News Archive

Advanced OPTOCORE Networks Transmit Papal Masses in Glasgow and Birmingham

SSE and Wigwam choose optical fibre control for site wide distribution

Munich, October 12th, 2010

Advanced Optocore systems were used for site wide signal distribution by both SSE Audio Group and Wigwam Hire when Pope Benedict XVI visited the UK recently.

While SSE were entrusted with providing the full audio design and implementation for the two-and-a-half-hour mass at Bellahouston Park, Glasgow - as well as the full programme of pre- and post-service entertainment - Wigwam did likewise at Cofton Park in Birmingham.

The solution provided for SSE project manager Dan Bennett, had far-reaching consequences. The bespoke fibre system, configured and supported by Optocore (from both Germany and the UK), was designed to enable them to tunnel Ethernet through their optical fibre system, enabling L'Acoustics' new Network Manager Remote Control Software to reside on the network.

Bennett realised that Optocore would give them the combined benefit of sufficient bandwidth, L'Acoustics system support and the extensive coverage required between the mixing position and the stage. This included nearly measured 500m distance from front to back.

In total SSE used 21 x 150m fibres over more than a 2km ring. Fed by Dolby Lake processors, all the distribution was handled by Optocore's workhorse DD32E.

Bennett explained, "WIth 100-plus LA-8's feeding 20 hangs of L'Acoustics K1, VDOSC, KUDO and KIVA, we needed to be able to individually call up and healthcheck the amps remotely. To be able to do this via Optocore's 100Mbit/sec Ethernet tunnel was amazing - that was the real selling point for us."

Optocore supplied 18 of Optocore's flexible V3R FX devices - configured eight Line Out - for converting the analogue signals to AES-EBU at the amp rack locations. This allowed Dan Bennett and his system tech Nick Pain, to send 24 AES and eight analogue signals from the Dolby Lake drive rack down the same fibre from the house position. Providing tie lines and comms between FOH and stage were two Optocore X6R-FX converters (configured 8 Mic In, 8 Line Out).

"This is the biggest system I have designed - and fibre is the only thing that will run over those distances," Dan Bennett confirmed. "The Optocore system was rock solid and provided a fantastic solution."

And FOH sound engineer Craig Pryde agreed, "The Optocore fibre backbone was a perfect solution for signal distribution - it worked flawlessly."

In Birmingham Wigwam Hire were faced with a different challenge, needing to integrate their Avid VENUE mixing console into the network, and enable control of the d&b audiotechnic proprietary remote network.

Wigwam's Rob Priddle, who specified the system under the direction of Chris Hill, designed the solution. And thanks to the new firmware developed for Optocore's DD4ME MADI network device - enabling the BNC ports to function not as MADI, but as Digidesign VENUE's proprietary coaxial digital snake - this could be achieved.

Four of the software-modified DD4ME's were used as stand alone devices - two each in the Stage and FOH racks. While the main FOH console was a 56-channel Midas XL4 this was supported by a 96-channel Avid VENUE D-Show, which handled the vast number of choir inputs, and the Optocore fibre covered the 150m distance to the 112-channel Digico SD7 desk at the stage (supported by a PM5D).

Wigwam digital specialist, Alex Hadjigeorgiou, explained that this had enabled them to construct three separate distribution networks - all on fully-redundant rings - fed from a Yamaha DME-64 mix engine, which handled the matrix and delays.

"The distance to the delay towers would have been over 500 metres," reasoned Hadjigeorgiou. "We have to work in absolutes, and in view of the network size we knew the only way we could do this was with Optocore."

OPTOCORE Scoops Top Industry Award

Munich, October 7th, 2010

Optocore has picked up a top award in the Audio Pro Industry Excellence Awards, run in association with NAMM.

The company won 'The Most Innovative Installation' category in the Live & Installed section, for Viva Elvis in Las Vegas - adjudged by an independent panel of 100 pro audio professionals.

The Awards were arranged into two categories: Studio & Broadcast Sound and Live & Installed Sound - with an additional Lifetime Achievement Award.

Optocore designed and installed its largest single ring network so far for the Cirque du Soleil production. At the client's request, Optocore enhanced the system to provide for multiple clients in a server-based topology, to meet the needs of the production.

Said Optocore director of sales and marketing, Tine Helmle, "I am delighted and proud to have won such a prestigious award and our thanks go out to everyone who recognised the creativity of this project.

"Viva Elvis at the Aria Resort & Casino is such a great installation and reflects what Optocore products are made for, and the superb performance our system delivers. For this we must also thank the show's designers Jonathan Deans, Matthew Ezold and Aaron Beck for their vision and foresight."

Clear-Com Eclipse™ Hybrid Network to run over OPTOCORE™ Fibre Network

Munich, September 23rd, 2010

Equipment running on the Clear-Com booths at this month's IBC consisted of an Eclipse Hybrid Network Intercom solution (as used at the Vancouver Winter Olympics and South African World Cup) running over an Optocore audio distribution network.

Clear-Com Hybrid Network
The Eclipse Hybrid network features Clear-Com's industry leading native IP V-Series intercom panels linked to an Eclipse-Median Intercom frame over IP fitted with its high density 32 IP channel card (IVC-32). The Clear-Com Eclipse Hybrid Intercom system allows unprecedented levels of flexibility allowing customers to utilise established IT networks to rapidly deploy a high quality intercom solution without the need for additional costly interfaces or the time consuming installation of home-run cabling architectures. Eclipse intercom systems are therefore a Hybrid with IP connected users and conventional interfaces to 4-wire audio, radios, controls and telephones.

Optocore SANE Network
OPTOCORE is a patented fibre optic network system specifically designed to meet the requirements of the professional broadcast, installation, sound reinforcement, lighting, studio and video production industries, and satisfy the demands of critical applications requiring wide dynamic range, negligible distortion, and extremely low noise.

The Optocore SANE network is a Synchronous Audio Network plus Ethernet allowing distribution of audio over fiber or CAT-5 cabling. It also provides a standard IP connection provision over the ultra low latency network via two X6R converter boxes - these allow a separate IP data path to sit alongside a variety of digital and analogue sources, enabling a highly flexible network to be created. This can be interfaced with almost every brand of console.

Key Points

• a single network for high quality intelligent intercoms and audio distribution
• dual-redundant fiber ring for high availability
• flexibility to rapidly extend intercoms to a variety of locations
• dramatic reduction in cabling complexity while utilising the latest technology the intercom and audio routing worlds have to offer.

www.clearcom.com

OPTOCORE enjoys most successful PLASA show ever

Munich, September 16th, 2010

Optocore enjoyed its most successful PLASA Show ever in London this month, presenting the full range of network architecture capabilities by taking visitors on a journey around the ring topology.

This approached proved a huge success. "We received many high-quality international clients over the four days, who were hugely enthusiastic about the new digital devices with Ethernet, which we presented," said sales and marketing director, Tine Helmle.

"I think that being able to immerse themselves in the network gave our clients a fourth dimension, which impressed them enormously."

The only time the fluent, easy access was disturbed was when journalists converged en masse from all corners of the hall for the announcement of the new DD32R, which was being shown for the first time. A 100% attendance heard International Sales Manager Mike Case introduce the new upgrade to the popular DD32E network interface - offering increased featureset and efficiency, reduced carbon footprint and 40% decrease in price.

Also being announced for the first time was Optocore's Multiple Emulation Mode (MEM) software - allowing up to four mixing consoles to control Optocore analogue devices, plus an unlimited number of computers - and the new firmware for its DD4ME MADI network device, to allow consoles from Avid Technology (formerly Digidesign), to operate on its network.

On top of everything, Optocore founder Marc Brunke was invited to become one of the expert panelists at the well-attended AV Networks 2010 seminar on the Wednesday, co-sponsored by Pro Sound News Europe and Installation Europe.

OPTOCORE DD32R with Ethernet redefines the use of fibre

New streamlined digital device offers expanded featureset: double bandwith: significantly lower cost: 40% less power

Munich, September 13th, 2010

OPTOCORE has announced a significant upgrade to its hugely popular DD32E network interface - offering increased featureset and efficiency, reduced carbon footprint and 40% decrease in price.

The result is the new DD32R, which will receive its world debut at this month's PLASA Show in London, and will substantially raise the bar in networking professional audio.

When it was launched in the early part of the new millennium, the original DD32 quickly became an AES/EBU conversion standard. "With a couple of thousand of the DD32E I/O network converters now serving some of the most demanding installations around the world, it was time to look at how we could improve this device," states Optocore's sales and marketing director, Tine Helme. "The new DD32R meets the challenge head on, offering all the features of the DD32E plus many new ones."

