Embed or de-embed eight AES at the same time and in any combination

TANDEM 3G is a single board solution providing a combined embedder and de-embedder for four groups of digital audio – with the ability to embed and de-embed at the same time. Working with 3Gb/s, HD and SD sources and including integrated fibre input or output connectivity while still only using a single slot in a frame, makes TANDEM 3G a powerful, economic and space-saving solution for a very wide range of applications.

Why use TANDEM 3G?

TANDEM 3G is a very powerful audio embedder/de-embedder system.

One of its strengths is its ability to be used with a variety of signals: 3Gb/s, HD and SD video, along with either 110 ohm or 75 ohm digital audio. It can embed or de-embed synchronous 48kHz AES, asynchronous 48kHz AES and synchronous Dolby E. When transporting Dolby E, any Dolby E stream must be treated as a stereo pair and no audio processing applied to ensure integrity of the audio.

TANDEM 3G is ideal for applications requiring both embedding and de-embedding at the same time, while for those that just need to embed or de-embed there is no price premium to buy one device that can be used as both an embedder or de-embedder as required.

Its ability to work with four audio groups allows broadcasters to have surround sound without Dolby E, and also makes it ideal for multi-language applications and for sports programming featuring both commentary and ‘ground’ effects.

Embed and de-embed exactly what you want

TANDEM 3G offers complete freedom when embedding and de-embedding external audio, and can be used with up to four audio groups.

There are eight bi-directional digital audio connections on the board which can each be independently configured as either an AES input or AES output, allowing the embedding or de-embedding of up to eight AES stereo pairs at the same time and in any combination.

Typically used for embedding or de-embedding all eight AES channels, or for embedding four AES while de-embedding four AES at the same time, such is the flexibility of TANDEM 3G you could just as easily use it to, for example, embed three AES channels and de-embed five – or any other combination you choose.

The four output embedders can be individually enabled or disabled, allowing any other data already present on the input video to be retained for downstream use.

Audio routing

TANDEM 3G includes powerful audio routing, allowing full shuffling and overwriting of the mono channels between all four groups.

At the heart of TANDEM 3G are two 32 input/16 output mono audio routing matrices. One is the embedder output router, with the other the AES output router. These allow up to 32 possible audio input channels (16 embedded channels from up to four groups present on the input video, plus up to eight external stereo pair AES inputs) to be routed to 16 outputs for either embedding into up to four groups on the output video, or up to eight external stereo pair AES outputs.

HANC cleaning removes the original version of old groups.

Easy to match all your signals - with audio and video delays

An adjustable audio delay of up to 80ms on each stereo pair of linear AES or Dolby E can be used to compensate for any small delay between the incoming video and audio signals caused by video processing. Each stereo pair can be selected to be either delayed or not delayed.

TANDEM 3G also provides a switchable one or two frames video delay, adjustable in whole frame steps, which is useful for matching Dolby E delays.

Converting to or from Dolby E delays the audio by one video frame and by incorporating the option of a one or two frame video delay within TANDEM 3G, the video and audio timing can be brought back into alignment at points where it matters (such as when switching signals or approaching a mixer) and therefore avoid lip-sync errors.

By offering two frames of delay, TANDEM 3G can even compensate for ‘both ways’ Dolby E conversion – such as de-embedding Dolby E, converting it to linear AES to make adjustments, encoding it back to Dolby E and then re-embedding it into the video.

Optimise the audio

TANDEM 3G includes full audio processing of the linear AES.

The audio levels can be increased or decreased to match the rest of your system, or even be muted to silence. There are a total of 32 individual audio gain controls, for the 16 channels of audio de-embedded from the video audio and 16 channels of external AES audio. Each gain control is independently adjustable between +18dB and -18dB in 0.1 steps.

Stereo to mono conversion is available to help those broadcasting a multi-language service. Each of the 32 audio input channels can also be individually inverted – allowing you to correct for any reversed wiring of differential pairs. Forward error correction ensures audio quality is maintained, while asynchronous 48kHz AES can also be resampled.

Optimise the video

It’s not just the audio that can be improved. TANDEM 3G additionally includes a video proc-amp for picture optimisation, with adjustment of the video gain, black level and independent YUV gains by up to 200%.

Fibre connectivity - on the board

If you need to embed and de-embed signals from beyond your local equipment bay, it’s easy to give TANDEM 3G integrated fibre connectivity – and still only use a single frame slot. Just order either the FIP fibre input option, FOP fibre output option or FIO fibre input and output option.

With a fibre option fitted you could easily, for example, take signals from another part of the building and de-embed audio into the audio mixer, or embed audio from the audio mixer and then send the signals to another area.

Designed for SMPTE 297-2006 short-haul applications, the FIP is used to receive an optical input and the FOP to transmit an optical output using a Class I laser. The FOP can do both - giving giving you simultaneous fibre input and output. With a FIP or FIO fitted you can select your video input source to be taken either from the input BNC or the optical input.

Having the fibre integral to the board reduces the need to use up additional rack space for separate fibre optic transmitters and receivers – as well as saving you money.

TANDEM 3G can also support CWDM lasers if required.

Save rack space

TANDEM 3G is a space-saving 100mm x 266mm module which is housed alongside any other product in the standard frames – available in 4U, 2U, 1U and desk top box sizes – with up to 12 boards fitting in 2U.

TANDEM 3G can be used with five different frame rear modules to access the inputs and outputs. Select from the RM47 (for standard 110 ohm applications), RM49 (for standard 75 ohm applications), RM60 (when using 110 ohm audio with a fibre input or output option fitted), RM61 (for 75 ohm fibre applications) and RM70 (when using 110 ohm audio with a fibre input and output fitted).

Easy and flexible control

TANDEM 3G is very straightforward to operate, with control options including board edge switches, an active front panel on the frame, a remote control panel, GPIs, SNMP and the Statesman PC software. Up to 16 user-defined presets, containing the board setup data, may be stored and recalled.

Always know the status of your signal

One GPI output is reserved for alarm indication and may be assigned any number of 37 video and audio alarms, allowing comprehensive signal monitoring. The silence alarms can be delayed before triggering to prevent false alarming during quiet periods in the audio.