Pulsecom/APT PCAU Makes Broadband Quality Audio a Reality

The newly released Pulsecom/APT Program Channel Access Unit (PCAU) sets a new standard for high quality Broadband Audio and Secure Link Applications. A major breakthrough in public network transport, the Pulsecom/APT PCAU frees operating companies from the manual workarounds and special assemblies that have long prevented them from efffectively marketing Broadband Audio alongside Broadband Data.

The all-in-one encoder/decoder card — jointly developed by Pulsecom and Belfast, Ireland based Audio Processing Technology, Ltd. (APT) — features APT's acclaimed apt-X™ compression algorithm and will pass an unprecedented 20 Hz to 15 kHz over a standard 128 kbs dedicated ISDN link, enabling broadcast quality audio from any D4, DLC or NGDLC carrier system. Optimized for web-based, broadcast and traditional applications, the apt-X™ algorithm used by the PCAU results in near-instantaneous encoding/decoding and supports multiple tandem connections without the degradation inherent in other common compression algorithms which lose as much as 95% of their content after just 4 tandem connections. In addition to providing superior audio transport, the apt-X™ compression technology also results in secure, encoded audio communication links which protect against Internet hacking and public switched network access. Based on a proven ISDN interface, and featuring instant alignment, full NEBS Level 3 compliance, "plug-an-play" Type 400 mechanics and network standard loopbacks, the Pulsecom/APT PCAU is designed for high volume deployment.

Pulsecom, a leading manufacturer of telecommunications transmission and access equipment, and Audio Processing Technology, Ltd. (APT), the leader in audio compression technology with a global customer base encompassing the world of professional broadcasters, radio stations, post-production and music studios, announced joint development of the Program Channel Units earlier this year.

APT's current involvement in program channel audio stems back to 1999 when the company identified a need within the industry for a high quality audio data compression system. "On completing market research we realized that an apt-X™-based solution could bring overwhelming benefits to the telecommunications industry," says Noel McKenna, APT's Managing Director. "APT had the confidence that we could meaningfully contribute to a solution to a real problem for Telcos and broadcasters and we have been awarded with a mutual agreement of equals with a major player in a new marketplace."

"For Pulsecom, the PCAU represents a new product area which meets the needs of our customer base," Dave Corp, Pulsecom Director of Marketing explains. "We are delighted to have entered into this partnership with APT."

Background: Limitations of Existing Program Channel Units:

While the market for broadcast quality audio — Internet radio, event broadcasts, studio to transmission links, teleconferencing, etc. — continues to grow, persistent technological hurdles have prevented operating companies from effectively selling Broadband Audio. For example, existing Program Channel circuit packs are restricted to D4 channel banks — no service is available from DLC or NGDLC systems which severely limits access to last mile customers. In addition, multiple unique circuit packs are required to support each service, and separate Transmit and Receive units required for each service speed (7.5 kHz and 15 kHz, for example), resulting in a need for as many as 8 separate plug-in units that can require individual alignment — a time-consuming and cumbersome task.

Perhaps a more serious drawback regarding existing network audio transport is that it requires significant bandwidth — as much as half a T1 line for stereo transmission. Yet even allocated this voracious bandwidth requirement, audio performance which continues to be based on noisy and antiquated 1980s technology, remains marginal. The use of contemporary compression algorithms such as ISO MPEG Layer II, III and IV introduces substantial encoding/decoding delays that make real-time conversations impractical if not impossible, and they lose as much as 95% of the audio content after just 4 tandem or "back-to-back" connections.

The Pulsecom/APT Solution:

The Pulsecom/APT PCAU capitalizes on a proven ISDN interface, as well as APT's acclaimed apt-X™ 16-bit audio compression technology — currently used throughout the broadcast industry and in all DTS professional cinema sound systems. It utilizes standard 2B1Q transport to deliver 20Hz to 15 kHz audio from D4, DLC or NGDLC system. A single PCAU can act as both a Transmit or Receive unit, and supports 5, 7.5, 8 or 15 kHz transport. It features instant alignment and 3 times greater bandwidth efficiency than conventional units, with just 2 DS0s required for a 20 Hz to 15 kHz link (conventional program channel units require six DS0s to support 15 kHz circuits).

Most significantly, the apt-X™ compression algorithm used by the Pulsecom/APT PCAU results in near-instantaneous encoding/decoding and supports multiple tandem connections without degration, making it ideal for virtually all web-based and traditional applications. As an added bonus, the apt-X™ compression technology of the Pulsecom/APT PCAU offers secure, encoded audio communication links to protect against Internet hacking and public switched network access. With the Pulsecom/APT PCAU, secure, broadcast quality audio is a reality.