MUNICH — Promising the first fully-synchronous CAT5 media streaming system for streaming uninterrupted media in real time, Optocore has introduced SANE (Synchronous Audio Network plus Ethernet), a new digital audio networking protocol.
The new system is based on Optocore technology and has evolved from the German company’s new AD/DA X6R and V3R converters launched earlier this year; these offer split AES-EBU ports, sample rate conversion up to 192kHz, and five different card options.
SANE transports recognized open standards like AES/EBU, MADI and Ethernet in full size, with potential cost benefits and flexibility for customers and other manufacturers at the highest level of fixed installations since it offers a choice between X6R-FX / V3R-FX fiber versions, containing both Optocore ports (for fiber), SANE ports (CAT5 / RJ45) and X6R-TP / V3R-TP (CAT5 twisted pair alternatives).
The new patented SANE ring network system offers synchronous and redundant transport of audio and Ethernet; 64 channels of digital audio with 24 nodes per network; Ultra low latency of just 41.6µs and ultra low jitter Word Clock distribution, and 100m distance from point to point.
Optocore notes that this scalable system architecture enhances the potential and flexibility of fiber within a compact form factor and with no necessity for third party network hardware.
“This reduced channel count over low-cost cable, using the new using X6R-TPs, equates to real cost-effectiveness and will make flexible networking much more affordable,” said Optocore founder and system inventor, Marc Brunke. “While small networks can now be built extremely efficiently, the seamless integration of SANE with Optocore’s fiber products will also enable large networks to be constructed — with even more flexibility and cost-effectiveness, and with virtually unlimited nodes and channel counts.”
In addition to transport open audio standards in full size, a further advantage is that SANE separates the audio from the control.
Aside from the burgeoning contracting and digital system integration markets, SANE will offer benefits to the Broadcast sector, the company added. Both the Optocore and SANE network protocols are synchronously locked to either an internal or external Word Clock source; this Word Clock is distributed throughout the network and is available as an output at all nodes with 50ps jitter.
In line with the company’s ‘green’ philosophy Optocore has reduced power consumption of its devices, leading to reduced energy bills.
Both this, and the ability to integrate between Optocore and SANE networks via the respective fiber and Ethernet ports on the converters, is already influencing system designers.
“The overwhelming feedback we have received from a close community of audio professionals is that this is the solution they have been looking for — enabling them to build scalable digital networks at costs previously unimaginable, while guaranteeing full media streaming integrity,” said Mike Case, Optocore International sales manager.
For more information, please visit www.optocore.com.
