Omroep Zeeland is the platform for news, background stories, culture, sports and festivities in Zeeland and is top of mind with every resident of Zeeland when it comes to news and interesting facts.
Audio over IP
Within this project the entire radio audio platform has been replaced and updated, which makes it function entirely through Audio over IP (AoIP). The Livewire+/AES67 protocol was chosen to add smart and efficient functionalities to the AoIP streams which makes it the best choice for broadcast.
There will always be parts of the studio that are not AoIP in and of itself. For example, the microphones. The signals of the microphones are being sent into the AoIP-network through an Axia microphone xNode after which they can be controlled from the Axia Quasar mixer, for example.
Omroep Zeeland states that switching from traditional to AoIP infrastructure gives a ton of possibilities to their installation, but you need to be bold to take this step forward. One wrong setting in your network or synchronisations can cause signal interference, no matter how redundant your installation is. Omroep Zeeland took the chance to gain knowledge and experience with Audio over IP in this project, being supported by a skilled partner such as Triple Audio.
The centre of attention
The centre of attention in the new studios is the Axia Quasar mixer, in this case with XR-faders (expert). The sleek and colourful look of this makes it stand out. Next to every fader you will find LED bars which show the signal levels of the source on that fader. These faders are motorised, unlike the SR-faders which are the simple fader version. The motorisation makes the usage of layers and remote control of the console way easier.
Both studios at Omroep Zeeland use the same console. For WPM they chose the Axia DESQ. This makes the physical appearance of the mixers in the studios the same and makes it possible to exchange parts when necessary. It also makes all mixers controllable in for example pathfinder, since they support Livewire+.
Ease of use is the focus of Axia Quasar. Algorithms like auto-mix make it possible to premix different audio sources together. The talent doesn't have to worry about balancing audio levels, the algorithm makes a consistent and reproducible result. Combined with the already solid standard microphone processing, this ensures the DJ can focus on the creative side of producing radio.
Every console consists of one master module with touchscreen, on which for example levels, channel settings, clock and show profiles can be shown, and three Quasar XR 4-fader modules. Both are connected to the Axia Quasar engine, the brain behind all the buttons and faders.
Hello, do you copy?
During the design phase, Omroep Zeeland also took a look at (peripheral) equipment that needed to be connected through traditional analogue or AES3 signals. With the accelerated depreciation of forks, codecs and transmission line processing, equipment that can talk native Livewire+/AES67 can now be used. Because of this, way less Axia xNodes were needed in this project and for example a new telephone system was installed.
Omroep Zeeland now uses the Telos VX Prime+ system to replace the AVT-forks. Now the telephones are native Voice over IP (VoIP). All forks are available in the network as Livewire+ streams, phone numbers can be dialled directly on the Axia Quasar.
Telos VX Prime+ has 8 high-quality VoIP forks. Even though the VX Prime+ is controlled from the console at Omroep Zeeland, it can still be combined with the Telos VSet. The advantage of this is that people already know how to use this appliance, the horn and keys speak for itself.
Transmission-line processing
The transmission-line processing for both HD (Internet and DAB) and FM goes through the powerful Omnia Enterprise 9s, the all-in-one virtual audio processor that is scalable and flexible. This form of processing makes Omroep Zeeland ready for the future. Should anything change within the organisation, the could easily scale up with subscriptions.
This processing runs on a Triple Audio Broadcast Computer, a 1HE rack unit that is optimised for 24/7/365 usage. It is also equipped with a redundant power supply and Dual Network Interface Card. Redundancy is very important for Omroep Zeeland. We will tell you about other precautions taken to fulfil this wish.
Back-up
To ensure continuity of your broadcast all switches in the transmission line need to keep running continuously. Because redundancy was a top-of-mind issue during the engineering phaes, this continuity can be ensured. For example, two Cisco Catalyst 9200 network switches were installed in the CTA, which are specifically configured for AoIP use. These switches are stacked, meaning that they form one big switch together.
On the studio side you can find c1000 switches. These are edge switches that are connected with the 9200's in the CTA. The first SFP-port is connected to core 1 and the second to core 2, making the connection redundant.
Phases
The switch to a new mixing console can be imposing for talents and technicians alike. To ensure a smooth transition, the switch has been made in phases. First a training room was facilitated at Omroep Zeeland where talents could get used to the new console without having to broadcast live on air. Only after all talents had had training did we start replacing the old studios.
The replacement itself was very fast for the people of Omroep Zeeland. The whole installation was preconfigured at the Triple Audio tech lab. By preparing as much as possible before installation on location, the continuity of the radio station was ensured. Furthermore, a "hybrid" environment was created which connected the DHD-environment with the Axia-environment. Both technicians as well as users had a smooth crossover to the new studios.
Do you also want to renew your studio? Get in touch with us to see the possibilities.