The new MPX solution offers numerous system design options due to its modular concept. To just distributing the MPX signal, the IP-4c codec is sufficient. For signal generating or manipulating the product of choice is one of the 4audio MPX series equipped with the respective software modules such as RDS encoder, stereo generator or MPX codec. To connect the studio and the MPX link, all devices provide inputs for analog audio, AES/EBU and Audio over IP.

Besides signal assembling that includes audio, pilot and RDS it is also possible to count on bandwidth economy, forward the RDS data separately and add it at the transmitter site. Or, broadcasters can choose an algorithm for high compression.

At the transmitter, it is possible to just decode the MPX signal and feed the transmitter or to manipulate it. For example, splitting the MPX signal to substitute the RDS data with regionalized RDS information. Or, if the received signal only includes audio and pilot to add the local RDS data.

MPX distribution via satellite offers advantages like source redundancy, cost efficiency and increases coverage mainly in regions still lacking broadband IP. This is possible by MPE encapsulation of the signal at the studio and an optional satellite tuner that is available for 2wcom’s receiving units.

2wcom’s Multimedia over IP Network (MoIN) server software is a containerized solution that provides all functionalities that traditional hardware audio over IP codecs have implemented. In contrast to hardware codecs the software offers vast scalability options no matter, if it is run in the cloud or on premise.

Thanks to its realization as a containerized service the operator can make use of the pricing benefit for containers compared to VMs on all major cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud. The reason for the better price is that in contrast to a VM containers don’t need allocated resources like vCPUs or RAM. They just consume what the need to. Moreover, the use cases of the software are very different and just a few are named here:

Icecast to DVB Transport Stream Transcoding: This is used by a number of customers who want to make web streams available on a DVB transport stream that can be sent in cable networks or via satellite.

Streaming Encoder: The software can also be used to feed a streaming encoder for example the Wowza streaming cloud. Or, 2wcom’s solution transcodes the audio signals to adaptive bitrate protocols like HLS that can be distributed to the end customer by using a CDN.

Studio to headend: In an IP focused world, also audio is currently moving over to IP distribution which is most cost-efficient form of contribution. Regarding DAB this includes the chance to forward the station programs to the headend via Audio over IP and separate the audio portion from DAB multiplexing system. At Paneda, we do so by using 2wcom’s IP-4c four-channel Audio over IP codec and MoIN Multimedia over IP Network server. Both solutions offer a number of benefits and increase flexibility to handle the entire parts of a project. The basic principle for such setup is that the studio audio contribution feeds the centralized MoIN server over IP and providing the flexibility to choose different codecs and formats between studio and centralized server.

Head end to transmitter sites: 2wcom’s DAB-4c high density converter enables operators to use new and already existing infrastructures at the same time, including EDI and ETI multiplexers as sources or legacy ETI and EDI transmitters. Moreover, a satellite tuner and ASI interfaces allow very cost efficiently integration into already existing DVB-S/S2 satellite distribution systems or ASI networks to optimize coverage and distribute programs to regions that are still lacking broadband IP.

IBC 2018 - 2wcom's new product range is characterized by a completely new technical concept, which offers a wide range of features and opportunities to ease the daily work as well as the increasingly cross-media tasks. Of course, the well-known and proven product range for Audio over IP, SAT, DAB, FM/RDS and MPX over IP is also on stage. 2wcom is this year in hall 8 booth 8.E78.

2wcom’s Satellite product range offers flexibility, reliability for the entire radio-signal transmission chain. Features like Dual Streaming, Pro MPEG-FEC or hot-swap power supplies ensure operation robustness. All devices are equipped with interfaces for SAT and IP/ASI to switch automatically to the best signal source available in case of failure. Since all common codec algorithms are supported, the appropriate one can be selected depending on the available bandwidth and the audio quality requirements. This homogeneous solution enables broadcasters to distribute a radio program nationwide and at the same time to schedule and transmit regional program content, advertisement or RDS data.

2wcom and jump2go have joined forces to produce the first RDS2 encoder appropriately named the RDS2.0 Encoder.

Designed for all RDS2 applications (the new industry standard introduced in 2015), the compact RDS2.0 Encoder is backward compatible with existing RDS receivers. The release of this innovative unit represents a giant step forward in data transmission technology.

2wcom has released the A30, the companys newest monitoring device and successor to the A20.

Featuring additional power and flexibility, the system is equipped with two professional FM tuners able to be used independently. Operators can, for example, use the first tuner to monitor audio inputs (silence detection), while the second tuner monitors up to 30 broadcasting stations in scan mode. When in scan mode, the system lets operators effortlessly configure station order and measurement time via a Web interface. All data received is hidden, allowing the visualization of all stations, regardless of whether they are being or were recently monitored.

Denmarks SkalaFM and RadioVLR have installed 2wcoms CO2 RDS Encoders to enable the use of alternative PI codes, and switching to alternative frequencies for news and commercial breaks.

SkalaFM and RadioVLR are both part of the Jyske Fynske Medier group which owns more than 70 newspapers and operates five radio stations serving a nationwide audience of over 700,000.

MSB, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency has purchased 2wcoms FlexMon FM02 receivers as part of its national infrastructure for Public Early Warning messages in case of disaster.

The FM and RDS measurement and monitoring functionality of the FlexMon FM02 was enhanced for this project with the ability to monitor early warning messages and switch to the national EWR channel.

Canadas national radio broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada has boosted its RDS implementation by installing more than 100 C02 RDS Encoders. The C02 units deliver encoded dynamically updating traffic message information and other data to radio listeners nationwide.

At NAB 2016 we are focusing attention on our FlexDSR02+ and FlexDSR04+ systems for audio via satellite, now with a very efficient station ID solution added for the US market. These are incredibly versatile units that far outstrip the capabilities of previous satellite receivers, with features that simplify operations, reduce costs and provide phenomenal robustness.

Dutch radio service provider Broadcast Partners has implemented audio-over-IP distribution from the studio to up to 250 transmitters in Netherlands and Belgium, using 2wcoms MM01 AoIP Codec.

2wcom Systems has joined the RAVENNA partner community led by ALC NetworX GmbH in Munich.

Developed in response to a growing need within the broadcast industry for a powerful and reliable audio networking solution, RAVENNA is an open-technology standard for the real-time transport of audio and other media data in IP-based network environments. RAVENNA operates on most existing network infrastructures using standard networking technology, offering low latency, full signal transparency and high reliability, together with scalable performance and capacity.  RAVENNA can be applied to in-house signal distribution for broadcasting and other fixed installations, live event venues and inter-studio links.

Terneuzen-based radio operator Broadcast Partners has built four new regional DAB+ networks in the Netherlands, with newly developed key functionality provided by 2wcom technology.

Telediffusion d'Alg©rie (TDA) has placed a second order for 2wcoms FlexDSR technology to extend its new infrastructure for audio distribution via satellite.

Providing improved coverage for Algerias widely-dispersed audience the new distribution structure will use 2wcom FlexDSR02+ units to achieve high quality transmission with efficient bandwidth consumption.