The benefits are numerous - starting with the price. "Due to a combination of careful design, streamlined production and adoption of the latest technologies we have been able to reduce costs by a massive 40%," continued Helmle.

At the same time the DD32R provides a much more energy efficient option - with a reduced power consumption of 40%.

"Although a power draw of 22 Watts was still fairly unbelievable for a fully-featured, multi-gigabit switch with 64 AES lines, we knew we could improve this further," continued Helmle. "So now we have reduced it to 14 Watts. Compare this to a computer infrastructure, with 1G and 10Gb switches and imagine how many thousands of power plants could be spared if they used our equipment!"

The new R Series device also provides 100% more fibre bandwidth, offering 2GBit operation, for an astonishing 1024 input channels per ring (plus unlimited number of output channels). This makes single rings even more powerful and stacked rings for an unlimited number of inputs even easier to implement.

Providing a further significant advantage, the DD32R includes a full 100MBit Virtual Ethernet Switch over the entire network. "When using Optocore over the long distances, our 100MBit works better then most 1GBit Ethernet devices," promises Helmle. "On top of that the Virtual Ethernet Switch provides redundancy without the need for special programming."

Via the SANE port the network designer can become highly creative, enabling him to add analogue channels, further Ethernet and MADI devices to the network.

Finally all 'R' series devices will operate down to minus 20 degrees Celsius and feature 50µ hard gold plated connectors for premium quality and long life.

OPTOCORE'S Multiple Emulation Mode enhancement

Munich, September 9th, 2010

OPTOCORE has announced a new software release, which will meet one of the most frequently requested control enhancements.

With new Multiple Emulation Mode (MEM) software, up to four mixing consoles will be able to control Optocore analogue devices, plus an unlimited number of computers.

"In its simplest form, Multiple Emulation Mode allows our users to have the PC connected for matrixing and system diagnostics, while the consoles control the gain of Optocore's renowned microphone preamps," states Optocore founder, Marc Brunke. "In more advanced set-ups multiple consoles can control the gain of networked preamps - even if these are different brands, operating in parallel."

However, the biggest benefit comes when using Optocore's innovative dual-microphone preamps, where users can have up to four individually-controlled preamps for a single microphone. For the first time ever, this feature gives multiple users real analogue control over a single mic.

The new MEM software will receive an early high profile debut at this Autumn's 19th Commonwealth Games, where workflow and signal transport will be optimised in the broadcast centre, allowing up to four different digital consoles to control Optocore preamps on an Optocore network.

Multiple Emulation Mode Highlights

• Uses up to four different Emulation modes at the same time, with the same Optocore network capabilities as before
• Enables control of the dual mic inputs' two independent preamps on Optocore's X6R converters from different locations and different consoles
• Real time control from both Optocore software and Emulation Mode
• Possibility to mix different console brands
• Supports most available digital consoles

OPTOCORE launches new AES3 card for X6R converters

New switching configurations offer unprecedented flexibility

Munich, August 25th, 2010

Optocore, pioneer of digital fibre networks, has responded to market demand for multi-format signal transfer by developing a new AES3 (AES/EBU) I/O card for its X6R 16-channel converters.

The new card provides 16 AES channels, with the ability to change the Inputs or Outputs in groups of eight. Complementing the existing Mic/Line conversion cards, the AES3 offers a number of new device options, providing unprecedented flexibility way beyond the 64 AES/EBU channels offered by its primary DD32E network device.

The user-configurable architecture will bring huge benefits to the pro audio community. For example devices equipped with an AES3 Card and an 8-channel analogue converter card will allow the user to decide whether he wants to use 16 AES channels (I/O switchable in groups of eight) or use the eight analogue channels combined with eight AES3 channels.

Optocore support engineer, Christian Pötsch, reinforces the advantages of software-selectability between the analogue and digital inputs. "Enormous flexibility resides in this solution, which can be configured according to the user's needs - whether the user wants to use all 16 AES channels (and no analogue I/O), or a combination of both," he says. "These are genuinely innovative network devices, which can be directly connected to SANE or the Optocore fibre network - without the need for a DD32E in the chain - as was the case with the previous X6 converters."

The new combination, he says, would work particularly well in amplifier racks - where the amps can be connected by AES, but with the option to incorporate any analogue input feeds as well.

The different configurations offered by the new AES3 card are as follows:

NEW CARD CONFIGURATIONS

X6R-16AE: 1 x 16 channel AES3 I/O, with Euroblock connectors, up to 192kHz sample rate.
X6R-8AE/8MI: 1 x 8 channel AES3 I/O, 1 x 8 channel Mic input, 1dB analogue step. Euroblock connectors up to 192kHz sample rate.
X6R-8AE/8LI: 1 x 8 channel AES3 I/O, 1 x 8 channel Line Inputs, Euroblock connectors up to 192kHz sample rate.
X6R-8AE/8LO: 1 x 8 channel AES3 I/O 1 x 8 channel Line Outputs, Euroblock connectors, up to 192kHz sample rate.

Optocore have also produced AES cards for the new X6R-TP (16-channel converter with 24ID SANE network). These are as follows:

X6R-TP-16AE: 1 x 16 channel AES3 I/O with RJ-45 ports (TP). Channels available: 16 on the card, plus 32 AES, plus 64 over the SANE port (providing a total of 112 channels).
X6R-TP-8AE/8MI: 1 x 8-channel AES3 I/O, 1 x 8 channel Mic Inputs with RJ-45 ports (TP). Channels available: 16 on the card, plus 32 AES, plus 64 over the SANE port (providing a total of 112 channels).
X6RF-TP-8AE/8LI: 1 x 8 channel AES3 I/O, 1 x 8 channel Line Inputs with RJ-45 ports (TP). Channels available: 16 on the card, plus 32 AES, plus 64 over the SANE port (providing a total of 112 channels).
X6R-TP-8AE/8LO: 1 x 8 channel AES3 I/O, 1 x 8 channel Line Outputs, with RJ-45 ports (TP). Channels available: 16 on the card, plus 32 AES, plus 64 over the SANE port (providing a total of 112 channels).

Finally, AES3 cards available for the new X6R-FX (16-channel converter with 24ID SANE network to 24ID Optocore network) are as follows:

X6R-FX-16AE: 1 x 16 channel AES3 I/O with RJ-45 ports (TP) and Fibre ports (FX). Channels available: 16 on the card, plus 32 AES, plus 64 over the SANE port and 512 over the Optocore ports (providing a total of 592 channels).
X6R-FX-8AE/8MI: 1 x 8 channel AES3 I/O, 1 x 8 channel Mic Inputs with RJ-45 ports (TP) and Fibre ports (FX). Channels available: 16 on the card, plus 32 AES, plus 64 over the SANE port and 512 over the Optocore ports (providing a total of 592 channels).
: 1 x 8 channel AES3 I/O, 1 x 8 channel Line Inputs with RJ-45 ports (TP) and Fibre ports (FX). Channels available: 16 on the card, plus 32 AES, plus 64 over the SANE port and 512 over the Optocore ports (providing a total of 592 channels).
X6R-FX-8AE/8LO: 1 x 8 channel AES3 I/O, 1 x 8 channel Line Outputs, with RJ-45 ports (TP) and Fibre ports (FX). Channels available: 16 on the card, plus 32 AES, plus 64 over the SANE port and 512 over the Optocore ports (providing a total of 592 channels).

OPTOCORE releases new Server/Client software

Munich, August 18th, 2010

Optocore has developed new Server/Client software that will facilitate simultaneous network control from multiple computers.

Prior to this latest development, the standard Optocore control software had been purely Workstation-based - meaning that Optocore network control was confined to the software installed on a single computer.

"In other words, if different personnel, with their own computers, wanted to initiate simultaneous changes for different devices in the network, this would not have been possible," explains Optocore support engineer, Christian Pötsch. "However, the Server/Client version of the software provides much greater flexibility."

Setting up could not be easier. Upon installation, the software asks whether the user wishes to install 'Workstation', 'Client' or 'Server & Client'.

By installing 'Server & Client' on one computer - connected to the Optocore network by USB or RS232 - and 'Client' on every other nominated computer the Optocore network can be controlled by enabling the Ethernet transport once a LAN has been set up between the computers (using standard components).

Once configured, every individual computer can access the server, and users can make changes to the network simultaneously.

Said Tine Helme, Optocore Director of Sales & Marketing, "The major benefit of the server-client structure is the user right management. This creates so much versatility for multiple computer users on the network, enabling reconfiguration and status monitoring, with different access rights - all transported by the Optocore network via a standard Ethernet LAN between the client and server computers. At the same time there remains the option of operating in standard Workstation mode - all within the same package. It is what our customers have been requesting for some time."

