A-Net Conquers Long Distance Signal Integrity Challenges
ST. LOUIS, MO, SEPTEMBER 24, 2008 — When Progressive Electronics specified the design for an audio system upgrade at Nestle Purina’s general office complex in St. Louis, MO, the clear choice was an Aviom Pro16A® A-NetA® system to deliver high-quality results. By incorporating A-Net, Aviom’s groundbreaking high-speed digital audio transmission protocol, which is compatible with existing Ethernet and Fibre Channel media converters, the lengthy signal runs necessary to reach every building on this sizeable campus were realized.
“Nestle Purina was looking to distribute six stereo Sirius Satellite Radio signals to the different buildings within the one square mile campus, with each building being about 100 yards apart,” says Chase Nugen, who is responsible for audio/visual service, design and sales at Progressive Electronics. “We looked at several solutions and the Aviom A-Net system was in every way the best. It was easier to install, more durable and cheaper than the alternatives. How can you beat that?”
The installation was straightforward using the Aviom AN-16/i Input Module connected to six stereo Sirius Satellite Radio feeds. The AN-16/i is a single rack space unit that serves as the A/D input for the system, converting up to 16 line-level inputs into uncompressed, full bandwidth digital data transmitted via Aviom’s proprietary A-Net protocol. From there, the signals are sent to an A-16D Pro A-Net Distributor that accepts one Pro16 A-Net input signal and splits the signal into nine parallel outputs via standard Cat-5e cables. This is the stage where the A-Net protocol really shines.
“Once we digitized the signals and split them, we used standard Cat-5e to fiber media converters to accomplish the long distance runs,” Nugen explains. “We ran the Fibre Channel to each location without signal loss or degradation, then converted the fiber signal back into Cat-5e and ultimately into an Aviom A-16R Rack-Mount Mixer for signal distribution to existing speaker zones. In this way, we have provided local control over which station each zone would like to hear.”
The A-16R is a single rack space stereo digital mixer that can be added to any Pro16 network. In addition to the six digital radio feeds, the A-16R allows for the local connection of a stereo analog source, in this case a CD player, so each location can now hear any of the six radio feeds or a CD player.
According to Ray Legnini, product research and development manager at Aviom, “This application is a perfect example of A-Net’s ability to provide high-quality audio distribution over long distances with no degradation of the signal. Because of A-Net’s compatibility with existing Ethernet and Fibre Channel media converters, it provides a unique solution for customers needing long distance transport and distribution of digital audio signals.”
Aviom is the world leader and pioneer of personal monitor mixing technology with the popular Pro16A® Series, as well as the exclusive developer of the revolutionary Pro64A® Series of audio networking products. All Aviom products are powered by A-NetA®, the company’s groundbreaking high-speed digital audio transmission protocol. Aviom products solve problems in a variety of different environments, including live sound reinforcement, audio recording studios, houses of worship, theater, broadcasting and post-production facilities and a host of commercial installations. Aviom’s entire line of high-quality professional audio products is designed and manufactured in the USA.
