In the world of professional and commercial audio applications —and soon in consumer spaces — audio-over-IP (AoIP) technologies and audio distribution over Ethernet protocols have been consistently gaining space. With industry standards and initiatives (e.g., IEEE 802.1-AVB by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) being implemented, it seems natural that conversations about transport and content interoperability would begin. The AES X192 initiative—driven by the Audio Engineering Society (AES) task group SC-02-12-H—resulted in the new AES67-2013 standard, which defines key parameters for networked AoIP interoperability.The AES67 standard was published on 11 September 2013. This article from audioXpress’ Standards Review column was published short after, in January 2014. The standards-development effort was supported by over 100 task group members many of whom are employees of prominent AV, broadcast and network equipment manufacturers, installers and users.
AES67 describes an interoperability mode between systems supporting high-performance audio over IP networks. Since AES67 is a standard based on existing standards, there is considerable experience amassed and engineering already completed that should serve to ease interoperability issues. AES67 goal was to develop an interoperability standard for high-performance professional digital audio IP networking. To define synchronization, encoding format and QoS provisions for delivering audio data and connection management functions associated with audio delivery.
The AES67 is currently promoted by the Media Network Alliance.
Read the full audioXpress article here.