OPTOCORE looks for growth down under by appointing P.A.T

Advanced networking creates perfect brand synergy, states Patrick Salloch

Munich, August 11th, 2010

With a growing requirement for networked audio solutions in Australia's broadcast and live sectors, Optocore GmbH has appointed Professional Audio Technology as its exclusive territorial distributor. The highly-experienced Sydney-based operation headed by Patrick Salloch takes up its role with immediate effect.

Speaking of the appointment, Optocore sales and marketing director, Tine Helmle stated, "I feel we have found the perfect partner in Australia. PAT will concentrate its activities on Optocore's core markets, namely broadcast, permanent and live sound. We look forward to an extensive and successful period in this region together with Patrick and his team."

100% Australian owned (by MD, Salloch, and Technology Director, Tony Fitzsimmons), PAT have spent the last 15 years providing Australian and New Zealand customers with high quality technical solutions and enjoy an impeccable reputation in the broadcast and pro-audio industries.

PAT's managing director said he was honoured to have been chosen as Optocore's exclusive distribution partner in Australia. "The Optocore products bridge the gap between various high end manufacturers when it comes to having a rock solid and reliable network for audio, video and data. In addition, Optocore provides solutions in the architecture of high end broadcast and/or pro audio systems that hadn't previously been addressed by other manufacturers - they have excelled in the field of distribution networking to become the world leader."

admits that it was the flexibility, reliability and production quality of the Optocore products that first attracted them. "Australia has always been a trailblazer when it comes to adopting new technologies and 'pushing the envelope' that bit further than the rest of the world, and I am certain we will continue to run into open doors with broadcasters and high end production companies with Optocore.

In addition, he says, the Optocore acquisition will create a perfect synergy with the other industry leading brands represented by PAT. "The products have been very well received in Australia so far, now it is our job to educate the market further about Optocore, and the solutions it can provide."

www.proaudiotechnology.com.au

Optocore Installs Largest-Ever Audio Network at Viva ELVIS in Las Vegas

Munich, August 4th, 2010

The largest Optocore single ring network ever installed is currently in use in the Cirque du Soleil's Viva ELVIS production at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

The system was chosen by Cirque's sound designer Jonathan Deans after witnessing an Optocore demonstration in New York by Optocore president Marc Brunke. Following discussions in which Deans laid out the unique requirement for Viva ELVIS, Optocore accelerated development of the system to provide for multiple clients in a server-based topology.

"We're the first to use client-servers," says the show's assistant head of audio Aaron Beck. "Up until now, Optocore was run from a single computer. We wanted multiple clients to be able to control any part of the network-we have two clients in the monitor room, one at the front of house, one in the equipment room, and another in the RF area," he explains.

With 21 network devices on the ring out of a possible 24, the system has ample room for expansion. The 21 devices handle 504 audio inputs and 776 outputs, converted to 48 kHz AES digital audio.

A guitar sub-system incorporates three on-stage guitarists, a vault of vintage guitars, a basement full of amplifiers, and a forest of foot pedals that must be switched on the fly while the guitarists are busy with their choreography or riding up the 50' set. MIDI triggers and a chain of 18 different Optocore network devices, Optocore A/D converters, mics and direct inputs (DIs) all interconnected with no buzz or hum, get the job done.

Integration of Optocore fibre optic networks into live performance systems is assured by a very low overall latency of 41.6µs between any points in the synchronous network, regardless of complexity, allowing for use in stage and in-ear monitor applications.

Optocore's ability to create 24 keystroke macros per client is heavily used in Viva ELVIS. One macro was written to switch playback outputs from one Optocore DD2FE MADI I/O module to a second DD2FE, effectively becoming the redundant-switcher. The macro can also be triggered via MIDI, if desired.

"We're using macros a lot in our backup scenarios. We route stem mixes from the FOH console to a Yamaha 02R next to our LCS monitor console. If the LCS were to crash, we can reroute the in-ear monitor signals to come from the 02R with a press of a macro. All band members would continue to get in-ear monitoring while we re-booted the monitor console," Beck says. The YS2 and YG2 expansion cards, made by Optocore for Yamaha digital consoles, allow for simple fibre connection of 32 I/O into a Yamaha 02R.

The crew has found the macros to be so useful that they have programmed more than 100 of them for use at various points during and between shows. Beck says he can easily reroute thousands of patch points in software into or out of any of the show's five main and backup consoles without moving a single wire.

"I wouldn't want to do a show without Optocore now. Regarding cost, I'd say we've saved maybe 50 per cent, based mostly on the cost of labour in terminations per copper connection. In the RF room, for example, we handle the inputs from the mics and the outputs to the in-ear monitors-40 Sennheiser 3732 receivers feed the wireless mic signals via AES digital audio directly into a single rack space Optocore DD32E.

"So what would have totaled in excess of 100 copper lines is reduced to four pieces of fibre. The job of terminating more than 100 copper lines would have taken a couple of guys several days to complete, but with four fibre terminations, one technician can do it in less than an hour," he said.

"On top of that, Optocore is flawless in performance. During the entire production process, I never had to troubleshoot a single ground problem," Beck recalls. "From day one, the system has been completely silent. The first time the monitor mixer turned his speakers up, it was so quiet he didn't even think they were on!"

OPTOCORE provides vital interface for Gearhouse Broadcast's World Cup transmissions

Munich, July 8th, 2010

An Optocore optical fibre system has been on duty in Johannesburg's International Broadcast Centre (IBC) for the duration of the football World Cup, where it has been used for signal distribution for one of Gearhouse Broadcast's major South American sports based clients.

The nerve centre for all television operations and the world's news agencies during the World Cup, the IBC was set up at the MTN Expo Centre.

Gearhouse Broadcast's Head of Sound, Ryan Campbell, configured a system for the Sports Programming Network based around Optocore converters. Analogue feeds were distributed to the Yamaha M7CL desk, fitted with Optocore YG and YS cards in the Audio Control Room, with fibre distribution between the Voice Over Booth and Master Control Room - via a series of DD32E network devices and Optocore X6 I/O interfaces.

Explains Ryan Campbell, "The Optocore rig utilized here was integral to making full use of the incoming embedded VANDA (vision and audio) circuits, containing discrete 5.1 stems across three AES pairs.

"Providing the perfect interface, we could pull and push AES between our De-Embedders/Embedders, DTS Encoders and Decoders seamlessly - although one tip is to ensure that all de-embedders are fed DARS (digital audio reference signals) in the same length cables, as this can make a difference."

Broadcast Centres, such as that in Johannesburg, historically have many analogue four-wire circuits requiring integration to both the audio mixer and communications system. "But the analogue I/O handled all of this … pre the audio mixer, freeing up valuable ports," he explained.

"We assigned a free Optocore analogue output to feed a speaker - and this allowed us to monitor any signal on the system from the PC controller position."

Meanwhile, the master source of word clock was fed from an Evertz 5600MC.

Summing up, Ryan Campbell said, "Once bedded in, this system settled down famously."

Kevin Pruce gives WIGWAM's OptoRack World Debut on Leona Lewis Labyrinth Tour

Munich, June 21st, 2010

Optocore's new OptoRack environment - the plug and play fibre line system, co-developed by the German manufacturer and Wigwam Hire - has made its world debut on Leona Lewis's current Labyrinth tour.

Experienced FOH sound engineer (and long-term Wigwam affiliate) Kevin Pruce, said that the returns system, designed to provide a flexible solution to the technical restrictions which many hire / production companies face with CAT5 cable systems, was functioning without a hitch.

"I enjoy working with new systems and know that Wigwam would never put anything out until they are 100% sure that it works," said the sound engineer. "Chris [Hill, Wigwam Hire director] decided it was time to find a solution to the problem of having to supply various different types of cable runs from FOH to stage, (AES, analogue and data). This system overcomes that, by supplying a 'plug and play' solution. Allowing 24 AES and analogue channels (plus data) to be sent down the same fibre from the house to the stage racks, which are in turn linked via fibre, enables you to access any signal at any point."

He adds, "The great things about this system are the fact there is no latency and it's a redundant system: while AES provides the main signal path we know there is an automatic analogue back up."

The system was preconfigured as a 24/8 rack by Wigwam's digital specialist, Alex Hadjigeorgiou and the production's system tech Stefano Serpagli (with 24 analogue inputs, 24 AES inputs and three LAN inputs).

At the Stage - where Ant Carr is monitor engineer - the OptoRack provides 24 outputs of both AES and analogue as well as eight AES inputs and eight analogue inputs.

