Overview
Tieline’s MPX I and MPX II codecs deliver composite FM multiplex (MPX) codec solutions for real-time network distribution of FM-MPX or MicroMPX (μMPX*) signals to transmitter sites. The MPX I is ideal for transmitting a composite STL signal from a single station with return monitoring, whereas the Tieline MPX II can transport two discrete composite FM-MPX signals from the studio to transmitters with return monitoring.
* = Optional purchase
Features
Sending transmission-ready FM composite signals from the studio allows broadcasters to maintain audio processing and RDS data insertion at the studio. This significantly reduces capital and operational costs by eliminating processing equipment from transmitter sites, which reduces on-site power consumption, wiring and space requirements, as well as site visits for service and support. Composite MPX over IP signals can be easily replicated and distributed using multicast and multi-unicast^ technologies and take advantage of rock solid redundancy features like redundant streaming, RIST, FEC, and automated SD card file failover^.
- Single or Dual MPX Composite Encode or Decode: Encode/Decode up to two point-to-point MPX/μMPX composite signals.
- MPX/μMPX Composite Encode or Decode with Encoder or Decoder FM Monitoring: Encode/Decode two point-to-point MPX/μMPX composite signals; at the encoder monitor the demodulated local MPX input or the return feed. At the decoder monitor the MPX output or the secondary MPX feed, which is either the local MPX input or the secondary stream.
^ = Future Release
MPX Transport
MPX signals can be distributed to transmitter sites using the following transport options:
- Wireless Point-to-Point STL links.
- Managed networks and unmanaged Public WANs.
- Satellite links using MPEG-TS.
Affordable MPX Distribution Solutions
Multipoint distribution via multicast or multi-unicast technologies reduces costs by affordably replicating MPX composite streams using a single MPX I or MPX II encoder, similar to how baseband IP audio streams are replicated in audio codecs. Compressed µMPX composite signals can be distributed over WANs like the internet at low bit-rates to reduce bandwidth requirements.
MPEG-TS over Satellite
An optional satellite tuner card with MPEG-TS and MPE support lets you encode MPEG-TS over IP to transmit UDP streams over DVB satellite connections. When the satellite signal is received at the decoding MPX unit, a satellite tuner card decodes the DVB-S or DVB-S2 signal and the MPX unit outputs MPX composite directly into the exciter.
Specifications
- Algorithms
- IP Encoding: Opus
- Satellite: MPEG-TS and MPE support for reception of DVB-S or DVB-S2 signals
- Robust DSP-based architecture designed for rock solid, mission critical MPX audio
- 16-bit (2.3 Mbps) and 24-bit (4.6Mbps) Raw MPX
- Optional μMPX encoding: 320, 340, 360, 384, 400, 448, 512, 576, 640, 704, 768, 800, 900 kbps
- Support for μMPX v1, 2, 3 and 4
- Sampling frequency: 192kHz
- Support for RIST
- Support for Multi-unicasting μMPX streams
- Multicast MPX to unlimited endpoints over compatible networks.
- Monitor demodulated MPX locally, or stream external signal at decoder back to encoder for monitoring
- MPX/μMPX redundant stream with hitless packet switching at the decoder
- Support for non-MPX IP connections
- Full size SD card slot for firmware upgrades and backup files
- 1 (MPX I) or 2 Shared Stereo Analog Line Inputs; 1 (MPX I) or 2 x stereo AES3 Inputs via RJ-45.
- 1 (MPX I) or 2 Shared Stereo Analog Line Outputs; 1 (MPX I) or 2 x stereo AES3 Outputs via RJ-45.
- 1 (MPX I) or 2 Stereo AES192 Digital MPX Composite Inputs & Outputs via RJ-45.
- 1 (MPX I) or 2 BNC Analog MPX composite Inputs and 2 (MPX I) or 4 BNC Outputs.
- 2 (MPX I) or 4 x Serial I/O Ports.
- SmartStream PLUS dual redundant IP streaming.
- DVB-S and DVB-S2 supported via optional DVB module; 16, 24 and 32-bit PCM at 96kHz.
- 5 automated, or fixed/static jitter buffer settings.
- Two Gbit Ethernet ports for Control/IP streaming over WANs.
- Gbit Ethernet port for Control.
- Gbit Ethernet AoIP/LAN4 Port.
- Opus encoding for confidence Monitor connections
- Non-MPX IP Encoding Options: Tieline Music/MusicPLUS, Opus, G.711, G.722, MPEG Layer 2, MPEG Layer-3, AAC algorithms, 16/24 bit aptX® Enhanced
- 2 configurable Input/Output BNC sync connectors
- DB-25 Control Port I/O Supporting: 4 GPIOs in MPX I; 8 GPIOs in MPX II.
- Highly advanced error concealment strategies.
- Real-time IP connection packet statistics.
- Full hardware front panel interface including navigation, LCD display, PPM meters and dialing key pad.
- User-friendly HTML5 Toolbox Web-GUI enables codec configuration and control remotely over WANs.
- Auto switching, dual redundant internal AC power supplies.
- IPv4 & IPv6 compatible and ready.
- Integrated alarm management including automatic silence detection.
- Configurable software rules engine via web-GUI.
- Upgrade firmware from SD card.
- Backup and restore configuration via SD card.
- Automated firmware upgrade notifications via Web-GUI.
- Support for multiple languages.
- Compliant with RAVENNA Stream Discovery and Advertisement.
- Livewire+ Compliant
- NMOS IS-04 & IS-05 Discovery, Registration and Connection Management.
- Compliant with Audio Engineering Society standards for AES67.
- Compliant with ST 2110-30, ST 2022-7 and Ember+
- User name and password protection of codec and Toolbox Web-GUI.
- Support for SSL Security Certificate installation
- Dimensions: 19” x 1.75” x 13.5” [482mm (W) x 44mm (H) x 343mm (D) including rear connectors]
- Weight: 6lb 7.7oz/2.94Kg
- Power: Dual AC 90-240V IEC power inlets; 2A - 50-60Hz
- Operating temp:0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F)
- Humidity: 10% ≤RH ≤90% (0 to 45°C/32°F to 113°F), non-condensing