Telos Zephyr Xstream ISDN Codec (Legacy)

Overview
Features
In Depth
Specifications
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Xstream ISDN Codec Overview {LEGACY PRODUCT}

Zephyr Xstream is the world’s leading ISDN codec, compatible with the widest variety of third party codecs. Coding choices include MPEG4-AAC and AAC-LD, Layer 2, Layer 3 & G.722 coding for full-duplex stereo operation of up to 20 kHz audio on a single ISDN line; broadcast quality mono audio at 15 kHz or 20 kHz is possible on a single ISDN “B” channel or other 56/64 kbps channel. All Xstream models feature professional balanced analog inputs/outputs, as well as Livewire® I/O for quick connection to Axia® networks; AES/EBU I/O is standard on rackmount model. An ISDN TA with integral NT1 provides worldwide ISDN compatibility without software changes. Remote Control is possible over RS-232 or Ethernet. Available in rack-mount version and portable version which incorporates a 4-channel stereo DSP mixer with selectable digital processing by Omnia®.

Xstream ISDN Codec Features {LEGACY PRODUCT}

Ethernet ports for remote control via LAN or WAN, and for connection to your Livewire+ AoIP networks.
Bring audio from any codec anywhere in the world directly to your Axia network.
Auto Receive mode quickly determines the correct coding algorithm for incoming audio streams.
MPEG AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) permits true CD-quality stereo transmission with a connection speed of just 128 kbps.
Low-Delay MPEG AAC-LD coding delivers crystal-clear audio quality and greatly reduced encoding delay for smooth, natural bi-directional remotes.
MPEG Layer-3 coding for compatibility with the largest number of third-party codecs. When using MPEG Layer-3, a unique Dual Receive mode allows reception of independent audio streams arriving from two distant ISDN lines – great for bilingual broadcasts.
Exclusive Error Concealment technology prevents occasional network glitches from being heard.
RS-232 and 8-input, 8-output parallel ports provide ancillary data and bi-directional contact closures.
Hand-in-glove operation with companion Zephyr Xport portable codec for reception of 15kHz audio using a POTS field connection.
V.35/X21 option allows connection to serial synchronous data equipment, for use with dedicated lines, Switched 56 circuits or satellite services.
N/ACIP compliant for compatibility with the widest range of ISDN codecs.
Convenient ISDN Voice Telephone Mode allows placement of standard G.711 phone calls from your Zephyr Xstream.

Xstream ISDN Codec In Depth {LEGACY PRODUCT}

Advanced caller management and superior sound

The Telos Zephyr is the best-loved broadcast codec in the world, and for good reason: Zephyr saves you time and money. A Zephyr Xstream at your studio becomes a “universal codec,” connecting with every popular ISDN codec for full-duplex, 20kHz stereo audio. And in the field, Zephyr Xstream is a powerful remote tool, with intuitive step-by-step operation, context sensitive help, and a simple user interface that eases operation for non-technical personnel. Zephyr pioneered the concept of the ISDN codec — which is why you’ll find more Zephyrs in studios and remote kits around the world than any other codec.

Zephyr Xstream has a huge range of standard MPEG coding options, which include MPEG Layer-3 and MPEG AAC for indistinguishable source-from-input audio at only 128 kbps. Zephyr Xstream can also be used for LAN and WAN IP streaming of MP3 or AAC over properly managed networks. Zephyr’s AAC coding includes error concealment to inaudibly recover from a lost packet or two, and an adjustable packet jitter buffer allows you to easily accommodate different networks.

There are two Zephyr Xstream models tailored to fit your needs: The standard rack-mount Xstream, and the portable Xstream MXP, a ruggedized portable version with built-in DSP mixer and Phantom microphone power to help reduce field equipment inventory and setup times. All have standard Analog and Livewire I/O, and a built-in terminal adapter with integral NT1 for worldwide compatibility without software changes. The studio version also has standard AES/EBU I/O, and the portable Xstream features a DSP-based AGC/limiter with Omnia audio processing and selectable presets for music & voice.

Ready for your rack

The Zephyr Xstream rackmount version is a full-featured ISDN transceiver that’s become the “gold standard” for ISDN codecs around the world. In fact, Zephyr may be the most popular digital broadcast product ever, with tens of thousands in service at radio and TV stations, recording and voice-over studios everywhere. The front panel has a backlit display screen with a friendly, logical control structure and Fast Access Menu Keys to quickly call up system information and settings. Other controls include meters for send-and receive-audio levels, a dialing keypad, and a front-panel headphone jack with level control for convenient direct monitoring. Zephyr Xstream also includes an Auto-Dial function with storage for up to 100 stored Preset Numbers — each with its own bitrate and transmit/receive settings. 30 Location settings permit quick recall of ISDN line and audio settings for your most commonly visited remote sites

On the rear panel you’ll find standard balanced analog I/O with auxiliary unbalanced inputs, presented on combination XLR/TRS connections. AES/EBU I/O is standard, with a separate AES sync input. Remote control is supported using either the 100BASE-T Ethernet port or the RS-232 port. There are also eight bi-directional inputs/outputs for end-to-end contact closure emulation. The built-in ISDN Terminal Adapter is compatible with telcos worldwide. And Zephyr Xstream also has native Livewire support, for one-cable connection to Axia AoIP networks.