To generate this, both racks are configured with Optocore proprietary converters - an X6R-FX (16 Mic In) and X6R-TP (8 Mic In, 8 Line Out) in the FOH rack, and X6R-FX (16 Line out) and X6R-TP (8 Mic in, 8 Line Out) at the Stage.

The entire signal path remains in the AES digital domain, only converting to analogue at the amp stage.

Kevin Pruce is running a 96-channel Avid Venue Profile 96ch VENUE Profile with two stage racks. The FOH rack has HDX and FWx option cards, five mix engines and plug-ins are from the Waves Live and Access All Areas bundles.

He is using 71 inputs from the stage and outputs a stereo mix via AES and analogue into a Waves Maxx BCL and then stereo AES and analogue into a Dolby Lake processor, which is running as four stereo system Mesa EQ's via a wireless tablet PC. Four stereo AES and analogue outputs transmit signals from the Dolby to the stage via the Optocore system, while a further Ethernet line from a PC at FOH runs the D&B ROPE system software for controlling the system amplifiers.

The signals derived from the Lake processors pass into the Optocore domain, which performs a Y-split - amp channels 1-8 feeding the left side of the PA, 9-16 the right. "One of the problems with AES is how you split the signals because of the nature of the patching available," says Alex Hadjigeorgiou. "However, Optocore will allow you to patch the exact A and B channel signals onto a single XLR with no duplication - with Optocore's audio distribution to the amps everything becomes a lot simpler."

"We said all along that the secret of a successful production is the equipment being invisible - never needing to touch it," says Hadjigeorgiou. "Because there were a lot of other requirements on this tour, with additions to and changes of equipment etc, this was important. With OptoRack Kevin is running the same set-up every day."

This is particularly important in a complex show, which includes band, dancers - and four costume changes from Leona Lewis.

The whole system including the console and racks are word clocked by a Rosendahl Nanosyncs audio clock this is largely because the line and returns system may not form part of the American leg, and Kevin wanted to maintain a consistent Word clock source. Stated the Wigwam man, "Ordinarily the Optocore would provide the master clock but the beauty is its flexibility, as we have been able to use this as the slave clock, distributing to the rest of the system.

"The true test of OptoRack's success," he summarised, "is that I have not had a single phone call." He confirmed that this is now one of a number of Optocore and hybrid systems Wigwam Hire have ordered - for a wide range of applications ranging from top end concert touring to installation on luxury cruise ships.

OPTOCORE launch new AES3 Card for X6R converters

Munich, May 28th, 2010

Optocore, pioneers of digital fibre networks, have developed a new I/O card for its X6R 16-channel converters.

The new AES3 (AES/EBU) card provides 16 AES channels, with the ability to change the Inputs or Outputs in groups of eight.

This complements the existing Mic/Line conversion cards, and offers a number of new device options, as follows:

X6R-TP-16AE: 1 x 16 channel AES3 I/O with RJ-45 ports (TP). Channels available: 16 on the card, plus 32 AES, plus 64 over the SANE port (providing a total of 112 channels).
X6R-TP-8AE/8MI: 1 x 8-channel AES3 I/O, 1 x 8 channel Mic Inputs with RJ-45 ports (TP). Channels available: 16 on the card, plus 32 AES, plus 64 over the SANE port (providing a total of 112 channels).
X6R-TP-8AE/8LI: 1 x 8 channel AES3 I/O, 1 x 8 channel Line Inputs with RJ-45 ports (TP). Channels available: 16 on the card, plus 32 AES, plus 64 over the SANE port (providing a total of 112 channels).
X6R-TP-8AE/8LO: 1 x 8 channel AES3 I/O, 1 x 8 channel Line Outputs, with RJ-45 ports (TP). Channels available: 16 on the card, plus 32 AES, plus 64 over the SANE port (providing a total of 112 channels).

Finally, AES3 cards available for the new X6R-FX (16-channel converter with 24ID SANE network to 24ID Optocore network) are as follows:

X6R-FX-16AE: 1 x 16 channel AES3 I/O with RJ-45 ports (TP) and Fibre ports (FX). Channels available: 16 on the card, plus 32 AES, plus 64 over the SANE port and 512 over the Optocore ports (providing a total of 592 channels).
X6R-FX-8AE/8MI: 1 x 8 channel AES3 I/O, 1 x 8 channel Mic Inputs with RJ-45 ports (TP) and Fibre ports (FX). Channels available: 16 on the card, plus 32 AES, plus 64 over the SANE port and 512 over the Optocore ports (providing a total of 592 channels).
X6R-FX-8AE/8LI: 1 x 8 channel AES3 I/O, 1 x 8 channel Line Inputs with RJ-45 ports (TP) and Fibre ports (FX). Channels available: 16 on the card, plus 32 AES, plus 64 over the SANE port and 512 over the Optocore ports (providing a total of 592 channels).
X6R-FX-8AE/8LO: 1 x 8 channel AES3 I/O, 1 x 8 channel Line Outputs, with RJ-45 ports (TP) and Fibre ports (FX). Channels available: 16 on the card, plus 32 AES, plus 64 over the SANE port and 512 over the Optocore ports (providing a total of 592 channels).

States Optocore Support Engineer, Christian Pötsch, "Aside from the I/O configuration, for devices fitted with the AES card combined with software-selectable analogue converter card, there is enormous flexibility; whether the user wants to use all 16 AES channels (and no analogue I/O), or a combination of both, the AES card will switch from 16 channels to eight channels accordingly.

Thomsun reports good OPTOCORE interest despite downturn

Munich, May 17th, 2010

Despite the reduced attendance (caused by the interruption of international flights) PALME 2010 in Dubai visitors continued to be attracted to the more innovative booths.

One of these was Thomsun Trading Est, whose Middle East launch of the new SANE protocol from Optocore formed the centrepiece of their presentation. Thomsun product specialist Alok Ghurde, was kept busy throughout answering specific and informed questions about Optocore, pioneers of optical digital fibre network systems, from the many prospective customers.

"We had a working Optocore network demonstrated on the booth with Audio, DMX and Video transport showcased. We also had the SANE devices on display," he said.

It was a move that paid off, as many of the region's leading consultants and integration companies displayed interest. The same was true on the rental side where most of the leading outfits (and some new ones) from across the GCC reacted positively.

"As a result we are following up on several enquiries," said Alok. "Many companies who own Soundcraft, Studer, Digico or other such consoles are now looking at Optocore more seriously and are envisaging purchase of an Optocore solution. "This will enable them to create a common infrastructure network for all their audio, lighting, and control gear that goes beyond having just a simple point-to-point digital snake." Those with Yamaha consoles take advantage of the MiniYGDAI YG2 cards for easy and cost effective connectivity, he said.

"This continued participation at PALME for the third year in a row has enabled us to reinforce the Optocore solution's reliability and usefulness especially to the key players in the live/rental market. In fact most leading companies are now looking for an Optocore system to service their big events, as far afield as Doha."

Biju Thomas, general manager at Thomsun Trading, added that this was also likely to have a major impact in the install sector. "With the launch of SANE, I am confident that high quality venues, such as auditoriums and sports complexes in the region, will soon benefit from the same reliability, flexibility and simplicity of the Optocore network at a very cost-effective price point."

www.thomsun.ae

Optocore NA Well Positioned for Expanding North American Market

Munich, May 7th, 2010

The recent success of the 2010 NAB Show evidenced by manufacturers involved in digital audio transport networks confirms that professional audio users in the United States and Canada are committing their future designs to further embrace fibre optic audio network systems in live sound and permanent installations. The broadcast industry worldwide has continually lead the three user groups with Asia being considered to be a number of years in advance of Europe with the Americas lagging behind their European counterparts. Over the last year Optocore systems have been installed in NBC Studios (NY), Epcot Centre, Meadowlands Stadium, Pittsburgh's new arena and the recently opened 'Viva Elvis' at City Centre in Las Vegas. The recent 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver confirmed both broadcast and live production acceptance of fibre optic systems with extensive Optocore networks by both Norwest Productions for the stadium pa network and CTV for transport around the International Broadcast centre.

Bill Coons, director Optocore NA commented, "When we launched the new North American administration in September 08 we found a handful of industry leaders who had done their homework and introducing them to Optocore was instantly accepted with confidence. At the same time we found a vast group that were skeptical about digital networks based on their experience with similar technologies. Part of the problem was bad experiences with 'new' digital consoles and dsp/CAT5 based control systems that had not performed consistently. The other issue was the nuances of fibre implementation with them being trained and not realizing it was less expensive and actually easier to maintain. Over the last 18 months we've had Optocore Certification classes throughout the states as well as special technology presentations by Marc (Brunke) and now there's a large industry cross-section of people who 'get it'."

