Sierra Automated Systems Unveils SAS Global Connect

Sierra Automated Systems takes its history of Audio over IP innovation to the next level with SAS Global Connect, a complete command and control structure for SAS and third-party broadcast devices living on local and wide-area networks.

SAS Global Connect acts as a software-based NOC for broadcasters to centrally manage entire network operations, and can interface with all components in a broadcast infrastructure from microphones to antennas. SAS Global Connect is available immediately in on-premises software and is currently testing containerized cloud software versions, providing customers with flexible deployment options based on operational preferences.

Sierra Automated Systems's legacy in audio transport innovation dates nearly four decades, having introduced the radio industry's first large-scale full matrix audio router in the 1980s. The company has shifted its routing focus to Audio over IP over the last decade, with an emphasis on networking Dante, AES67, SMPTE 2110-30 and other digital audio signals within local facilities.

SAS Global Connect represents the company's strategy to help customers look beyond the local facility to simplify overall operations. A producer in one location can manage simple and advanced remote operations with a single button press, from turning microphones and studio lights on and off to triggering automation systems and transmitter feeds. Users can even originate programs across many locations, such as bringing syndicated programs to air for their scheduled slots across different cities. At the same time, users can monitor the health and status of all devices on the network, and switch to redundant components as required.

"Broadcasters continue to change the way they operate and diversify their services, from consolidating studios and business operations to implementing self-syndication and remote production strategies," said Al Salci, Co-Owner and VP of Sierra Automated Systems. "Following decades of experience supporting local facilities and the backend systems architecture, we now take the important step of helping broadcasters support their primary audio delivery needs for both local and remote locations, and with a solution that makes it easy to operate, maintain and monitor all connected devices."

SAS Global Connect is backwards-compatible with most legacy SAS consoles, routers, audio engines and hardware interface accessories, as well as all modern IP-enabled SAS products. DNAV, Sierra Automated Systems's manufacturer's representative, is already rolling out SAS Global Connect for multiple customers.

"We are now activating SAS Global Connect at nearly 40 locations, including studio facilities and transmitter sites," said Hyatt. "SAS Global Connect will be an integral component of our turnkey sales, design, installation and commissioning services for radio broadcasters. This is also a solution we anticipate taking global given that we can deploy the software in the cloud, and connect to a broadcaster’s cloud container in the sky to trigger commands and take control of any component, studio or facility anywhere."

DNAV Co-Owner Nick Straka adds that DNAV and SAS are on the verge of onboarding manufacturers as Global Connect partners. "Every broadcast device manufacturer has its own language for talking to their own devices," said Straka. "Some offer more command and control capabilities than others. What makes SAS Global Connect special is its ability to be the universal translator, to speak all of these languages and connection types under one platform. We expect to roll additional manufacturers and digital hardware products into the SAS Global Connect portfolio soon."

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