Middleware
AoIP advancements for APT’s Oslo audio codec platform
MUMBAI: WorldCast Systems’ codec specialists, APT, have announced a significant upgrade to the AoIP functionality of their industry-leading codec platform, the WorldNet Oslo.
This new version, which will be demonstrated at IBC 2013, brings two main new benefits to the broadcaster: greater channel density and unique scripting and control capabilities.
The Oslo’s AoIP module combines audio, IP transport, management and auxiliary data (basically the complete functionality of a codec unit), onto a single, plug-in module. This newest version 1.2 now supports Simplex modes, enabling the AoIP module to operate as either a Dual Stereo Encoder or Dual Stereo Decoder in addition to the existing duplex Stereo Codec mode. With four simplex channels per module, a single Oslo platform can now offer the broadcaster up to 16 or 32 channels of professional quality audio in only 1U or 3U of rackspace. This makes the Oslo an extremely cost-effective option for studio and transmitter sites handling multi-channel encode or decode.
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As well as increasing the channel density, version 1.2 of the Oslo AoIP module also offers support for ScriptEasy, the intelligent scripting application from our partner company, Audemat.
ScriptEasy is a hugely powerful and flexible tool that enables a broadcast engineer to control not only the behaviour of their APT codec but also other equipment co-located at the codec site. The control goes much further than standard codec software, enabling the specification of complex combinations of alarm and events scenarios and the precise definition of what action should be triggered should any of these occur. This allows you to create and manage many individual back-up scenarios, remotely reconfigure units and receive confirmation of status as well as schedule specific changes to the configuration or streams.
ScriptEasy can also provide consolidated monitoring by aggregating data received via SNMP with controls from traditional I/O and summary data into a user-friendly dashboard view. This dashboard will provide simple graphical statuses of many different parameters across several units in your network.
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“ScriptEasy takes codec control to the next level,” commented Christophe Poulain, Group VP Sales for WorldCast Systems. “One early adopter of Scripteasy on the AoIP codec has used the technology to create a complex scheduler, automatically connecting and disconnecting from multicast IP addresses to create a complete program schedule across numerous sites. Not only is Scripteasy the tool that creates the schedule it is also the tool that polices the schedule sending alarms to a central site should audio not be present on the correct decoder at the scheduled time. There are no other codecs on the market capable of such sophisticated management.”
The AoIP module in the Oslo 1U and Oslo 3U platforms will be on display on the WorldCast Systems’ stand 8.B50 during IBC 2013 in Amsterdam from the 13-17 September 2013.
DENVER: Media’s pipes just got a jolt. In a move that could reorder the streaming-infrastructure universe, Mediakind has struck a $145m deal to snap up Harmonic’s video business — a mash-up designed to create the world’s No 1 independent, full-stack streaming-infrastructure player. Consider it the tech equivalent of fusing two high-definition galaxies.
Announced in Denver on 8 December, the agreement will be signed immediately after Harmonic completes its French works-council formalities, with closing slated for the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory nods.
The tie-up stitches together two long-time video-engineering stalwarts into what they claim will be a world-class SaaS streaming engine. The combined outfit expects more than $100m in annual recurring revenue, over $150m from appliance sales, and a laser focus on video — a rarity in a market increasingly swallowed by generalist cloud giants.
Beyond revenue arithmetic, the union promises sturdier financial and operational footing, giving jittery broadcasters a partner less likely to buffer mid-scene. By blending engineering teams, R&D hubs and road maps, Mediakind says it will push out next-gen features at a sprint rather than a shuffle — and keep its cloud-neutral stance intact across both cloud and appliance estates.
Mediakind chief executive Allen Broome called the deal “a meaningful step forward”, adding that the enlarged firm would deliver “enhanced product solutions” and accelerate innovation across its expanded portfolio. The combined entity, he said, would be “the leading independent streaming-infrastructure company”, giving customers a sturdier backline to power the future of video.
For Harmonic, the move lets it ditch the drama and tighten the shot on its broadband segment. Its chief executive, Nimrod Ben-Natan, said the transaction would, if completed, “advance the growth strategies of both companies” while landing its Video Business in a home committed to the next era of video delivery.
Davis Polk & Wardwell and Moelis are advising Mediakind, while Harmonic is flanked by Wilson Sonsini and Jefferies.
If all goes to plan, 2026 could see a newly muscled Mediakind-Harmonic hybrid stepping into the spotlight — a streaming-infra champion hoping to make buffering a relic and turn the industry’s next chapter into must-watch television.