"Our business here," Coons continued "has 'moved a decimal point to the right from the year before showing that consultants and operators have realized the cost and operational limitations of copper based systems. I speculate that few companies of conventional technology are enjoying the growth that we're experiencing. Our momentum will allow us to farther support concepts and projects that 2 years ago were just concepts but now completely doable." Recent additions of Lawo and Solid State Logic (SSL) as technology development partners that offer Emulation Mode software guarantee and ever expanding user base for Optocore primarily in the broadcast market.

Optocore Certified Training in Munich on May 20th, 2010

Munich, May 3rd, 2010

The use of digital networks and fiber optical cables for the transport of audio signals becomes increasingly popular in the pro audio world. However not only supply and demand is growing, there is also a desire for deeper and substantiated knowledge. Digital technology provides a huge platform of possible applications and therefore asks for a great know-how in order to comprehend all the possibilities. Only a well-founded understanding can utilize the complete broadness of applications and simplify the day-to-day work.

The Optocore Certification Training (OCT) provides a detailed insight into the utilization of Optocore devices as well as their integration into the OPTOCORE OPTICAL DIGITAL NETWORK SYSTEM. The Optocore Network provides several exceptional features making it a unique and outstanding system. Optocore would like to use the OCT to deepen the technical knowledge in order to enable the participants to use the Optocore system and all its advantages in temporary and fixed installations.

Optocore personnel will introduce the various devices of the Optocore family and demonstrate their function, utilization and integration into the OPTOCORE OPTICAL DIGITAL NETWORK SYSTEM. Furthermore an introduction into the configuration- and control- software, OPTOCORE CONTROL, will show how easy the complete system can be set up and managed. Additionally the seminar will provide an insight into the digital fiber optic technology, the cables and their maintenance. Substantial knowledge in this field will provide a great advantage during daily work. A big part of the training will be the new synchronous CAT5 Network SANE by Optocore and the brand new Converter Series X6R and V3R. Further topics will be 24ID Soft- and Firmware, Dual-Mic Converter, Ethernet transport, Preamp Control by different consoles and mixed Network applications with Optocore and SANE. Practical examples and training will round off the seminar.

Optocore would kindly like to invite you to participate in an Optocore Certification Training. The next OCT session will be on May 20th, 2010 at Optocore Headquarters in Munich-Gräfelfing, Germany.

For registration please email to inquiry@optocore.com.

Now OPTOCORE announces collaboration with SSL

Direct Connection of C10 HD and C100 HDS Consoles to Optocore Optical Digital Network System

Munich, April 16th, 2010

Optocore, pioneers of Optical Digital Fibre Network Systems, have announced a technical cooperation with digital broadcast console manufacturers, Solid State Logic.

The news follows hot on the heels of a similar announcement by Optocore that they had entered co-operation with German console manufacturer Lawo, enabling their consoles to communicate with an Optocore I/O unit. In a joint project, a 'Lawo Emulation Mode' has been developed as part of a first joint project at the Mozarteum University, in Salzburg, Austria, enabling the Lawo mc²66 console to receive audio signals and control from the existing Optocore preamps.

In the future SSL's C10 HD and C100 HDS consoles will also be able to connect directly to the Optocore Optical Digital Network System via MADI optical fibre.

Says Niall Feldman, Director of New Products at SSL, "Optocore produces a high quality system that has enjoyed considerable success in the stadium and theatre installation sectors. Therefore this integration extends the range of facilities for which the benchmark audio quality and rich feature set of SSL digital consoles will be a plug and go option."

With the SSL MADI I/O control protocol now integrated into Optocore's topology, Solid State Logic C10 HD and C100 HDS consoles can now transmit/receive up to 128 audio I/O channels over an Optocore Optical Digital Network System.

In addition, users will have the ability to remotely control the microphone preamplifiers in the 48-input Optocore LX4AP stage box as well as all the parameters of the X6 and X6R 16-channel converters.

Under the new implementation SSL C10 HD and C100 HDS consoles will automatically identify, label and control any connected Optocore LX4AP stage boxes. Combining SSL's MORSE stage boxes with Optocore LX4AP stage boxes allows users to connect multiple consoles and stage boxes with full redundancy.

The ability to remotely control stage box gains over the Optocore fibre network is a major advantage for users, giving that extra degree of flexibility and control over the relevant parts of an installed system, particularly in theatres and stadiums.

Said Optocore founder, Marc Brunke, "We have been working closely with digital console manufacturers to achieve network compatibility and enhance audio performance since creating an Emulation Mode for Yamaha, which allowed control of our preamps from their digital consoles, back in 2005."

www.solid-state-logic.com

OPTOCORE wins coveted MIPA AWARD 2010 for SANE

Munich, April 1st, 2010

Optocore, the pioneer of fibre optic networks, ended an incredible six months since unleashing SANE, their new hybrid digital protocol onto the market, by being accoladed with a coveted mipa Musikmesse International Press Award in Frankfurt this month.

The annual awards are nominated by the harshest of critics - the press themselves and represent the "Grammys' of the Musical Instrument/Pro Audio industry.

More than 100 magazines from all over the world got together to vote for the best products of 2009/2010 in more than 40 categories. Optocore's SANE was voted best product in the Sound System Technologies category.

More than 400 international representatives of manufacturers and Distribution of musical instruments and audio equipment attended the special presentation party, among them Optocore's Director of Sales and Marketing, Tine Helmle, who picked up her company's award. She said, "A big thanks go to the press who supported us and voted for us. It is great to receive this acknowledgement from such a prestigious body and is a justification of everything we have tried to do with SANE."

Using ring network topology, SANE (Synchronous Audio Network plus Ethernet), offers the first fully-synchronous CAT5 network solution for streaming uninterrupted media in real time.

Built around the German company's flexible new AD/DA X6R and V3R converters, SANE will transport recognised open standards such as AES/EBU, MADI and Ethernet in full size, thus providing huge flexibility and cost benefits for customers and other manufacturers at the highest level of fixed installations.

www1.mipa-award.de

LAWO and OPTOCORE cooperate

First project for Mozarteum University in Salzburg, Austria

Munich, March 26th, 2010

Lawo, manufacturer of mixing consoles and routing systems, and Optocore, provider of synchronous audio networks, are planning closer cooperation in the future, following the successful completion of their first project in Salzburg, Austria. For this, Optocore developed a 'Lawo Emulation Mode', which enables a Lawo console to communicate with Optocore I/O units. These are mainly used in the fields of sound reinforcement, fixed installations and broadcast. This new development allows the Lawo console to receive audio signals and control Optocore preamps.

The installation of a Lawo mc²66 console, and its accompanying transition from analogue to digital mixing console technology, was the focus of modernisation at Mozarteum University last year. This will enable faster workflow and digital networking of the complete building. "The mc²66 is a reliable console and provides excellent audio quality. It's success in radio stations, theatres and concert houses certainly tipped the balance in favour of Lawo," explains Dipl. Ing. Peter Schmidt, head of the audio and video technology department at the university, when asked what made them choose Lawo.

Mozarteum University already had an Optocore installation for the transfer of control data and audio and video signals. The installation is used for tapping signals from the various concert halls and studios in the university, and mixing them in the studio control room. Following a proposal from the university, the companies involved worked on a solution to enable communication between the Lawo console and the Optocore network. The console now controls 96 Optocore Mic/Line inputs and 96 Line outputs that are distributed throughout the building. Selection of which of the 200 available Mic/Line preamps are controlled can be modified on demand in groups of 8.

The collaboration in this initial project included implementation of the control protocol used by Lawo's DALLIS stage boxes. Based on this, the LEM (Lawo Emulation Mode) was created. Following a successful start, everything is now in place for further cooperation between Lawo and Optocore.

www.lawo.de

WIGWAM adopt new OptoRack Fibre Line System for "One Box" Universal Cable Solution over Distance

Munich, March 23rd, 2010

Optocore’s newly developed compact fibre line system, ‘OptoRack’, will debut on the Leona Lewis world tour, beginning in May, after a joint development with Wigwam’s rental division to produce a new data returns system. The newly developed system provides a flexible solution to the restrictions which many hire/production companies are finding with CAT5 cable systems.

According to Wigwam Hire Director Chris Hill, using complicated extender units to cover distances over 100 metres is totally impractical and requires their field engineers to become IT network specialists. At the same time he criticised the inadequacies of RJ 45 fixed connectors when exposed to both festival and touring conditions as well as the extended prep time now required with so many digital manufacturers supporting their own proprietary platforms and connector protocols.

