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DigiCart/E

Advancing an Industry Standard
360 Systems' new DigiCart/E Ethernet Audio recorder builds on a decade of experience gained delivering DigiCart II recorders to television broadcasters.  DigiCart/E is more than an improvement on the digital cart machine concept — it's the foundation of the new, high-performance, Ethernet Audio system for television broadcasters.

Digicart/E Ethernet Audio Recorder

DigiCart/E is 100% compatible with earlier DigiCart recorders, can play files produced on them, and uses similar front panel commands.

A key feature of the 360 Systems' Ethernet Audio™ network is the link to Mac® and PC-based audio workstations.  Audio programs produced on DAWs can be easily accessed for playback on DigiCart/E.

Networked Audio Without the Computer
No computer and no mouse — just the hands-on efficiency of real buttons for all operations. DigiCart/E is designed from the ground up for broadcast professionals.  It's fast, straightforward, and easy to use. 

DigiCart/E Works the Same Way
as DigiCart II
Everyone who knows how to use DigiCart II will know how to use DigiCart/E.  It brings better displays, better screen messages, and new networking features, with the same familiar buttons.

Complete File Compatibility with DigiCart II
All earlier DigiCart files can be played – whether Dolby AC-2, 16-bit linear, 44.1 or 48K – so valuable program content and archives can be carried forward. DigiCart/E can also create new files for use in DigiCart II, so earlier hardware investments remain a valid part of any new facility.

Make Digital Transfers to the New DigiCart/E

  • The standard 100MB Zip disks for DigiCart II still move files back and forth to DigiCart/E.  DigiCart/E's newer 250MB Zip drive also writes 100MB disks.

  • The original D-NET file transfer protocol using AES ports has been maintained, making it easy to move valuable files into the new DigiCart/E.

  • AES/EBU ports perform digital machine-to-machine transfers. DigiCart's 75-ohm AES ports on BNC connectors can transfer files as far as 1,000 feet.

New Editing Tools
DigiCart/E provides a faster way to edit audio. The weighted front-panel jog wheel moves rapidly back and forth, making it easy to place marks or set time points. DigiCart/E offers these non-destructive editing features:

  • Head trims
  • Tail trims
  • Fade-ins
  • Fade-outs
  • Pre-roll time
  • Gain change

Edits can always be undone, and trim points can be easily changed for a future re-edit of the cut. DigiCart/E provides clear indications of edit points and the present location within a cut.

File Interchange with Digital Audio Workstations
The new DigiCart/E employs wave files (.WAV) as a new native format, and supports broadcast wave (.BWF) extensions. It is compatible with most popular workstations, including Pro Tools®.   Using Ethernet as the file-exchange medium, DAW files can be exported in .WAV format to the 360 Systems' Ethernet Audio™ server, where they are immediately available from any DigiCart/E terminal.

Local Audio Storage Plus Network Storage
DigiCart/E provides an important extra level of reliability by storing important audio files on its own local hard drive, separate from the file server.  For example, by optionally copying files to a DigiCart/E, playback is virtually guaranteed, regardless of the status of the audio network.  Redundancy is a key part of the system design.  For example, should a file commonly used by Master Control be lost on the file server, it could be played from the local hard drive on Master Control's DigiCart.

New Audio Standards for Television
Production and Broadcast

  • 24-Bit Audio Quality
    DigiCart/E’s 24-bit audio circuit design approaches 120 dB of dynamic range from the analog inputs.  Our Bit-for-Bit™ digital design also maintains 24-bit integrity through AES ports, assuring error-free reproduction not only of standard PCM files, but also of Dolby AC-3 or Dolby-E recordings.

  • Sample Rate Compatibility
    Although most users will work at a 48 kHz sample rate, DigiCart/E is equally adept at 44.1, 88.2 and 96k.  The high-quality sample rate converter can be positioned at either machine input or output, permitting conversion of any sample rate to 48K, or any other rate.  Now 44.1, 88.2, and 96k music masters received from compact disks or an audio workstation can be changed to standard 48K broadcast files.

  • Word-Length Compatibility
    DigiCart/E plays files of any word length – 16, 20, or 24-bit.  In addition to recording new material at 24-bits, it can also deliver 16-bit digital audio for compatibility with DAT machines or earlier DigiCart recorders.

  • Mixed File Types Allowed
    DigiCart/E can store audio in many different formats, and play them consecutively without changing machine setup.  Any desired output format, such as 48K—16-bit, can be selected, regardless of how the original file was recorded.

High-Speed Transfers Through
Ethernet Audio
When it's time to actually move a file to or from the server, the Ethernet Audio network can move files many times faster than real-time.

Serial and GPI Control
A variety of serial and parallel ports adapt DigiCart/E to most facilities:

  • An RS-422 serial port operates with standard ES-Bus protocols; it is compatible with most automation systems, with DigiCart II, and with our new RC-Series remote controls.  It also  supports Peripheral Bus "E-Mem" commands, giving DigiCart/E direct control by popular video switchers.

  • Five optically isolated GPI inputs provide control of play, stop, record, pause, and loop.  These conform to the DigiCart II connector for easy upgrades.

DigiCart/E Uses a Time-Proven
User Interface
DigiCart recorders are hands-on machines.  Its physical buttons, knobs and display make it a good choice for fast-paced operations, with direct access to frequently-used functions.  The new DigiCart/E continues a eleven-year industry operating standard. Most users will never open the Operations Manual to make full use of DigiCart/E.