Broadcast Equipment

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• Sonifex RB-FS82 Audio Failover Switcher

  

  The Sonifex RB-FS82 Audio Failover Switcher is an important tool in many critical areas in telecommunications and broadcast chains.

  The device has 8 main + 2 standby, stereo analogue audio, AES/EBU digital audio and RS232 connections (both inputs and outputs) and can be configured via Ethernet for two main operational applications:

  For switching of program sources to a standby destination in the event of a destination failure (‘Standbys to outputs’). Typically this would be audio encoders at a program distribution head end (for audio over IP, E1 or other bearer networks), with “N” x programs feeding “N” x encoders. If an encoder fails the audio destined for that encoder gets routed to a standby encoder so ensuring the continuity of audio to network transport.

  Switching of program sources, including standby sources, to destinations in the event of source failure (‘Standbys to inputs’). Typically this would be audio decoders at a transmission site with “N” x programs and “N” x decoders feeding “N” x transmitters. If a decoder fails, the audio from a standby decoder, or other audio source such as an mp3 player, overrides the signal path to the transmitter so ensuring continuity on air.

  The RB-FS82 supports any configuration of up to 8 main program signal paths (N = 8) and there are 2 standby program signal paths, in either mode of operation. Each program path simultaneously switches analogue L/R audio, AES/EBU digital audio and RS232 data. Each of these signals is wired on D-Type connectors on the rear panel.

  All signal paths are passive and therefore completely transparent utilising relay based switching. This has the benefit of a “straight wire” topology during normal (alarm free) operation and also during any power outage to the device. An additional benefit of the passive signal path is AES/EBU bit transparency allowing throughput of AES/EBU AC3 Dolby E (TM) signals.

  To ensure the passive nature of the device, switching is determined by alarm (General Purpose) inputs, with this alarm signalling in turn being normally provided by the encoder or decoders (or other devices) at site. Recognising the mission critical nature of the system, a high grade of relay is used in the RB-FS82.

  For more information, please visit this product's webpage.