Using Optocore’s new modular R serves technology the new OptoRack guarantees high quality audio and data transmission over distance to all systems ports and will enable simple, reconfigurable plug and play at the FOH and stage end, with a locked-out preset. The OptoRack is divided into two racks with one X6R-FX and one X6R-TP each. The Stage Rack offers a 24/8 analogue and 16 AES channels (32 audio channels), with four RS 485 and three RJ45 LAN ports providing the data connection. The FOH Rack offers an 8/24 analogue and 16 AES channels (32 audio channels), with four RS 485 and three RJ45 LAN ports providing the data connection.

“This provides us with a simple, yet future-proofed returns system solution,” says Chris Hill. He first approached Optocore well over a year ago, believing that they could develop a system that would become a de facto standard for Wigwam’s roster of large site work — arenas and festivals. The arrival of the new SANE protocol last Autumn speeded up the process by offering the flexibility Wigwam were seeking. “I was getting sick to death of spending thousands of pounds every year on cable and transmission systems which we were never going to use again,” he stated. “I was also fed up with manufacturers continually bringing out Ethernet-based equipment —100-125m runs is no use to our industry, and we were finding ourselves hanging large format systems with some of the worst connectors in the world. “What we needed to do was develop a data tunnel which we could support and standardize on … run on fibre and be completely future-proofed, because some new digital protocols are already becoming redundant.”

Said International Sales Manager Mike Case, “It was a case of replacing hybrid digital/analogue snakes with something longer, such as a fibre optic system. “Essentially, Wigwam wanted a system that was plug and play, very compact and ultrareliable, fully redundant and light weight, requiring minimal prep time. OptoRack is expandable up 32 channels analogue and 32 AES, with six LAN ports for data control. And bundling the rack with both the FX and TP X6R converters, which utilises the SANE add-on, is great for adding multiple channels of analogue across both devices.”

Wigwam’s digital specialist Alex Hadjigeorgiou agreed. “SANE has allowed us to develop a one box product — the ability to link the two products via a short CAT5 jump enables us to do that, and if you want to add extra MADI inputs, for example, you can.” Chris Hill realised that with the onset of new equipment and diminished prep time the OptoRack was essential. “What we don’t want is another computer on the job — there are already too many. Our technicians are having to become computer network engineers which they are not qualified for; nor do they have time read manuals. “Every user is different, with a different level of knowledge, and though the OptoRack system is completely configurable we have arranged a locked out preset that would provide sufficient channels of every format.”

A pre-configured panel would also have been impractical, he states. “For example, while we favour the Pro Beam connector some customers will prefer Neutrik. Equally at FOH some will want Lake processing, others XTA and there are the different desk protocols to consider. The Optocore system, within reason, should accept anything.” Both Chris Hill and Alex Hadjigeorgiou are big fans of Optocore. “One of the real attractions is that the company is independent, and [founder] Marc Brunke I think is the only person in this industry who fully understands what’s needed. He has given us something [everyone] can connect to.”

Hadjigeorgiou adds, “We know all about the Optocore reliability as we have had an LX4A and LX4B running on Coldplay’s C stage for the last eight months and monitor tech Nick Davies loves it because it is simple plug and play, and it works every time.” Following Leona Lewis (where the experienced Kevin Pruce will use the OptoRack at FOH and Ant Carr at the stage end) the system will go out on a Westlife arena tour and the Isle of Wight Festival. Hill states that it will also be incorporated into every theatre system they own, while its support of data and DMX protocols will broaden its hire appeal to the lighting and video communities.

In the short term Wigwam envisage that their commitment will stretch to 24 racks.

www.wigwamacoustics.co.uk

Thames Audio backs OPTOCORE for West End Shows

Munich, March 1st, 2010

HD Pro Audio have supplied Thames Audio with a comprehensive Optocore fibre and recording system for use on the London West End stage — and the theatre specialists report that it has immediately made “a massive difference” to the performance of their Yamaha M7CL digital FOH consoles.

They first commissioned the system from Optocore’s UK Distribution for use on the one-off musical Through The Door before Christmas, and were so delighted with the result that they have standardized on the system for this ongoing series of special productions.

Said Thames Audio’s sound designer, James Tebb, “We knew we could improve the quality of the DA/AD converters and preamps with Optocore … but we had no idea to what extent. From the second we heard the first mic, we couldn’t believe the difference to our AES outputs.”

At the front end of their set-up is an LX4A-96k stage network device feeding the M7CL console — this is loaded with YG2/YS2 digital I/O interface cards running in Yamaha emulation mode. A DD32E Network I/O Device, with 32 AES ports and external word clock handle the AES returns, which are fed to XTA 448 processors, while a DD4ME Dual MADI/Video/Data Network Device provides a pair of MADI I/O feeds to redundant recording systems.

In addition, DD6ME network units which allow communication via IP to other parts of the audio network – a feature which is becoming increasingly important with networked audio. It also allows remote control of the mobile studio. This architecture also presented the perfect digital solution for James Tebb, when designing the sound for the latest week-long show, Megan Mullaly & Supreme Music Program at London’s Vaudeville Theatre.

“The producers [Neil Eckersley and Paul Spicer for Speckulation Entertainment] like to have recordings of the shows, which we mix down afterwards,” he said. “Now we can deliver this to them simply and cost effectively.”

In fact Thames Audio’s mobile recording set up comprises two RME MADI HDSPe cards, with two Quad-Core MacPro’s running the multitrack recording software, Boom Recorder — providing an extremely workable solution for musicals of this type.

Thanks to the DD4ME recording has become a big plus, says James. “It’s great to be able to multitrack the band and at the same time do virtual soundchecks, scene recall and double check your patching. It’s the sheer simplicity of having MADI outputs that can go straight to Boom Recorder — allowing us to offer cost effective multi-tracks for the producer.”

As to the auditorium sound, James Tebb says, “While people might turn their noses up at an M7 we now know how good the input stage is with Optocore. With the ability to network audio and data around the building, with the option to have inputs and outputs in the orchestra pit, on the stage and so on and it’s great to be able to do this without running large amounts of copper multicore everywhere — which can become a cabling nightmare.”

Finally, he says, a further advantage of Optocore is its scalability. “Using the Yamaha MY cards we can use the system with all sizes of Yamaha consoles, and if extra inputs are needed, we can use the original inputs on the consoles.”

Thames Audio will continue their supply to West End productions knowing that, thanks to Optocore, they can not only achieve a vastly superior sound but simplicity of multitrack recording.

www.thamesaudio.co.uk

SANE success forces OPTOCORE to double in size

Munich, Feb 19th, 2010

Following a period of major growth, Optocore GmbH has bucked the economic trend and marked the start of the new year by moving into larger premises in West Munich.

Situated on one floor, the new industrial unit in Gräfelfing gives them twice the space that they had previously to service the additional production and customer requirement; meanwhile the 'loft' style layout has enabled them to incorporate a show/seminar room and dedicated meeting room alongside warehousing and offices for the first time.

Sales and marketing director, Tine Helmle, said that with its 4-meter high ceilings, bright rooms and large picture windows it is the perfect environment in which to pursue their vigorous development programme following the introduction of their acclaimed SANE (Synchronous Audio Network plus Ethernet) protocol last Autumn.

"Our large R&D room will enable us to support console manufacturers and other suppliers we co-operate with, and we have expanded our team to include new R&D engineers (and other freelancers) to handle the anticipated growth."

Added Optocore MD, Marc Brunke, "We are delighted not only by the size of the new facility but also its style. The move came at just at the right time to match the growth of Optocore and specifically to propagate the technical development we introduced to the market in 2009, in the shape of the X6R modules, with TP/SANE and FX."

New contact details:
Optocore GmbH, Lohenstr. 8, 82166 München-Gräfelfing, Germany,
Tel: +49 (0)89 899 964-0. Fax: +44 (0)89 899 964-55

OPTOCORE connects at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Munich, Feb 12th, 2010

The 2010 Winter Olympics, which opened in Vancouver on February 12th, combine leading edge technology in the three divisions of live, broadcast and recording production; and Optocore is the network of choice for the service providers responsible for making the audio transmission a guaranteed success.

As the host broadcaster supporting 14 international networks, CTV's Olympic Post Sound Supervisor Mike Nunan has continued his use of Optocore in critical International Broadcast Centre applications by creating a 100+ channel routing network at the International Broadcast Centre between his edit suites and his post sound control room utilizing DD4ME MADI interfaces, DD32E AES network devices, X Series remote preamp/converters and YG/YS interface cards. Additional signal transport and remote control via Optocore is the interfacing of numerous Neumann Solution D digital microphones.

