March 2021
WorldCast Systems has launched its SynchroStream technology for the APT codec range with the release of SR 4.0.
The company states that with the release of SynchroStream they will become the only manufacturer to offer a one-stop shop for single-frequency network deployment with the transport (APT codecs), transmission (Ecreso transmitter), measurement (Audemat FMMC5) and monitoring (Kybio Software) available from WorldCast.
The SynchroStream technology and the support legs approach benefits the broadcaster in simplifying the setup, configuration and maintenance of a solid and stable SFN network.
SynchroStream is compatible with baseband audio coding and the existing MPX/composite linear coding schemes and also the new APTmpX algorithm, “the first nondestructive MPX/composite algorithm,” also part of the new SR 4.0.
SynchroStream is supplied on the existing APT IP Codec range and utilizes an externally supplied 10 MHz clock and the 1 pps GPS signal as time reference.
The company says beta network deployments in New Zealand and the United States have verified bench test results which calculated that the granularity offered in allowing fixed line adjustments down to an eighth of a microsecond (125 nanoseconds) would allow the highly accurate (<50 meters) manipulation of the “mush zone.”
According to WorldCast, in the real world this means engineers can push the almost nonexistent mush zone away from populated areas or transport corridors. This manipulation translates to better coverage within the SFN FM area, consisting of main FM transmitter and FM boosters, meaning potentially more listeners for a station.
