InfoComm 2019 Preview: Open Standards, IP, Wireless Are Major Focus

A look at what attendees can expect in audio

The InfoComm Show has become the technology counterpoint expo to the NAB Show: where the latter focuses on sound over the airwaves, the former is all about the (live) sound in the air. Here are some of the audio highlights that attendees can expect to experience at this year’s event June 12-14 at the Orlando Convention Center.

AIMS Pro AV Working Group Chair David Chiappini: “AIMS strongly believes that, for the industry to thrive, a single, standardized interface for IP is essential.”

The Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS; Booth 375) will be promoting adoption of open standards for video and audio in the pro-AV market, most notably the current SMPTE ST 2110 suite of standards for transporting video, audio, and data.

Notes AIMS Pro AV Working Group Chair David Chiappini, “The pro-AV industry is up against the same issue that the broadcast industry faced about three years ago: the inevitability of a transition to IP infrastructures and a decision as to whether to adopt proprietary technologies and closed systems or unite behind an open- standards approach. AIMS strongly believes that, for the industry to thrive, a single, standardized interface for IP is essential.”

Bose Professional (Booth 6169) DesignMax loudspeakers offer 10 loudspeaker and two subwoofer models to choose in ceiling-mounted, surface-mounted, and outdoor-rated options. White or black finishes are available.

Clear-Com (Booth 6755) will present the latest version of its LQ Series audio-over-IP interfaces, which enable users to take their IP-based intercom anywhere by networking geographically dispersed audio and communications devices of any brand or technology type over secure LAN, WAN, or public internet. The LQ Series also enhances IP communication with SIP telephony and iOS or Android mobile intercom apps.

Pliant Technologies MicroCom wireless intercom system

DiGiCo (Booth 6081) will be showcasing a variety of both new offerings and upgrades to its current lineup, including the new DMI-Dante 64@96 card for its 4REA4, S-Series, and selected SD-Range consoles (SD12 and SD7 Quantum). Providing 64 input and 64 output channels at both 48 kHz and 96 kHz, the new DMI (DiGiCo Multichannel Interface) card is equipped with primary and secondary (backup) Gigabit Ethernet ports for connection and features sample-rate conversion.

Pliant Technologies (Booth 5447) will introduce its latest wireless intercom system, MicroCom. Available in 900 MHz (where legal), MicroCom provides single-channel, full-duplex, multi-user intercom for applications where high-quality audio, excellent range, and low cost are essential.

Riedel Communications (Booth 6261) will showcase the new Artist-1024 node. The addition to the Artist intercom ecosystem features 1,024 ports in just 2RU and, with full SMPTE ST 2110-30/31 (AES67) compliance, targets IP installations.

Telos Alliance Telos Infinity Link

The Telos Alliance’s (Booth 7083) Telos Infinity Link maintains the matrix-free operation of Telos Infinity IP intercom platform but adds the ability to extend connectivity beyond the boundaries of AoIP by using VoIP. Each Telos Infinity device, such as a beltpack or a master panel, can become the host of a group of Infinity Link codecs and thus enable any IP audio path within its own network to connect across a WAN to a Link-equipped codec at any remote location. Other new products include Telos Infinity Dashboard Advanced, which uses SAP/AES67 advertisement and discovery and allows offline configuration, and the all-IP Axia iQx SMPTE ST 2110-30–ready combined work surface and mix engine, providing access to every source anywhere on the network with single Ethernet connection.