Consoles chosen this time around included a Digico D5 at FOH and a PM1D for monitors, receiving a mix of AES and MADI signals. In addition to those five positions stadium locations, the eight-node ring was completed with Broadcast, Communication and FOH analogue patch network addresses.

Specifically an Optocore DD4ME MADI interface was used with the D5, Optocore YG/YS cards for the Yamaha PM1D DIO8 rack, and six distributed Optocore DD32E AES-capable network devices with combinations of X6 Series Optocore A/D converter modules.

In preparation for hosting all the Olympic hockey events, the 17,000 seat GM Place arena, located next door to BC Place, recently underwent a complete audio refit based on an extensive Optocore network that included their expanded broadcast facilities. The innovative design circling the building carries audio, video, intercom and data for all DSP-based products such as signal processing and wireless microphones.

The reconfigurable network allows staff to effortlessly position their Soundcraft Vi6 console at one of three mix positions around the building with instant connection to the remote preamps located in central patch at ice level, offering their clients flexible set-ups.

These Olympics mark the fourth time that Optocore has been chosen as the transport system of choice. The last Summer Olympics staged opening and closing ceremonies at the 'Bird's Nest' in Beijing where over 150 Optocore devices connected over more than 1000 meters of fibre over five distinct, redundant rings encompassing field I/O, reinforcement, monitor and broadcast signal distribution.

TM Audio takes on OPTOCORE distribution

Munich, January 12th, 2010

Optocore GmbH, the pioneers of optical digital fibre network systems, have appointed TM Audio as their new exclusive distributor in the Netherlands.

The move is the latest in a continuing strategy to strengthen Optocore's profile in the key broadcast, theatre and touring markets following the launch earlier this year of the new ground-breaking SANE (Synchronous Audio Network plus Ethernet) digital audio networking protocol.

Stated Optocore's International Sales Manager, Mike Case, "We are delighted to be teaming up with such a professional company as TM Audio. As part of the Ampco Flashlight Group they are a highly-renowned and respected company, who have been a predominant force in all our key markets over a number of years. Given the current economic circumstances it is highly encouraging to receive such a high-level commitment."

The Dutch Distribution' Sales & Marketing Manager, Rudolf Nagtzaam, responded, "TM Audio took on Optocore as a valuable add-on to our portfolio, which consists of brands such as Allen & Heath, DiGiCo, Martin Audio, Renkus Heinz, ASL Intercom, Shure and Powersoft. The Optocore product will enable us to offer even more complete audio systems and packages for a wide range of customers and projects. Optocore's forward-thinking philosophy and products are perfectly matched with our people and products, and will help TM Audio improve our already well-known reputation in the digital domain."

The first public showing for the new partnership will be at the Theatre Technology Trade Fair (Vakbeurs Theatertechniek)at the Ahoy Rotterdam (January 18-20) followed by ISE Amsterdam (February 2-4).

www.tmaudio.nl

OPTOCORE again passes the jungle test

    Optical fibre forms key element of Gearhouse Broadcast's
    flyaway production rig for I'm A Celebrity

Munich, December 16th, 2009

The three-week series of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here 2009, set in the Australian outback, again owed the quality of its transmission to the technical infrastructure set up by Gearhouse Broadcast. Its advanced flyaway facilities enables the company to create a large production gallery, a Master Control Room (MCR), a CCU area, a VTR/EVS room, two big audio control rooms and a Comms area in the jungle - and a key component to providing reliable comms and signal transmission in such a challenging environment has been their Optocore optical fibre systems.

The London based broadcast company, which has been responsible for covering many series of Celebrity over the years, including the German and USA versions of the show, has also been responsible for the last two series for ITV. According to Kevin Moorhouse, Chief Operating Officer at Gearhouse Broadcast, when they took over production of the show again, an integral part of their successful bid had been based on the transition to a digital and fibre optic based infrastructure - providing the ability to use a networked audio system. "This was particularly useful as there are many circumstances of signals being reproduced in several areas and a networked system allows transfer of signals and the multiple use of signals in an easy and integrated way without the need to lay in literally hundreds of extra cables."

Gearhouse Broadcast considered Optocore to be the best choice as the redundant ring structure would give them the ability to send any source to multiple destinations easily, quickly and seamlessly. As a result, they now use fibre for the transport of all video signals from the camp to the MCR.

The Optocore system is a fully filled dual-redundant ring with eight nodes (although with the release of the latest firmware that node count will increase to a minimum of 11 for the next series, Gearhouse Broadcast confirms. The production uses two Yamaha M7CL desks equipped with Optocore's YG2 and YS2 cards for the continuous stream mixing from the camps. An Optocore DD4ME MADI interface connects to a Calrec Omega sound desk as the main transmission desk, while DD32E network devices and Optocore X6 I/O modules in the audio MCR interface to routers and DA's. In addition, a further DD32E / Yamaha AD8HR head amp combination is used in the camps for FX mics and radio mics. The I/O count regularly reaches very close to the 256 maximum that the system allows, says Kevin Moorhouse.

A fundamental part of any broadcast of this nature is careful logistics and planning - particularly when isolated from back-up facilities and support in a remote location. Much of the technical construction takes place on site. "We would like to prebuild the Optocore racks but mostly it has to be put together on site due to the inability to get pre-built systems into the jungle," says Moorhouse.

Weather also plays a huge factor. In addition to general protection from rain - with small 'tech huts' constructed adjacent to each camp - regular and violent thunder and lightning encountered in the areas where Celeb is filmed requires the system to be designed with built-in features that will help minimise the effect of lightning damage. Most line sources are fed out via DA's even if only one signal is needed so that in the event of lightning the DA would 'fry' rather than the entire comms system going down.

"Fibre optic obviously features as a significant protection system in this case, as it removes the massive lengths of copper conductors that an analogue system used to rely on," Kevin Moorhouse explains. "We have never lost the Optocore ring due to lightning as the fibre protects the system from the static damage that destroys so much kit. We have occasionally lost input or output units but the modular design of the Optocore allows us to pull out the dead units and replace them without disturbing the rest of the system."

He says that the Optocore architecture has matured significantly since Gearhouse Broadcast first adopted it on the ATP Tennis series in the Spring of 2007 - particularly in its ability to interface with the Calrec desk. "With the distances involved in a project such as I'm A Celebrity, we no longer use regular drums of fibre and have to semi-permanently install burial grade fibre into each job and the terminate the fibre on site - this takes longer but means there are no joints exposed and each fibre is tested thoroughly on installation."

Also the distances are vast, so regular drums of cable are impractical. For the US show, set in a new location in Costa Rica, the Celebrity camp was situated 1.6 km from the technical MCR building and had a full 48 inputs at that distance. "In order to facilitate this we had a run of 300m to the programme studio then extended 700m to a mid point for (walkie talkie transmitters) then continued a further 700m into the camp. "To do this in copper multicore and provide the same number of circuits would have required 12-16 km of copper multi and would not have been practical. "Thus once again the Optocore solution becomes far and away the best option for such a difficult environment."

www.gearhousebroadcast.com/london/

OPTOCORE Control v2.13 released

Munich, October 16th, 2009

The most significant update found in this version of software is increased network capacity which now allows up to 24 devices to be connected to a single OPTOCORE network. This is a move from OPTOCORE which sees them addressing the increasingly frequent requirement for a larger number of distributed interfaces.

"As we work together with leading members of the pro-audio industry we became aware of these demands quite early. OPTOCORE is the specialist for optical fibre network solutions and it was self-evident that we had to find an answer. We are now very happy to present our next innovative solution to the industry," stated Marc Brunke, Managing Director of OPTOCORE. "The new software opens up lots of new possibilities."

In addition to the expansion of the network size, OPTOCORE have taken the opportunity to enhance the RS485 and serial control routing configuration part of the software. Users now have 32 generic serial control channels which can be assigned to the RS485 inputs of any compatible OPTOCORE device. Once allocated, these serial channels then become available as outputs on any other compatible OPTOCORE device.

OPTOCORE Control v2.13 is now available for public download from www.optocore.com/download

OPTOCORE extends Coldplay signal coverage

   Wigwam sets up 300-metre fibre network to remote stage

Munich, October 5th, 2009

When Coldplay's Viva La Vida world touring production moved out of arenas and into the larger stadiums this summer, rental company Wigwam Acoustics were eager to extend the production's OPTOCORE optical fibre network.

They wanted to create a far-reaching digital transport that would carry the signal over distances up to 300 metres from the FOH processors to C Stage - one of two satellite audience tiers being used by the band for their acoustic set during the show.

With a long history of using Optocore systems in their digital desks, they contacted the German company's International Sales Manager Mike Case - and soon an Optocore DD32E/DD6NE network had been added to the LX4 Optical Digital Multicore (and FOH I/O) already in use.

