Receiving its worldwide launch at PLASA09 (13-16 September, Earls Court), SANE (Synchronous Audio Network plus Ethernet), is a new digital audio networking protocol using ring network topology: it claims to offer the first fully-synchronous Cat5 network solution for streaming uninterrupted media in real time.
This new low cost and high efficiency system, based on proven Optocore technology, 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 offers a unique solution, the company says: it transports recognised open standards such as AES/EBU, MADI and Ethernet in full size. This provides huge flexibility and cost benefits for customers and other manufacturers at the highest level of fixed installations since it offers a choice between X6R-FX / V3R-FX fibre versions, containing both Optocore ports (for fibre), SANE ports (CAT5 / RJ45) and X6R-TP / V3R-TP (CAT5 twisted pair alternatives).
Optocore says that 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.
"In short", say Optocore, "this scalable system architecture enhances the potential and flexibility of fibre 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-TP's, equates to real cost-effectiveness and will make flexible networking much more affordable," states Optocore founder and system inventor, Marc Brunke.
"While small networks can now be built extremely efficiently, the seamless integration of SANE with Optocore's fibre 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 transporting 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 huge benefits for the Broadcast sector. 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 greatly-reduced energy bills.
Both this, and the ability to integrate between Optocore and SANE networks via the respective fibre and Ethernet ports on the converters, is already stimulating system designers.
Says Optocore International Sales Manager Mike Case, "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."
(Lee Baldock)
