StormAudio, Seymour-Screen Excellence, Grimani Systems, and RowOne have united to demonstrate an 11.6.6-channel fully digital, networked, AES67 Audio-over-IP demonstration — a CEDIA Expo first for harnessing the cutting-edge capabilities of networked AoIP technology!
AES67, a technical standard enabling high-performance AoIP and Audio over Ethernet (AoE), was developed by the Audio Engineering Society and first published in September 2013. AES67 operates over standard layer-3 Ethernet networks, is routable and fully scalable like any modern IT network, and is compatible with most commonly available IP-based switches. It also allows streaming interoperability between the various IP-based audio networking products currently available, such as Dante.
Driving the demo is StormAudio’s new ISP Evo 32-channel AoIP surround sound preamp/processor, which is based on the company’s highly regarded ISP Elite MK3. The ISP Evo handles all available immersive audio formats, and features 24 channels of decoding and upmixing, along with 32 channels of post-processing including the latest Dirac Live Active Toom Treatment module and StormAudio’s Expert Bass Management, allowing for multiple bass zones and bass routing. It is also the first all-digital immersive audio processor available to the CEDIA channel.
The ISP Evo is connected via a standard network switch—they claim it was an off-the-shelf, non-managed model selling for about $160—and Ethernet cabling to a Grimani Systems 11.6.6-channel active loudspeaker system featuring 16,800 watts of total power. The fully digital pathway from source-to-processor-to-speakers is designed to highlight a new criterion in audio precision and clarity.
Incredibly, this complex system required just four cables connected to the Strom Audio processor: power, Ethernet for network, Ethernet for AES67, and HDMI from the Kaleidescape Strato-C source. Beyond the simplicity of design in using only Ethernet cabling, a network switch, and speaker cabling for audio connections, the all-digital AES67 system also eliminates common issues like ground-loop hums, and allows for CI-desired features such as remote setup, calibration, and monitoring.
Of course, audio is only half of the experience, and this demo features a collaboration of video manufacturers to deliver cutting-edge video as well. Projection is handled by a Barco Residential Njord Cinemascope 5K 3-DLP projector, with dynamic HDR tone mapping handled by a madVR Labs Envy Extreme video processor, along with a high-performance TLD+ short-throw lens.
Maximizing the presentation is the cinema-sized, 13.5-foot-wide (186-inch diagonal) Seymour-Screen Excellence’s Enlightor-Neo 4K HDR immersive film screen surface and Adjustable Ratio Theater (ART) four-way masking. This acoustically transparent material is designed to impart no coloration to the sound of the speakers behind it—basically “do no harm to the audio,” according to Chris Seymour, managing director at Seymour-Screen Excellence—while still producing every pixel of detail.
To ensure you enjoy the demo in comfort, there are eight RowOne chairs. Across the front row are the company’s Calveri zero-clearance power recliners, which Seymour says are the best seats in the house.
This demo can be found at SR10, and is one of the marquee demos at the show. It should definitely be on your shortlist.
