The Next-Generation Audio
Network for Television
Broadcast and Production

360 Systems has a better idea for audio delivery. We call it Ethernet Audio™. More than a network, Ethernet Audio also includes next-generation products from 360 Systems, like our new DigiCart/E Recorder, and the AudioPort™ network interface that makes any audio product networkable. Ethernet Audio also connects to popular computer workstations, and provides a fast way to distribute production audio throughout a broadcast facility.

The Scaleable Audio Network
The Ethernet Audio concept makes audio networking a practical reality for systems of every size. The network has a low entry cost and may be scaled to fit the needs of each broadcast facility.

Audio Wherever It's Needed
With Ethernet Audio, at least twenty-four locations throughout a facility can record or play audio concurrently. Additional non-real-time transfers may also take place, while bridges to other networks make audio content available virtually anywhere.

Attractive Cost of Entry
There is no expensive "main box" required to get started.  The Ethernet Audio network can have as few as two ports, and expand as your needs grow.  System cost depends largely on the number of DigiCart/E recorders or computers on the network.

On-Site Maintenance Plans
Service plans for on-site, 24/7 service are available at a reasonable cost for servers and key network equipment.  360 Systems can assist in qualifying network specialists for on-site maintenance work. When it's time to expand or reconfigure your network, we can also assist in selecting a local contractor. The Ethernet Audio network utilizes many popular network building blocks selected by leading American businesses.

Designing for Better
Network Reliability
In broadcasting, reliability comes first. Key decisions in the design of Ethernet Audio assure an exceptional level of robustness. Mirrored drives for the operating system, redundant server power supplies, and managed Ethernet switches all help make the Ethernet Audio network suitable for continuous-use in broadcasting. Compare these important reliability features of Ethernet Audio with ordinary networks:

Ethernet Audio is a Dedicated Network
A dedicated network provides high-speed data transfer, uninterrupted audio, and the highest level of reliability.  Since the Ethernet Audio network is economical to install, there is little reason to share it with non-audio applications.

Redundant Storage is Standard Equipment
With Ethernet Audio, valuable files can be stored locally in each DigiCart recorder's hard drive, as well as on the network server. This form of distributed storage provides the best assurance of always being on-air.

Additionally, all network servers qualified by 360 Systems are capable of protecting audio data with mirrored drives, a RAID disk array, or with a backup tape drive.

360 Systems Builds All Audio Components
360 Systems builds 100% of the new DigiCart/E recorder, the most critical part of the Ethernet Audio system.  We have 12 years experience delivering high reliability audio equipment to television broadcasters, giving us every confidence in the long-term reliability of DigiCart/E.

Qualified Network Components
360 Systems qualifies and recommends network components for use in Ethernet Audio systems.  To obtain reliable long-term operation, the network employs quality products from first-line manufacturers.

Ethernet Audio Uses Commercial
Grade Network File Servers
File Servers qualified by 360 Systems provide broadcasters with reliability and maintenance features such as mirrored disk drives or RAID arrays, hot-swap drives, multiple cooling fans, dial-in remote diagnostics, error logging and reporting, and Windows^® 2000 Server operating system.  Other user choices include dual-mains power, an uninterruptable power supply (UPS), and even clustered (redundant) servers.  360 Systems can assist with the selection of a server that best meets the price and performance objectives of each installation.

Professional Audio Equipment
for the Ethernet Audio Network

Connectivity with Popular Workstations
With Ethernet Audio, you can add PC and Macintosh^® workstations to the network. Now it's easy to move production audio from a DAW to the Ethernet Audio network server, and have it available throughout the building. WAV and BWF files are native to the new DigiCart/E, and it accepts either 16 and 24-bit word widths, and sample rates from 44.1K through 96K. Just hook up the Mac^® or PC to the Ethernet Audio network using its 100Mb Ethernet port.

360 Systems' AudioPort Interface Connects
Your Existing Equipment to Our Network
360 Systems' Ethernet Audio concept can integrate many kinds of traditional audio equipment into the network. Our forthcoming AudioPort interface serves as an intelligent link between analog or digital audio equipment and the Ethernet Audio network. Just connect the AudioPort as a network node, and plug its audio feeds into your existing audio equipment. The AudioPort performs A/D and D/A conversions, (or reads AES/EBU audio), and creates network-compatible 16 or 24-bit audio data.

Guaranteed On-Time Network Performance
Ethernet Audio guarantees playback at any point in your plant with zero delay. Each DigiCart/E unit buffers audio, so selected files can be prepared for instant playback, without network delay. At least 24 channels of 24-bit audio can record or play over the network in real-time. And with DigiCart/E, it's possible to make recordings on the local hard drive, or on the network server, with equal ease.

High Speed Background Transfers
When you need to physically move files between the network server and a DigiCart/E recorder (such as a safety copy for Master Control) the transfer moves at high-speed through the fast Ethernet connection.

True 24-Bit Audio Performance
The standard spec for Ethernet Audio products is 24-bit linear PCM. Its analog measurements approach the limits possible with today's converters. 360 Systems' Bit-for-Bit™ data standard provides error-free recording, storage and transfer of perceptually coded audio such as Dolby^® AC-2, AC-3, or Dolby E.