Calrec Audio is unveiling a number of technologies that enable broadcasters to interface with multiple protocols at the same time. These technologies offer unique and comprehensive flexibility across various audio and video standards.

Calrec will showcase four new networking interfaces at NAB, including an AES67/Ravenna interface, an AVB interface and a modular I/O Dante card that also has AES67 compatibility. In addition, Calrec will debut a SMPTE 2022-7 video interface.

Each element of Calrec’s protocol range redundantly connects to Hydra2 and appears like any other I/O resource on the Hydra2 network. Hydra2’s integral suite of management tools provides additional benefits to allow remote configuration patching, port protection, alias files, virtual patchbays, and access rights.

The AES67/Ravenna and AVB interfaces are a 1U box that can transport 256 channels of audio on a single connection. A second expansion card can provide full redundancy or 512 channels of audio — one of the highest-bandwidth connections available for either protocol. The box is so versatile that it can even accommodate one of each card, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple formats.

The SMPTE 2022 modular I/O card provides either four HD-SDI streams with 16 channels of embedded audio in each, or a single UHD stream with 16 channels of embedded audio. This versatility allows a greater density of signals per connection while future-proofing infrastructures as they migrate to UHD.

Calrec’s existing Dante modular I/O card, launched at IBC 2014, utilizes Audinate’s Brooklyn II card and now offers AES67 support as standard. This combination allows access to up to 64 bidirectional channels in either protocol.

Offering this range of interfaces reinforces Calrec’s stance in the ongoing debate surrounding the future of audio transport protocols. Calrec is here.