Telos Zephyr Xport Can I share an Isdn line between two Xports?, What about international calls?

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ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE

Is there anything I need to know about using ISDN for this application?

Nothing special. The telephone network automatically translates the signals on the analog line to the digital form (called "G.711") carried over ISDN.

The ISDN line must be configured to allow this type of call (called Circuit Switched Voice or "CSD"). However, the vast majority of ISDN lines have this feature (our ISDN order forms have always requested this feature).

Can I share an ISDN line between two Xports?

Yes. As with many ISDN terminals, you can connect multiple Xports together using the S interface. See section 3.6 for more information.

How does the studio Zephyr know what kind of call is being received?

First, we look at the ISDN “set- up message,” that tells us if the incoming call is from a digital device or from an analog phone line. Then we wait for the modem tone. Then we initiate Xport- specific handshaking to be sure.

Will it work for both local and long-distance calls? Anything special I need to do?

Within the USA and most other countries, all switching and transmission of telephone calls are done digitally, so performance should be nearly as good for long distance as for local. In both cases, only the “last mile” analog part should have any effect on modem performance.

What about international calls?

You should experience better quality and fewer drop- outs with the Xport approach compared to POTS- only codecs. Most international calls are switched and transmitted over digital links, so the only analog part will be the last mile at the remote site.

On some connections, however, there may be some compression used to conserve bandwidth. The most common is ADPCM, which reduces the usual Telco 64 kbps rate to 32 kbps. There may also be “echo- suppressors” at some point within the connection. If either of these occurs, you may want to try a different long- distance carrier to get a good connection. Note that these problems are possible with POTS- only connections also. Actually, ISDN makes them less probable because the Telco network is likely to assign better facilities to digital calls.

What happens when the line is very bad?

In this case, modem bitrate will be too low to be useful, and the Xport will switch to a non- modem “audio coupler” mode. Because we use digital hybrid technology borrowed from our telephone interface products, send/receive isolation is quite good. You will not get high- fidelity audio, but you will get the best possible. See Section 5 (What to do if…) for troubleshooting tips.

What is the reasoning behind your choice of the aacPlus audio coding method?

It is, without much doubt, the best low- bitrate codec there is. MPEG AAC has been independently tested using a double- blind procedure and found to be superior to any other scheme at rates down to 16 kbps. aacPlus uses a powerful spectral band replication method to take this already excellent performance to jaw- dropping amazing. Because it is an enhancement

designed specifically for very low bitrates, it is perfect for POTS codecs. (As a side note, SBR added to MP3 is called MP3 Pro, and is catching on quickly for Internet applications.)

aacPlus in being considered for inclusion within MPEG, and will probably be adopted within the next few months. XM Satellite Radio has announced that they are using it.

Other POTS codecs use proprietary coding methods that have not been independently tested, and are likely to be much worse than aacPlus. Some use CELP, which is a voice- only codec – basically a scaled- up version of the codec in mobile phones. These don’t work very well for music or for voice

