GatesAir added native Livewire + IP audio networks to it Intraplex ascent cloud transport platform.
As such, Intraplex Ascent can now receive and output multiple audio channels directly over IP without the need for conversion equipment, which adds a new layer of scale and efficiency to broadcasters managing many digital audio channels between studios.
Future support is planned for WheatNet-IP, further expanding the acceptance of Ascent within professional broadcasting studios.
GatesAir has introduced Intraplex Ascent as a next-generation IP audio platform designed to transport broadcast and media content on a large scale. The industry’s first cloud transport platform has been designed to broadcast and converge IT, using common ready-made hardware to reduce the cost of multi-channel input and multi-site distribution. GatesAir began shipping Intraplex Ascent in 2020 and today has a number of systems that work with TV operators, including a recent deployment with Livewire + capability.
“GatesAir has successfully deployed Ascent with a national broadcaster that sends 32 audio channels between two major studio locations,” he said. Keiyur Parih, Vice President of Engineering at GatesAir. “They connect directly to Livewire’s studios, providing encryption and reliable transport over public IP networks. Our high-density platform provides seamless integration into Livewire networks without the need for audio converters. Our customers benefit from simplified integration and reduced capital costs. “
As with all Intraplex transport applications, GatesAir Dynamic Stream Splicing (DSS) software maintains reliable transport over redundant networks and optimizes flow integrity by protecting against jitter, packet loss, and network damage. Within Ascent, DSS software also supports duplication of SRT streams with video and audio over separate network paths, using a single stream buffer for seamless protection against errors and damage.
Parikh says that no matter how Ascent is used, broadcasters can rely on its reliable cloud platform to manage high-speed bandwidth, high volume and high-quality media content for any transport application and over any system architecture. This shows the strengths of Ascent as a software-defined system that manages the hardware scalability curve.
“Intraplex Ascent was originally designed to work with the IP protocol, and IP-based transport is becoming ubiquitous in studio and STL connections,” Parich said. “Whether you’re sending content via cable, DSL, fiber or a microwave, everything comes together with IP, and Ascent’s software solution then provides the engine for moving large volumes of media content for ATSC 1.0 / 3.0 TV and FM radio networks. We offer cloud scalability for moving content between multiple sites simultaneously. “