360 Systems DigiCart/E - Manual (Page 10)

8
• Introduction
Designing for Better Network Reliability
In designing the new Ethernet Audio system, primary objectives were reliability and maintainability. Key
decisions in the network's design allow it to achieve an exceptional level of robustness, making it suitable for
the continuous-use nature of broadcasting.
Ethernet Audio is a Dedicated Network
A dedicated network provides high-speed data transfer, uninterrupted audio, and the highest level of
reliability. Since the Ethernet Audio network is economical to install, there is little reason to share it with
non-audio applications.
Redundant Storage is Standard Equipment
With Ethernet Audio, valuable files can be stored locally in each DigiCart recorder's hard drive, as well as on
the network server. This form of distributed storage has a very low additional cost, and is the best guarantee
of always being on-air.
360 Systems Builds All Audio Components
360 Systems builds 100% of the new DigiCart/E recorder, the most critical part of the Ethernet Audio system.
We have 12-years experience delivering high-reliability audio equipment to television broadcasters, giving us
every confidence in the long-term reliability of DigiCart/E.
Qualified Network Components
360 Systems qualifies and recommends network components for use in Ethernet Audio systems. To obtain
reliable long-term operation, the network employs quality products from first-line manufacturers such as
Compaq, Dell, Cisco Systems and 3-Com. See the appendix Qualified Network Components on page 63.
Ethernet Audio Uses Commercial Grade Network File Servers
File Servers qualified by 360 Systems include standard features such as mirrored disk drives, dual cooling
fans, dial-in remote diagnostics, error logging and reporting, and Windows® 2000 Server operating system.
User choices include dual-mains power, an uninterruptable power supply (UPS), clustered servers, and RAID
5 drive arrays. 360 Systems can assist with the selection of a server that best meets the price and performance
objectives of each installation.
Professional Audio Equipment for the Ethernet Audio
Network
Connectivity with Popular Audio Workstations
The Ethernet Audio network includes everything you'll need to transfer production audio between most
workstations (DAWs) and our network file server. Wave files (.wav and .bwf) are native to the new
DigiCart/E. Choices include 16 and 24-bit word widths, and sample rates from 44.1K through 96K.
Macintosh® and PC computers can readily communicate with the Ethernet Audio network through a standard
100 Mb Ethernet port.