CHAPTER 4 - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 31

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Contents Zephyr Xport Mixer Section Xports Front PanelZephyr Xport Fax +1 Customer ServiceImportant Note Test Lines Introducing the Xport VI Introducing the Xport Table of Contents Specifications & Warranty Looking for Information? Tell me more about the box Quick Start Getting OrientedConnecting to the Telephone Line Connecting the Audio Inputs/OutputsWhat you need before you start… Success, Step-by-StepPowering Up Basic ConfigurationSetting the Country Time to turn on the XportHeadphones Mixer AdjustmentsPlacing Your First Call, to Telos MicrophoneSnd Rcv What’s Next?Front panel AccessoriesWhat have we here? Pots Connection Status see .1.2 for Isdn Connection status Default DisplayMenus Example 1 Selecting a setting from a list countryExample 2 Entering a numeric entry i.e. entering a prefix More on the Numeric Keypad Entering Alphabetic CharactersXport Frequently Used Menus AUTO, DIAL, & DropDial menu Zephyr Rear panelPhone Isdn Support Pots DetailsTelephone Connections Interface only active if option 1701-00056 is present Isdn Interface OptionalInput Audio Connections & MixerAudio Outputs Audio InputsSetups Interface ConnectorAUX Interface connector AUX Interface Input ring & sleeveActivating a Dial Setup Step by Step Dial SetupsLocation Setups Creating Location Setups Set by Step Activating a Location Setup Step by StepEditing Location Setups Xports Isdn interface Isdn Configuration MenuSharing Isdn in the USA & Canada Connecting two Xports to the same Isdn circuitSharing Isdn worldwide Cell Phone Interfacing the Aux Audio InterfaceInstallation Connecting the Cell Phone to the XportFeeding the Xport from a computer over Ethernet Telos Soundcard EmulatorSelecting a Playback Device Changing configurationConfiguring Windows Sounds and Media Changing the playback volume Remote ControlIs Xport a Pots codec? Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat about international calls? What happens when the line is very bad?Can I share an Isdn line between two Xports? Tell me more about the Ethernet? So what is the Aux Interface connector for?Anything better possible with mobile phones? Where can I get answers to my technical questions?How can I tell if my Xport has the Isdn option? Why does my Isdn Xport take so long to boot up?What to do if… Is the line shared between the Xport and any other device? Can’t find the Isdn setup menuCan the Xport place a call to a Telephone? Can’t place a call using Isdn in Zephyr modeCan’t place or receive calls using Isdn Ventilation and ambient temperature Technical & Installation InformationEnvironmental Considerations AC mains requirementsInstalling the Isdn option Echnical & Installation Ifnormation Enabling Phantom Power Delay round trip Specifications & WarrantyFemale Line Input balanced ¼ TRSMonitor MIX OUT Floating Balanced ¼ TRS Mix POT set to Send Headphone OutputZephyr Xport Limited Warranty Technology Articles ReferencesOrdering Isdn White Papers Output Xports Rear Panel

Zephyr Xport specifications

The Telos Zephyr Xport is a cutting-edge audio-over-IP codec that seamlessly revolutionizes the way audio is transmitted over networks. Renowned for its high-quality sound, this powerful codec is designed for both radio broadcast applications and professional audio environments, enabling efficient, reliable, and high-fidelity audio transport over IP networks.

One of the main features of the Zephyr Xport is its ability to handle multiple audio formats, including PCM, AAC, and MP3, which provides users with flexibility depending on their specific needs. Its ability to encode and decode audio ensures that broadcasters can deliver outstanding quality both on the air and in streaming applications.

The technology behind the Zephyr Xport includes advanced algorithms that minimize latency, making it ideal for live broadcasts where real-time transmission is crucial. With a low latency rate, users can enjoy audio transmission that is nearly instantaneous, a defining feature for any live event or remote broadcasting situation.

Another standout characteristic of the Zephyr Xport is its support for multiple network protocols, including RTP/RTCP, SIP, and POTS. This versatility allows integration with a wide range of existing equipment and infrastructures, facilitating easy implementation in various settings. Additionally, the codec boasts robust error correction and adaptive bitrate control to ensure audio clarity even in fluctuating network conditions, reducing the chances of dropouts or interruptions.

The user-friendly interface of the Zephyr Xport features an intuitive LCD display, making it easy for operators to configure settings, monitor audio levels, and manage network connections. With built-in web access, users can make adjustments and control the unit remotely, providing added convenience for situations where operators are away from the hardware.

Moreover, the Zephyr Xport is designed for durability and reliability, constructed to endure the demands of a fast-paced broadcast environment. Its compact design makes it suitable for rack mounting or portable use, allowing broadcasters to take it on location without hassle.

In summary, the Telos Zephyr Xport combines advanced audio processing technologies with user-friendly features, making it an essential tool for modern broadcasters. Its high-quality audio performance, low latency communication, versatile protocol support, and ease of use exemplify the future of audio transmission in the ever-evolving landscape of digital broadcasting. As the industry continues to embrace IP-based solutions, the Zephyr Xport stands out as a vital asset for any professional audio application.