple, low-cost IP audio codec available and a web application that was designed for the job. And that is how CallMe-T (as in ET Phone Home) came about. Designed originally as a hardware back-end for CallMe Click-and-Connect, it sits on the internet at the station providing balanced stereo audio in-and-out with a web interface for control. Contributors and reporters connect to it using their mobile phone browser or desktop computer providing live 2-way 15kHz stereo audio with low-delay. Maybe not as good as a multi-streaming codec with all the bells-and-whistles but CallMe provides a huge step up from the domestic solution.
Almost by accident, it was suggested that if two CallMe-Ts could connect to each other, this would make an ideal low-cost solution for converting the huge installed base of ISDN Codec/Mixers for use over IP and the internet. Users know and like the operation of the mixer part but instead of dialling over ISDN, the output is now fed into a CallMe-T which connects to the studio over IP. The studio version CallMe-TS has only a web interface for control but the request was for some "Quick Dial" buttons and CallMe-TR (R for Remote) was born, first with 2 programmable buttons – now with 4 –that connect to pre-set destinations, making it easy for reporters to link to the studio without the need to use the web interface. The latest introduction this IBC is again in response to requests to allow connection of an external USB Mixer and new for IBC is CallMe-TRM providing additionally USB connectivity. As a low-cost Opus / G.722 stereo codec, CallMe-T has also found its place in providing 4-wire connectivity between sites. Up to four can be mounted side-by-side in 1-U and a recent enhancement now offers multi-streaming for high-quality audio distribution.
With a number of Enterprise customers using CallMe on a regular basis, the provision of embedded help for users became important. CallMe now shows contributors information relating to any specific issue that may impact on the ability to connect with straightforward instructions on how to solve it. This may include trying to use an out-of-date browser or failing to select the microphone or poor internet connectivity where the help screen provides clear contextual information.
For the Broadcaster, Vortex is introducing at IBC the capability to access analytics for each call both in real-time and historically. If a call does fail – we are using the internet after all – it is useful to be able to see just where things fell down which helps to avoid the same thing happening again. Self-service management is also being introduced with the ability to create CallMe links and custom CallMe pages. CallMe Click-and-Connect is compatible with most IP Audio codecs.
This article is also available in the September edition of Broadcast Film & Video. Here.
A couple of years ago, Vortex introduced its CallMe Click-and-Connect cloud-based contribution codec that let broadcasters put guest contributors and reports "live" on-air without the need to download special software or have their own IP codec. It was originally developed as an add-on to make further use of the very large installed base of IP audio codecs by allowing third parties to connect with high-quality audio from mobile phones, tablets, laptops and computers.
It became clear however, that many smaller Community and Hospital stations simply could not afford even a bottom-end full-blown codec and were relying on consumer applications streaming to computers back at the studio, often with mediocre results as one might expect. True, it was better than nothing, but how much better if there was a reliable, simple, low-cost IP audio codec available and a web application that was designed for the job. And that is how CallMe-T (as in ET Phone Home) came about. Designed originally as a hardware back-end for CallMe Click-and-Connect, it sits on the internet at the station providing balanced stereo audio in-and-out with a web interface for control. Contributors and reporters connect to it using their mobile phone browser or desktop computer providing live 2-way 15kHz stereo audio with low-delay. Maybe not as good as a multi-streaming codec with all the bells-and-whistles but CallMe provides a huge step up from the domestic solution.
Almost by accident, it was suggested that if two CallMe-Ts could connect to each other, this would make an ideal low-cost solution for converting the huge installed base of ISDN Codec/Mixers for use over IP and the internet. Users know and like the operation of the mixer part but instead of dialling over ISDN, the output is now fed into a CallMe-T which connects to the studio over IP. The studio version CallMe-TS has only a web interface for control but the request was for some "Quick Dial" buttons and CallMe-TR (R for Remote) was born, first with 2 programmable buttons – now with 4 –that connect to pre-set destinations, making it easy for reporters to link to the studio without the need to use the web interface. The latest introduction this IBC is again in response to requests to allow connection of an external USB Mixer and new for IBC is CallMe-TRM providing additionally USB connectivity. As a low-cost Opus / G.722 stereo codec, CallMe-T has also found its place in providing 4-wire connectivity between sites. Up to four can be mounted side-by-side in 1-U and a recent enhancement now offers multi-streaming for high-quality audio distribution.
With a number of Enterprise customers using CallMe on a regular basis, the provision of embedded help for users became important. CallMe now shows contributors information relating to any specific issue that may impact on the ability to connect with straightforward instructions on how to solve it. This may include trying to use an out-of-date browser or failing to select the microphone or poor internet connectivity where the help screen provides clear contextual information.
For the Broadcaster, Vortex is introducing at IBC the capability to access analytics for each call both in real-time and historically. If a call does fail – we are using the internet after all – it is useful to be able to see just where things fell down which helps to avoid the same thing happening again. Self-service management is also being introduced with the ability to create CallMe links and custom CallMe pages. CallMe Click-and-Connect is compatible with most IP Audio codecs.
This article is also available in the September edition of Broadcast Film & Video. Here.
Top Related Stories
Click here for the latest broadcast news stories.
