All Ears!

The AoIP technology has come of age, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes a standard practice for audio broadcast, in the M&E space

- Anisha Gakhar

Just when the M&E industry was getting accustomed to the use of IP technology across most broadcast domains, AoIP made a red-carpet entry. AoIP stands for Audio-over-IP, which means distribution of digital audio across an IP network. It is being embraced extensively, to enable an improved quality of audio feeds over long distances. The technology is also sometimes known as audio contribution over IP (ACIP).

This enhancement typically comes in handy, when production has to be executed away from the home studios, in remote locations. The set-up calls for a reliable communication network, which can connect varied locations and hold them in tandem throughout the entire broadcast. Should the on-air talent move out of the TV frame, or need a new segment of audio or add-in be incorporated, AoIP makes it feasible to multi-task. For example, the crew might want to hear the on-air program and the producer’s comments, together, to ensure that the show runs seamlessly. The technology facilitates a smooth audio experience, irrespective of inter-mixing of noise signals, call-ins or external distractions.

THE CURRENT DRIFT

Most of the industries using AoIP are gravitating towards the AES67 technical standard, which is a layer 3 protocol suite, and allows interoperability between various IP-based audio networking systems.