Ready for the road

The portable Zephyr Xstream MXP has all the features found in the rackmount Zephyr Xstream, plus a digital four-channel stereo mixer with two local mixes, inside a road-ready case designed for the rigors of on-the-go broadcasting. The rugged shock-resistant case helps prevent bumps and bruises, and an included flip-up metal stand lets you tilt the unit up for the best viewing angle on desktops or whatever handy surface you’re broadcasting from. The alpha-numeric dial pad also generates DTMF tones for navigation through voice menu systems.

Zephyr Xstream MXP’s four-input stereo DSP mixer directly feeds its codec section; mic/line switchable inputs with pan also include a preset mic limiter & AGC processing by Omnia; inputs 1 & 2 have switchable 48-volt Phantom power. There’s a front panel headphone jack for Local Mix 1 that monitors either Send or Receive audio, or a mixture of the two. Local Mix 2 has separate front-panel controls for the three rear-panel headphone jacks, plus a pair of balanced XLR line outputs to feed guest phones or monitors.

Around back, the Xstream MXP differs from its rackmount brother by its inclusion of 4 input connections, plus headphone/monitor outputs. Both Zephyr Xstream models are fan-free for silent operation.

Xstream ISDN Codec Specifications {LEGACY PRODUCT}

General

Full duplex, high-fidelity codec using MPEG-2 AAC, MPEG-4 AAC-LD MPEG-2 Layer-3, MPEG-2 Layer-2, AACPlus, and G.722; fully compliant with international standards.

Frequency Response

20 - 20kHz @ 48kHz fs (+0/-1dB, swept sine tone procedure)
AAC all modes except Stereo 64: 20-19,800Hz at 48kHz fs., 20-15,000Hz at 32kHz fs.
AAC Stereo 64: 20-10,000Hz at 48kHz fs., 20-7,000Hz at 32kHz fs
AACPlus mono (for use reception from the Xport): 20-15,000 Hz 48kHz fs
Layer 3 all modes: 20-16,000Hz at 48kHz fs., 20-15,000Hz at 32kHz fs
Layer 2 mono, dual mono: 20-7.8kHz/9.8kHz
Layer 2 mono 20-8.6 kHz at 24 kHz fs.
Layer 2 joint stereo: 20-20,000Hz at 48kHz fs. 20-15 kHz at 32kHz fs
G.722: 20-7,500Hz.

THD+N

Audio loopback, 48kHz fs, analog I/O, input at 1kHz +20dBu: 0.004%

Dynamic Range

A Weighting, AAC, Layer-3 or 2 end-to-end: 101dB typical

Send Input

Active balanced with RF protection.

Zephyr Xstream:

LINE: Settable to -11 or +4dBu (or -15 to 0 dBu) nominal level
Clip point: 18 dB above chosen nominal level.
Impedance: > 10K Ohms (x2)
Connector: XLR female/quarter-inch TRS combo connector.

Zephyr Xstream MX and MXP:

LINE: -11 or +4dBu nominal level (switchable).
MIC: Accepts -65 to -24 dBu in 2 ranges (switchable). Mic impedance </= 1000 Ohms
Clip point: 15 dB above chosen nominal level.
Impedance: Line > 10K Ohms (x2)
Connector: XLR female/quarter-inch TRS combo connector.

Limiter

Zephyr Xstream MXP

Internal DSP-based AGC/limiter with Omnia® audio processing. Includes presets for music & voice, selectable per channel.

Zephyr Xstream

Analog soft-clipper prevents A/D converter overload without loss of dynamic range

Line Bit Rates (ISDN)

56 or 64kbps per channel, front panel selectable

Bit Rates (V.35/X.21)

56, 64, 112 (imuxed), 128 (imuxed), 96, 128, 256, 384 kbps front panel selectable

Receive Output

Active differential.
Level: Front panel selectable for -10 or +4dBu, nominal.
Impedance: < 33 Ohms (x2)
XLR male

AES/EBU Digital I/O (rackmount version only)

Sample rates supported: 32, 44.1 and 48kHz
Rate conversion: Input and output independently selectable. Can be bypassed.
Input clock: From external source or Telco clock.
Output clock: From transmission sample rate, external source, or AES/EBU input.

Inverse Multiplex/Demultiplex

Internal channel splitting/combining of two network channels for stereo modes.

AAC: Telos Zephyr™ protocol.
AAC-LD: Telos Zephyr™ protocol.
Layer-3: FHG/Telos Zephyr™ (Buchta) protocol.
Layer-2: CCS CDQ™ protocol compatible.

Optional V.35/X.21 Direct Digital Interface

Two ports, both V.35/X.21. Automatically selected when the appropriate cable is connected.

ISDN Interface

Compatible with National ISDN, AT&T 5ESS custom, Northern Telecom DMS-100 custom, Siemens EWSD, INS 64(Japan) and EURO-ISDN (ETS-300). Compatibility and approval pending in some countries; contact Telos for current status.

LAN Interface

100Base-T Ethernet port using RJ-45 connector. Full Duplex Supports TCP/IP (HTML, Telnet and FTP).

ISDN Voice Telephone Mode

Two channels using G.711 standard, μ-Law or A-Law. 300–3,400Hz. DTMF signaling provided (CCITT standard).
Remote Control and Ancillary Data
RS-232 9-pin D-Sub female (DCE): Asynchronous; 8 data, no parity, 1/2 stop, 2400-57,600 bps.
100Base-T Ethernet port using RJ-45-style connector using Telnet or web browser (HTML).