New DiGiCo software implementation enables three-way communication
Following the development of new software, which will enable Optocore devices to be connected directly to the Optocore-DiGiCo fibre loop, the German network specialists are gearing up for their most exciting, and progressive Frankfurt Prolight+Sound ever. They will mark their appearance at Europe’s leading expo by connecting their stand, along with those of its partner companies Clear-Com and DiGiCo, via single-mode fibre.
“As a result of this large network we will be able to provide video, audio, intercom and data connectivity between all booths,” states Optocore Application Engineer, Maciek Janiszewski. “I believe this is the first time that anything on such a scale has been implemented.”
For video transmission they will provide a combination of the Route66 core router, from sister company BroaMan, at the Optocore booth, and BroaMan Mux22 satellites at Optocore, DiGiCo and Clear-Com. “By deploying those units everything will be connected, and just a duplex fibre between each booth will provide multi-channel video, audio and data application. We can also route each video or audio source to any output within the network.” Mux22 has the capability to combine the protocol-independent transfer of up to eight 3G/HD/SDI video signals with the synchronous Optocore audio and data network via two optical fibres in just 1RU.
DiGiCo MD James Gordon confirmed the agreement. “We believed that the best way to demonstrate just how easy the system is to use is via live demonstrations, and we have done this by connecting the DiGiCo booth to the Optocore and Clear-Com booths via an Optocore loop for audio, with a BroaMan Route66 core router for the video.”
At the same time DiGiCo will reveal the new console software which enables Optocore devices to be connected directly to the DiGiCo-Optocore fibre loop. On the DiGiCo stand (8.0, #G56) users will be able to see each Optocore interface as a part of the DiGiCo- Optocore network, showing how their X6R and V3R mic preamps can be controlled directly from the console.
Using fibre connection between DiGiCo and Optocore booth all visitors will be able to see the real remote preamp application – the remote X6R mic preamp on the Optocore booth will be controlled from the console on DiGiCo’s booth.”Users can add a simple Optocore 16-channel X6R-FX interface to the DiGiCo network to provide additional I/O connectivity together with Ethernet and RS485/422,” explains Janiszewski. “They can also use Optocore cost efficient DD2FR-FX and DD4MR-FX MADI interfaces to increase the number of MADI ports available on the console.”
Although Optocore partners with multiple console manufacturers, only DiGiCo has OEM Optocore and is running the native 2.21 Optocore protocol. “With both companies’ R&D departments working closely together, we have managed to join two systems together in an intuitive and elegant way,” summarises the Optocore technician.
“During the course of Prolight+Sound we will demonstrate how easy it is to add professional video signal layers on top of the Optocore technology and how easy it is to create high-bandwidth and high-channel count systems.”