BEST CODEC FOR INTERNET BROADCAST ?

[AkSarBen]

Colleagues, I need advice on the best codecs to use for internet broadcasts. Tieline and Telos seem to be the two available. Want to know good, bad etc. not in a hurry just want to make the right choice. this is for Division one football and basketball, thanks

[bschultz]

Just to clarify, codec that uses the internet to broadcast on the radio...or is this for a broadcast that people will connect to and listen to ON the internet?

[malden153]

It sounds like you mean IP codecs, a/k/a transmitting the signal back to the station by Internet. We have had very good success with the Comrex Access, also using for D-I football and basketball.

[AkSarBen]

For broadcasting the game not for listeners.

[bpowers68]

The BEST Codec in my opinion is the Comrex Access 2. It can connect via hardline ethernet, through WiFi, or with USB internet card/stick. With its modem attachment, you can use it as a POTS codec as well. It has a built in browser that can be used for getting around firewalls and I feel that it's worth the price (about $3500). But if you can, don't stop there. Add the attachable mixer (very pricey, but worth it) for $1200 or less. These costs are for the remote unit only. Add another $3000 for the rack unit at the studio.

I liked using this better than the Tieline that I endured for a few months when we swapped stations.

Bill

[sctsports77]

Bill is right...Access is very good. Use it for basketball broadcasts on university public radio station. I didn't know they made a second version of it already.

[bpowers68]

The Access was modified a couple of years ago to have two USB ports (the first version had only one). The WiFi looks like a USB Antenna and the dongle for POTS is also USB.

[bschultz]

I've used an Access in the past. It sounds great. I just can't justify the price. $7500 for both ends of the setup is hard to swollow. If that amount is in the budget...go right ahead, but that's a bunch of money!

Just to be as transparent as possible, I was asked to find an alternative to the Access at a better price. I came accross Teamspeak...and got a raise off the money saved.

Like I said, if it's in the budget, it's a very good option, with lots of flexibility.

[AkSarBen]

Thanks very much, this is a great board for sharing information

[RadioPat1982]

Have to agree with everyone on the Access and also wanted to mention some cool features. I have used one the last couple seasons for football and like the ability to use hardline, wifi, or air card. You have to get a compatible air card though. Not all of them work. I found that out the hard way. Other positives are that you can have this thing powered on and connected in seconds. You can set multiple bit rates for whichever type connection you use or multiple stations if you connect to more than one station throughout the year. It also has a screen that can browse the net. Once we got a software update last year I was also able to keep the screen set in the mode that always shows the strength of the connection. Only setback I could see was unlike some previous Comrex models you really have to have an external audio mixer to do sports. They are also extremely easy to move around for remotes and stuff. Worth the investment if you can afford the costly price!

[LenND1]

I will be giving a presentation at the NSSA next month and I will be demonstrating new hardware designed for IP.

If anyone is interested in learning more about the IP Codecs and hardware , contact me off the list.

Len Clark