Tieline, the Codec Company, announced that it unveiled two new MPX codecs for the first time at NAB2023. These codecs, namely MPX I and MPX II, delivered composite FM multiplex (MPX) codec solutions for real-time network distribution of FM-MPX or MicroMPX (µMPX) signals to transmitter sites. The MPX I was ideal for transmitting a composite STL signal from a single station with return monitoring, while the Tieline MPX II could transport two discrete composite FM-MPX signals from the studio to transmitters with return monitoring. Both units supported analog MPX on BNC, MPX over AES192, and multipoint signal distribution, delivering a wide range of flexible composite encoder and decoder solutions for various applications.
The MPX I and MPX II supported sending the full uncompressed FM signal or high-quality compressed µMPX at much lower bit rates. An optional satellite tuner card with MPEG-TS and MPE support could receive DVB-S or DVB-S2 signals.
At NAB2023, Tieline unveiled the new MPX codecs. The Tieline MPX II codec was unveiled for the first time at the event. Charlie Gawley, VP Sales APAC & EMEA, expressed excitement about the introduction of the two new MPX codecs. He mentioned that these codecs leveraged their longstanding expertise in audio encoding to flexibly and reliably distribute composite signals to transmitter sites. Charlie Gawley further stated, “By supporting both analog and digital composite MPX signals, broadcasters could transition from analog to digital exciters over time and maximize the value of their MPX investment.”
The practice of sending transmission-ready FM composite signals from the studio allowed broadcasters to maintain audio processing and RDS data insertion at the studio. This practice significantly reduced capital and operational costs by eliminating processing equipment from transmitter sites, leading to reduced on-site power consumption, wiring, and site visits for service and support.
The distribution of composite MPX over IP signals could be easily replicated and distributed using multicast and multi-unicast technologies. These signals took advantage of rock-solid redundancy features such as redundant streaming, RIST, FEC, and automated SD card file failover.