Orban joins the Audio-via-IP Experts Group with its Opticodec As the third member, Orban joined the Audio-via-IP Experts Group to provide its customers with a truly standards-based solutions for professional audio transmission over IP Networks. As of today, Orban/CRL (USA), AETA Audio Systems (France) and MAYAH Communications (Germany) have performed transmission tests of their codecs to prove its compatibility applying the SIP/RTP protocols according to the draft standards addressed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Such tests covered the bi-directional transmission using G.711, G.722 as well as MPEG Layer 2 and Layer 3 audio coding. Continuous extension of the featured compatibility stands on the road-map of Audio-via-IP Experts Group. The EBU draft recommendations include the following significant topics: unification of the connection set-up with SIP/SDP, audio formats, Forward Error Correction (FEC), as well as implementation of the further IP protocols. Members of the Audio-via-IP Experts Group, as the codec manufacturers already supporting the standards, stand at the cutting edge of technology. They make the full interoperability of different codec equipment possible and allow their customers much more flexible and thus cost-efficient installations. Orban/CRL, Head of R&D orban europe Thomas Krey: “We are proud to be a member of this Audio-via-IP Experts group. During the last weeks we have had good and intensive communication with both partners (AETA and Mayah). The cooperation between the three companies has accelerated the development which guarantees the highest possible quality standard for our customers. A compatible implementation of audio over IP with SIP/RTP will be the result. We are implementing new SIP/RTP features into our codecs with the necessary and important input of the EBU members, our customers and with the participants of the Audio-via-IP Experts group.” MAYAH Communications CEO Detlef Wiese: “We are very proud to welcome our third member to the Audio-via-IP family. This illustrates the importance of the efforts being put into the Experts Group. Codec recognition with SIP/RTP is becoming mature, and automatic connection set-up has now become a reality for IP-based transmissions. In combination with pre-defined compliance to the draft EBU recommendations, there is a solid base for further developments which will be to the benefit of end-users”. AETA Audio Systems CEO Gerald List: "The efforts being made within the Audio-via-IP standardization body has resulted in very positive feedback from many broadcasters. Before joining the Audio-via-IP Experts group, Orban undertook extensive testing to ensure compatibility with the existing members equipment and reliable operation in the field. We have enjoyed open dialogue with the Orban development team and will remain in close contact on future enhancements". About the Audio-via-IP Experts Group: Audio-via-IP Experts Group was founded in 2006 by MAYAH Communications and AETA Audio Systems to join and to coordinate the technical efforts in order to achieve a true interoperability of audio codec products of different manufacturers. Criteria like support of SIP protocol as well as support of standards-based and at the same time future-oriented IP protocols and coding algorithms must be fulfilled in the products of the company to join the alliance.