R&D Stories: AoIP Delivers on Flexibility, Is Controllability Next?

In this R&D Stories article for audioXpress, Matt Hardy (Business Development Manager, DeusO GmbH) looks at the evolution of Audio Control Interfaces. Looking beyond the transportation of audio over IP, the article considers approaches to matching the flexibility of an AoIP network structure with new technologies and standards for control and monitoring user interfaces. This article was originally published in audioXpress, July 2019.

Implementing rich graphical user interfaces with touch panel color displays for wireless control doesn't have to be complicated. At Embedded World 2017, in Nuremberg, Germany, 4D Systems has introduced its gen4 Internet of Displays (IoD) series with resistive touch. Featuring integrated WiFi capabilities, the display modules allow users to quickly and easily create GUI (graphical user interface) applications with wireless connectivity.

How many times audio product designers hesitate to provide a display and graphic user interface on their new solutions, just because they fear the complexity and want to get to market faster? That's precisely why LCDTERM, a subsidiary of Best Circuits, created a solution for a programming-free LCD user interface, which is able to provide a simple connection to embedded systems, and be up and running quickly.

iZotope has been very active. After launching a new version of its flagship noise reduction suite RX, the Cambridge, MA, company introduced a new version of its main product, Ozone. iZotope went a long way in overhauling Ozone 6, and made important changes to the product. However, these changes were not well received among many of its long-term users and iZotope felt the need to come public explaining what they did and why.