HD audio for background music distribution

Distribution of HD Audio to ENA Amplifiers

Background music is distributed by using the Audio Program feature of the ICX-AlphaCom. By default this feature is using the HD Voice codec G.722.

In installations where an even better audio quality for background music distribution over the PA system is required, it is possible to use the HD Audio codec PCM L16/48kHz.

The following devices support audio input feed using the PCM L16/48kHz codec:

• ENA Amplifier
• TKIE-2 kit

The following devices can play (listen to) audio in PCM L16/48kHz format:

• ENA Amplifiers (ENA2200, ENA2400-AC, ENA2400-DC and ENA-2100)
• Turbine kits (TKIE-1, TKIE-2 and TKIS-2)
• IP Speakers (ELSII-10H and ELSIR-10C)

The HD Audio stream is not going via the ICX-AlphaCom, the ICX-AlphaCom does not support this format. Only the signalling protocol is controlled by the ICX-AlphaCom. Stations that doesn't support HD Audio will not receive any audio. Although the "HD Audio" option is available in all Turbine devices ("Voice Engine Mode"), the echo cancelling is disabled when enabling "HD Audio". Hence the station will not be suitable for two-way communication. The "HD Audio" option is intended for Turbine kits used as PA Interfaces.

Requirements

Software
HD Audio is supported from:

• ICX 1.0.3.0
• AMC 12.5.3.1
• Turbine 4.9.3.0

License:

• HD Audio for background music distribution requires a High bandwidth audio license. It is sufficient with one HD Audio license per ICX-AlphaCom server.
• If the Audio Input source is the Line Input of the ENA Amplifier, one ENA Amplifier Channel License is required
• To install the license, log on to the web interface of the ICX-AlphaCom server, and select System Configuration > Licensing.

Configuration

TKIE-2 as Audio Source

When TKIE-kit is used as Audio Program source, enable Line In. A reboot of the TKIE kit is required for the change to take effect:

Enable Line In on the TKIE kit

Make sure AGC is disabled and Voice Engine is set to HD-Audio:

Set "Audio Input Source" = Line In

ENA Amplifier as Audio Source

• Log In to the amplifier
• In Station Main > Main Settings enter a directory number to use for the Line Input:

Enter a directory number to use for the Line Input

• Enable the Line Input: In Amplifier Settings > Line Control > Line In section, set Line In Type = "Line Input", and set Impedance to High or 600 ohms (most common).

Configuration of ICX-AlphaCom server

The "HD Audio" is transmitted from the Audio Source as Multicast data in the network. The ICX-AlphaCom must be configured to use Multicast for group audio.

In AlphaPro, Exchange & System > System > VoIP tab, enable Multicast:

Enable Multicast in ICX-AlphaCom

The Line Input channel of the ENA Amplifier (or the TKIE-2 kit) must register to a directory number in the ICX-AlphaCom server.

In AlphaPro, Users & Stations, enter a directory number for the Line Input and set the Noise Reduction to 0:

Create a Directory Number for "Line Input"

Create a feature code to become an Audio Source. From AlphaPro Directory & Features, press Insert and create a new directory number:

• Feature 118 - Program Source
• ID (Parameter 1) = Program channel 1-70
• Parameter 2 = Group index 1- 255. Chooose a group which is not in use. At least one station must be included in this "dummy" group.
• Parameter 3 = 10 (PCM L16/48kHz codec)

The example below shows how to add directory number 6801 as the code to become the source of Audio Program #1.

A device dialing 6801 will become the source for Audio Program 1 (ID = Program channel). A station must be included in group 100.

The station added to the group doesn't have to be a real station, simply pick any unused station. Do not add an IP Dummy to the group, as it will prohibit the HD Audio setup.

A station/device dialing feature 118 becomes the program feeder. Add an event that sets the Line Input of the ENA Amplifier (or TKIE-2) as audio program source. Use the event 13 (Faulty Station), When Change To = OFF, and action: $DD L%1.dir L6801.

The ENA Line Input dials 6801 after registration, and becomes the source for program #1

The station/device appointed as program feed must be allowed to access feature 118. Add feature 118 to the Class fo Service group the station/device is belonging to.

Adding feature 118 to Class of Service 1

To avoid any other station/device dialling the directory number for the feature, it is advisable to define it in a separate COS.

Setting Class of Service 2 for the audio source station/device

The Directory numbers used to listen to program are the default numbers 801 - 806. The directory number for feature 118 (e.g. 6801) is NOT for listening, but used to set the source for the program channel. In AlphaCom XE20/26, do not use feature 118 for Audio Program channel 1-6, as these channels are reserved. In AlphaCom XE7, do not use feature 118 for Audio Program channel 5 and 6, as these channels are reserved.

Using Audio Programs

• Audio Program selection
• Remote setup to other stations or groups/zones