20/10/2016
CallMe – Click-and–Connect Internet Codec Service
CallMe Click-and-Connect is a cost-effective internet service that makes it simple for guest contributors – and reporters – to send broadcast audio ba
CallMe – Click-and–Connect Internet Codec Service
CallMe Click-and-Connect is a cost-effective internet service that makes it simple for guest contributors – and reporters – to send broadcast audio ba
12/04/2019
Vortex Introduces SmartStream™ To Its CallMe Low-Cost IP Audio Codecs
Vortex introduced SmartStream™ to its CallMe low-cost IP Audio Codecs at NAB 2019 in Las Vegas and demonstrates CallMe Analytics Server data for Live
Vortex Introduces SmartStream™ To Its CallMe Low-Cost IP Audio Codecs
Vortex introduced SmartStream™ to its CallMe low-cost IP Audio Codecs at NAB 2019 in Las Vegas and demonstrates CallMe Analytics Server data for Live
20/07/2017
CallMe Provides Broadcasters With Easy-To-Use Audio Over IP
CallMe is a cloud-based communications platform for audio codecs which handles all the complicated stuff and provides the user with a simple click-and
CallMe Provides Broadcasters With Easy-To-Use Audio Over IP
CallMe is a cloud-based communications platform for audio codecs which handles all the complicated stuff and provides the user with a simple click-and
11/11/2016
What Is The Future For Immersive Audio?
Peter Poers, Managing Director at Jünger Audio, looks at production efforts versus consumer experience. Introduction Along with the evolution of highe
What Is The Future For Immersive Audio?
Peter Poers, Managing Director at Jünger Audio, looks at production efforts versus consumer experience. Introduction Along with the evolution of highe
15/08/2016
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 I
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 I
18/09/2014
Jünger Audio Launches Codec Edition Of D*AP8 Digital Audio Processor
Jünger Audio launched a new Codec Edition of its D*AP8 Digital Audio Processor at this year's IBC show. Peter Poers, CEO of Jünger Audio, explained: "
Jünger Audio Launches Codec Edition Of D*AP8 Digital Audio Processor
Jünger Audio launched a new Codec Edition of its D*AP8 Digital Audio Processor at this year's IBC show. Peter Poers, CEO of Jünger Audio, explained: "
06/12/2018
What's New About CallMe?
So what is new about CallMe? USB Audio, that’s what !! So what’s the big deal?? Well it means that you can plug in a low-cost USB Mixer or Headset in
What's New About CallMe?
So what is new about CallMe? USB Audio, that’s what !! So what’s the big deal?? Well it means that you can plug in a low-cost USB Mixer or Headset in
27/07/2022
AETA Audio Systems Adds 5G To Its ScoopFone Audio Codec
AETA Audio Systems has added 5G capability to its ScoopFone audio codec. The company continues to take the lead in innovation by offering a simple and
AETA Audio Systems Adds 5G To Its ScoopFone Audio Codec
AETA Audio Systems has added 5G capability to its ScoopFone audio codec. The company continues to take the lead in innovation by offering a simple and
13/09/2017
Vortex To Showcase Its Latest Innovative Products At IBC 2017
Vortex first exhibited at IBC in 1988 and has been at every IBC since then – mainly in the same spot in Hall 12 at the RAI in Amsterdam which means th
Vortex To Showcase Its Latest Innovative Products At IBC 2017
Vortex first exhibited at IBC in 1988 and has been at every IBC since then – mainly in the same spot in Hall 12 at the RAI in Amsterdam which means th
24/10/2017
CallMe – Reliable Contributions From Guests And Reporters
Using reliable dedicated hardware and software and dedicated broadcast server built for the job. Whilst free apps might have their place, dedicated so
CallMe – Reliable Contributions From Guests And Reporters
Using reliable dedicated hardware and software and dedicated broadcast server built for the job. Whilst free apps might have their place, dedicated so
06/05/2014
Digigram at BroadcastAsia2014
At BroadcastAsia2014, Digigram has announced it will feature "a complete range of products designed to address the requirements of all applications an
Digigram at BroadcastAsia2014
At BroadcastAsia2014, Digigram has announced it will feature "a complete range of products designed to address the requirements of all applications an
10/02/2017
Vortex Makes Broadcasting Over IP Reliable And Flexible
We all know that getting Audio and Video over IP can be quite difficult at times. You aren't always sure things are going in the right direction and e
Vortex Makes Broadcasting Over IP Reliable And Flexible
We all know that getting Audio and Video over IP can be quite difficult at times. You aren't always sure things are going in the right direction and e
19/08/2019
Vortex To Introduce Enhancements To Its CallMe Cloud Codec Service
Vortex is exhibiting at IBC in its usual spot in Hall 12 and is introducing ground-breaking enhancements to its CallMe Cloud Codec service and low-cos
Vortex To Introduce Enhancements To Its CallMe Cloud Codec Service
Vortex is exhibiting at IBC in its usual spot in Hall 12 and is introducing ground-breaking enhancements to its CallMe Cloud Codec service and low-cos
18/03/2014
Digigram Announces NAB Lineup
At this year's NAB Show, Digigram is to feature a complete range of products designed to "address the requirements of all applications and budgets". T
Digigram Announces NAB Lineup
At this year's NAB Show, Digigram is to feature a complete range of products designed to "address the requirements of all applications and budgets". T
08/06/2018
CallMe Reporting "Live"
Whilst Free Apps might have their place, dedicated software and hardware provide a more reliable solution for Broadcast. We live in exciting times a
CallMe Reporting "Live"
Whilst Free Apps might have their place, dedicated software and hardware provide a more reliable solution for Broadcast. We live in exciting times a