Paneda and Agile Broadcast have completed the supply and commissioning of Paneda DAB+ headend software and hardware to Telstra Broadcast Services (TBS), facilitating a reliable and redundant DAB+ broadcast system.
After a test and proof-of-concept phase, Paneda and Agile Broadcast completed a sizeable national deployment of DAB+ software, hardware and implementation services to provide a comprehensive, national digital radio multiplexing solution.
A total of 16 multiplexers have been commissioned in two geographically diverse data centres, with over 140 audio encoders deployed at client contribution sites nationally. The multiplexers are configured as linked pairs and provide hitless switching of audio and/or PAD, using Paneda’s Smart Content Aware switching technology for output to eight broadcast markets.
Sixteen multiplexers have been commissioned in two geographically diverse data centres
The Paneda components are deployed widely throughout TBS data centres and client sites nationally. Despite this widespread installation, a simple web interface to the Paneda multiplexer provides all user and operator configuration requirements for the entire national solution.
Dedicated diverse data links utilising the Telstra DVN2 platform provide resilient audio contribution to the data centres and redundant distribution of the ensemble outputs (EDI) to eight transmitter sites reaching all states and territories. Comprehensive monitoring of the DAB+ broadcast systems has been implemented using RFmondial RF-DAB monitoring tools. Virtual appliances at the data centres monitor all aspects of ensemble data at the two head ends, while hardware appliances are located at each transmitter site – further validating the successful delivery of a compliant EDI stream to each transmission hand-off point.
In addition to the 16 ensemble multiplexer production environment, a segregated and separate model environment has been established for testing and development of new software, workflows and monitoring solutions.
The entire production environment is now fully operational and on-air nationwide.
Ian Thomson, director of sales at Agile Broadcast, said: “Since initial discussions with the client in 2019, Agile Broadcast and Paneda have worked continuously to define the DAB+ solution offer to suit the client’s current and future goals. Paneda’s headend scalability has ultimately delivered well over and above the original project requirements.”
Lars-Peder Lundgren, sales director at Paneda, commented: “The trend is clear, content providers want to focus on their core knowledge, content! To move to a virtual platform and a centralised solution means less maintenance, higher robustness, and the fact that it is a non-aging approach. We are aware that this project is demanding and challenging, but it is also an approach that Paneda is prepared for. We look forward to providing our technology and knowledge in a long-term relationship.
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