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ZEPHYR
XPORT
USER’S GUIDE
32 CHAPTER 4 - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
combined with background sounds such as from sports spectators, traffic, applause, etc. CELP
does have the advantage of lower delay, but it comes at too much cost to audio quality, in our
view.
Will other vendors be able to make products to interoperate with Xport and Xport-enabled Zephyr
Xstreams?
If they want to, yes. As is Telos tradition, we prefer standards that do not lock you in. Remember
the early ISDN codec days? In the face of repeated attempts to get users to take up proprietary
schemes, we held fast to standards. And, we sought the very best at the time – MPEG Layer 3. We
were, in fact, the first in the world to license and offer what has come to be known as MP3, a
decision well vindicated over time. When needed, we have worked co-operatively with
competitors to help them achieve interoperability. Xport continues this tradition and approach.
The aacPlus codec is licensable by all who choose it. We hope it catches on widely, because it really
is very good.
Why did you wait so long to make an analog line codec? Seems like a natural extension of your
Zephyr, and you guys do know coding, right?
Maybe it was because we know coding that we have been on the sidelines until now. We just hadn’t
heard a codec that sounded broadcast quality to our ears before this one. Those with long
memories may recall that we demo-ed a POTS codec prototype using MP3 at an NAB radio show
many years ago – before any others were marketed. We have been thinking and planning this step
for some time.
Also, we didn’t want to use an off-the-shelf modem owing to the problems with those, and we
wanted to use ISDN on the studio side, so that had to wait for the companion Xstream. The pieces
finally came together to let us give you all the right stuff.
Can I upgrade my older Zephyr Xstream codec to operate with the Xport? Will it be free?
Of course! Telos has had a long history of enabling new applications with software enhancements
to products. Because the Xstream has an Ethernet port, it may be upgraded over the Internet,
without changing any parts or sending it to Telos. You may do so for free. Or, you may choose to
upgrade by replacing a memory SIMM or by sending the unit to us. In these cases, there will be a
modest charge.
What version software must I have in my Xstream to work with the Xport?
You will need version 2.5 or later
Tell me more about the Ethernet?
This can be used for remote software and for control via a web browser, just like the Xstream.
However, we also have another exciting use for this port. These days, field work often includes a
Laptop PC. We believe that Ethernet will come to be regarded as an essential way to interface most
broadcast gear to computers and networks, so all of our new equipment has it. The Xport will
support a streaming audio connection so that you can play files from a PC into the Xport for
transmission.
So what is the Aux Interface connector for?
The Aux Interface connector has audio send/receive signals on a TRS connector, and is intended
for analog hook-up to today’s mobile phones via the often-included headset jack. You can achieve
some benefit over normal phone quality by using a professional microphone and the Omnia
processing – a little better than standard phone audio, anyway.