IP audio codec
In broadcasting, an IP audio codec is used to send broadcast-quality audio over IP from remote locations to radio and television studios around the globe. A codec that uses Internet Protocol (IP) may be used in remote broadcasts, as studio/transmitter links (STLs) or for studio-to-studio audio distribution. IP audio codecs use audio compression algorithms to send high fidelity audio over both wired broadband IP networks and wireless 3G, 3.5G, 4G and 5G cellular broadband networks.
Broadcasters are migrating to low-cost wired and wireless audio over IP instead of older and more costly fixed-line technologies such as ISDN, X.21 and POTS/PSTN. ISDN and POTS/PSTN leased lines are also being phased out in Europe and Australia, increasing the push into IP technologies for audio broadcasting. IP networks are more flexible, cheaper to upgrade and just as reliable as older network technologies. As a result, broadcasters using IP codecs are able to design and operate more adaptable audio networks with streamlined workflows and reduced operating costs.
Operation
The latest IP audio codecs can send broadcast audio over stereo unicast, multicast and multiple unicast connections. Using multicast and multiple unicast connections, audio can be sent over IP networks from one IP audio codec to several destination audio codecs. IP codecs generally use session initiation protocol in order to connect to a variety of different codecs designed by different manufacturers.
Applications
IP audio codecs are available for wired and wireless broadband IP codec solutions. IP audio codecs are used in professional studio transmitter links (STLs) and studio networking. Traditionally these links have been implemented using telecommunication circuits contracted from telephone companies to provide fixed bandwidth. With the advent of IP technology, broadcasters have been reducing these operational costs by replacing their existing synchronous networks with packetized ones.