512 audio channels on a single cable in 2006

Digigram revealed at the 119th AES convention in New York the specifications of Gigabit-EtherSound that will include 512 audio channels over a single cable (256 channels in each direction) as well as a bandwidth of 100 Mbit/s for control and IP data transport, while maintaining all current EtherSound features including the ultra-low latency of only 125 microseconds.
Digigram will be showcasing the technology for the first time at the Systems Integration Expo (NSCA) and Prolight+Sound tradeshows in March 2006. A technology upgrade will then be made available to all EtherSound licensees in the second quarter of 2006. Current adopters include Allen & Heath, Archean Technologies, Audio Performance, AuviTran, Bittner Audio International GmbH, Bouyer, CAMCO, DiGiCo, Digigram, InnovaSON, Martin Audio Ltd., Mediachip Sistemas Multimedia LDA, NetCIRA by Fostex, Nexo, Pinanson, VTG Audio, and Whirlwind. Qualified implementors who offer third party engineering support to product developers are AuviTran, Lab X Technologies, and LLC. Stardraw Control software uses the EtherSound API to enable control and operation of multiple devices from separate manufacturers across EtherSound networks.
Specifications for Gigabit-EtherSound revealed at AES (NY) comprise 512 audio channels at 24 bit/48 kHz over a single cable (256 in each direction), bandwidth allocated for control and data transport including IP control or media streaming increases to 100 Mbit/s, fault-tolerant ring topology, maintaining of current features including EtherSound’s latency of 125 microseconds, and backward compatibility with existing EtherSound products.
EtherSound Business Development Manager Jimmy Kawalek is enthusiastic about the evolution: "We are thrilled about the possibilities that Gigabit-EtherSound will offer. Imagine how quickly you'll be able to connect the stage and monitor mixers to FOH even in the largest live events, how easy it will be to route the audio; think of the huge cost savings by replacing large, heavy, expensive multi-core audio cables with a single high-quality Ethernet cable! This is the point where EtherSound's strategy to be compliant with IEEE's 802.3 Ethernet enforces all its value. We will be able to leverage the billions of dollars the IT industry has spent to develop Gigabit networks for the benefit of the pro audio industry."
EtherSound in its current stage offers a maximum channel count of 128 channels of 24-bit/48 kHz linear audio (64 channels in each direction) and a control data throughput of 768 Kbit/s maximum.
Other technology evolutions announced include direct node-to-node data communication between any two devices in a network and freedom to connect one or multiple control devices anywhere on the network. Gigabit-EtherSound devices will be able to operate in 100 Mbit/s-mode and therefore will be able to coexist with currently available EtherSound devices on the same network.
As Ethernet standards evolve, EtherSound is able to keep pace easily, since the Network and Data Link layers are implemented via FPGA's (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). EtherSound licensing programs are available to manufacturers and qualified implementers.

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