Merlin Plus z Wheatnet-IP

Merlin PLUS with WheatNet-IP offers a simple, compact and scalable solution for managing up to 6 simultaneous remotes and seamlessly interfaces with WheatNet-IP studio installations.

IP remotes can be performed over the public internet between a Merlin PLUS codec with WheatNet-IP at the studio and remote Tieline IP codecs or smartphones running the Report-IT Enterprise application.

2 Simultaneous Stereo Remotes with IFB

Merlin PLUS with WheatNet-IP is also capable of two simultaneous stereo or mono remotes with separate IFB communication channels.

WheatNet-IP Networking Applications

Tieline WheatNet-IP Card

This version of the Merlin PLUS codec includes a purpose-built Tieline WheatNet audio card, which also provides compatibility with the AES67 standard for AoIP interoperability.

The rear panel provides a WheatNet LAN interface for connecting the codec directly to a WheatNet-IP network for streaming IP audio.

Two additional Ethernet ports allow IP streaming between the studio and 6 simultaneous bidirectional mono remotes, or two simultaneous stereo or mono remotes with separate IFB communication channels.

This unique multiple remote capability is delivered by a single 19 inch x 1RU box, saving money on codec hardware costs and greatly reducing studio rack space requirements for broadcasters.

Merlin PLUS Codec with WheatNet IP

Merlin PLUS with WheatNet-IP delivers:

• Up to 6 simultaneous bidirectional mono remote connections.
• 2 x Bidirectional mono or stereo remotes, each with a separate bidirectional IFB communications channel.
• Simple local or remote command and control.
• Recallable codec configurations via ‘programs’.

Reliability and Connectivity

Merlin PLUS will connect to all Tieline IP codecs, including G3 codecs, Bridge-IT, the Genie family of codecs and Report-IT Enterprise smartphone applications. It includes dual Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet ports, dual redundant power supplies, audio silence detection and IP network backup solutions to ensure you’re always on the air. An automated network failure detection feature provides switching to a backup IP LAN connection. You can also fail over to backup ISDN or POTS connections as required using optional ISDN or POTS modules. Connect over:

• Public Wide Area Networks (WANs)
• Private Local Area Networks (LANs)
• 3G and 4G wireless Networks #
• Wi-Fi and WiMAX Networks #

SmartStream: Rock Solid Audio using Inexpensive IP Links

As an IP audio pioneer, Tieline was the first major codec manufacturer to integrate SmartStream features such as Automated Jitter Buffer management, Forward Error Correction (FEC) and error concealment techniques in all IP codecs. These features dynamically respond to variable conditions over unmanaged IP networks like the public internet to ensure reliable streaming.

Now SmartStream PLUS has revolutionised IP broadcasting by delivering the rock solid and reliable STL-grade audio quality you would expect over a T1/E1 link by using inexpensive unmanaged IP networks like the internet for STLs, audio distribution and remotes.

SmartStream IP Delivers …

Some other manufacturers charge thousands of dollars for IP management software like SmartStream as if it’s an optional extra, however Tieline believes high performance and rock-solid reliability is an essential part of each and every broadcast, and therefore delivers its renowned SmartStream IP management software for free.

SmartStream PLUS delivers an additional layer of mission critical redundancy and is available as standard in Tieline’s Merlin PLUS with WheatNet-IP.

Algorithms

The codec supports streaming multiple algorithms simultaneously at different sample rates and bit-rates over a range of connection transports.

Merlin PLUS is capable of 16-24bit 22kHz low latency linear PCM audio at up to 48kHz sampling and features aptX® Enhanced, LC-AAC, HE-AAC v1 and v2, AAC-LD, AAC-ELDv1 and v2, Opus, MPEG II, MPEG Layer-3, Tieline Music and MusicPLUS, G.722 and G.711 algorithms. Merlin PLUS with WheatNet-IP supports up to 6 simultaneous streams of Opus encoding.

Flexibility and Interoperability

	Tieline G5 ISDN module

Many broadcast networks are transitioning to IP but still require connectivity over ISDN or POTS. Tieline Merlin PLUS WheatNet-IP codecs deliver flexibility by allowing you to connect over ISDN, POTS or IP networks as required. Simply purchase optional ISDN G5 or POTS G5 modules, insert them in the codec and you are ready to connect over ISDN, POTS or IP on demand.

Merlin PLUS with WheatNet-IP supports both IPv4 and IPv6 (Dual Stack) protocols, so broadcasters can be assured that they have made a smart investment for the future as new networks and technologies emerge over time.

Connect over IP with any SIP-enabled IP codec brand that supports the EBU N/ACIP tech 3326 standard, as well as VoIP telephone devices supporting G.711 and G.722. Merlin PLUS with WheatNet-IP is also compliant with I3P EBU334 requirements for interoperability of AoIP production intercoms.

IP Network Management

1. Use Tieline’s Toolbox web-browser Graphical User Interface to connect to your codec and configure individual codec settings over a LAN, WAN or the internet.

2. When your codec is connected to the WheatNet-IP Environment, routing of WheatNet-IP sources and destinations can be performed using Wheatstone’s Navigator software.

 

# Requires 3rd party device

* Feature not available in the first release