As Wigwam's digital specialist, Alex Hadjigeorgiou explained, only Optocore could provide this solution. "Huge distances weren't really an issue until the band started playing stadiums - prior to that everything was daisy chained via the FOH position. However, it quickly became obvious that in the big American arenas / stadia the distances would be too great to run the system in its existing format - hence the introduction of fibre."

But it was when production moved across the Atlantic to Wigwam Acoustics - and Rob Priddle joined system tech Tom Smith as stadium specialist and Wigwam crew chief - that things really took off.

Optocore's DD32E/DN6E, a synchronous, dual-redundant ring network, was duly specified to take AES/EBU outputs from the FOH Dolby Lake processors, which were providing system EQ and zoning control, and distribute the signals over 120 metres to the processors optimising the d&b J series PA system at the stage end.

The DN6E's also facilitated Ethernet computer control, enabling all three processors on the network from the FOH position, as well as the d&b amplifier control network; additionally, the devices functioned as the word clock distribution system from FOH to stage.

Thus by the time the tour arrived at Wembley Stadium for the first of two consecutive concerts, Rob Priddle and FOH engineer Daniel Green (mixing from a Digidesign VENUE with full Pro Tools multitrack support) had an expanded site wide network.

At the same time the LX4 system ensured that the acoustic instruments and vocal mics could be transported across 300 metres. "We also used the LX4B to send signals to local IEM units under C Stage, with the addition of Shout circuits - enabling the crew at C Stage to continue communicating with the monitor engineer and stage tech," Priddle explained.

The LX4B was further used for transmitting MIDI data from C Stage to the main stage keyboard rig, allowing Coldplay front-man Chris Martin to play a remote keyboard on C Stage, while all the voice banks came from main stage.

Summing up, Alex Hadjigeorgiou, commented, "We had to find something that would allow us to run both the AES feeds and Lake network control across huge distances, and being able to use these transport devices between the Lake processors in the local racks at either end took the pressure off; it formed the entire infrastructure and the Optocore fibre-based system was the only one that would extend this far."

He said the decision to use Optocore had been proven over time. "And with Mike Case's arrival at the company really gave me the confidence to be able to pursue this route.

"Mike brings with him a great track record in getting new technology into the workplace rather than just the marketplace. This is a very importance difference as just because a product exists in the marketplace does not necessarily mean it is road ready, or that we would want to place it on a high profile gig such as this."

www.wigwamacoustics.co.uk

OPTOCORE sees sanity with SANE

Munich, September 28th, 2009

In a break from its traditional base, OPTOCORE, the pioneer of digital optical fibre network systems, has to unveiled a revolutionary new technology at IBC.

Using ring network topology, SANE (Synchronous Audio Network plus Ethernet) claims to be the first fully-synchronous Cat5 network system for streaming uninterrupted media in real-time.

The system has evolved from the German company’s flexible new A-D/D-A X6R and V3R converters launched earlier this year, which offer split AES-EBU ports, sample rate conversion up to 192kHz, and five different card options. This provides huge flexibility at the highest level of fixed installations – and therefore massive potential cost savings – since it offers the customer a choice between fibre versions (containing both OPTOCORE and SANE ports), and Cat5 twisted-pair alternatives.

The patented SANE ring network system offers synchronous and redundant transport of audio and Ethernet; 64 channels of digital audio with 24 nodes per network; ultra-low latency of just 41.6µs; and ultralow jitter Word Clock distribution, and 100m distance from point to point.

“This reduced channel count over low-cost cable, using the new X6R-TPs, equates to real cost-effectiveness and will make flexible networking much more affordable,” says OPTOCORE founder and system inventor, Marc Brunke. “While small networks can now be built extremely efficiently, the seamless integration of SANE with OPTOCORE’s fibre products will enable large networks to likewise be constructed.”

OPTOCORE has also managed to further reduce power consumption of its devices, as Brunke explains: “We are always pushing the technical limits to produce ‘green’ designs. It is reassuring that customers are already noticing that with OPTOCORE devices, the investment will pay itself back very quickly with the savings on energy bills.”

SANE’s target market extends beyond large-scale audio projects and system integration. Since the system’s innovative design approach – separating the audio from the control by using different twisted pairs of the Cat5 – overcomes the asynchronous transport problems faced by Ethernet-based networks, it is also an ideal solution for broadcast applications.

The fact that both the OPTOCORE and SANE network protocols are both synchronously locked to either an internal or external Word Clock source is highly significant. This Word Clock is distributed throughout the network and is available as an output at all nodes with less than 50 picoseconds’ jitter.

“By using bandwidth to tunnel Ethernet from an audio network we can guarantee signal and media streaming integrity without being affected by other media streams or control data,” summarises Brunke.

Press release and picture by courtesy of Fergal Ringrose (theIBCdaily)
written by Dave Robinson

OPTOCORE appoints SeeSound as new Spanish distributor

Munich, September 25th, 2009

OPTOCORE has appointed Barcelona-based SeeSound as its new exclusive Spanish distributor. The agreement was confirmed at this year's PLASA Show in London, where OPTOCORE launched its new SANE (Synchronous Audio Networking plus Ethernet) protocol to the world's professional audio market.

SeeSound's CEO Nacho Alberdi, not only has extensive knowledge of the OPTOCORE system, having distributed their fibre products back in 2001 as part of AlberdiPro, but has also worked closely with OPTOCORE's recently appointed International Sales Manager, Mike Case, over the years.

"Having proved to be the industry leader in audio transport through fibre, with the upgrade of the OPTOCORE system, and the ability to be linked to the new SANE system, we are delighted to be working with the brand again," said Nacho Alberdi.

"OPTOCORE is well known in Spain, and SANE is clearly destined to be a big success in the installation market as well as the live market. It cuts down the cost to very affordable prices leaving an open door for future expansion of the installation. The beauty of SANE is that it shares the same technology and can be linked to the fibre OPTOCORE system."

Mike Case added, "SeeSound's technical expertise and knowledge of our market segments means the choice was an easy one to make."

Nacho Alberdi recognises that service is the driving force behind SeeSound, and OPTOCORE engineering support will be offered by the experienced Carles Ribo and Josep Tresserra.

Following two days of seminars and training, OPTOCORE's SANE digital environment will be officially introduced to the Spanish market at Broadcast 2009 in Madrid this November.

www.seesound.es

New SANE Protocol set to revolutionise Large-Scale Digital Networks

   FIRST FULLY-SYNCHRONOUS CAT5 MEDIA STREAMING SYSTEM

Munich, September 14th, 2009

In a break from its traditional base, OPTOCORE, the worldwide pioneer of digital optical fibre network systems, is to unveil a revolutionary new technology.

SANE (Synchronous Audio Network plus Ethernet), introduces a new digital audio networking protocol. Using ring network topology SANE claims to offer the first fully-synchronous CAT5 network solution for streaming uninterrupted media in real time.

This new low cost and high efficiency system, based on the sophisticated and well-proven OPTOCORE technology, has evolved from the German company's flexible new AD/DA X6R and V3R converters launched earlier this year; these offer split AES-EBU ports, sample rate conversion up to 192kHz, and five different card options.

SANE offers an unique solution, and transports recognised open standards like AES/EBU, MADI and Ethernet in full size. This provides huge flexibility and cost benefits for customers and other manufacturers at the highest level of fixed installations since it offers a choice between X6R-FX / V3R-FX fibre versions, containing both OPTOCORE ports (for fibre), SANE ports (CAT5 / RJ45) and X6R-TP / V3R-TP (CAT5 twisted pair alternatives).

The new patented SANE ring network system offers synchronous and redundant transport of audio and Ethernet; 64 channels of digital audio with 24 nodes per network; Ultra low latency of just 41.6µs and ultra low jitter Word Clock distribution, and 100m distance from point to point.

In short, this scalable system architecture enhances the potential and flexibility of fibre within a compact form factor and with no necessity for third party network hardware.

"This reduced channel count over low-cost cable, using the new using X6R-TP's, equates to real cost-effectiveness and will make flexible networking much more affordable," states OPTOCORE founder and system inventor, Marc Brunke."While small networks can now be built extremely efficiently, the seamless integration of SANE with OPTOCORE's fibre products will also enable large networks to be constructed - with even more flexibility and cost-effectiveness, and with virtually unlimited nodes and channel counts."

In addition to transport open audio standards in full size, a further advantage is that SANE separates the audio from the control.

Aside from the burgeoning contracting and digital system integration markets, SANE will offer huge benefits for the Broadcast sector. Both the OPTOCORE and SANE network protocols are synchronously locked to either an internal or external Word Clock source; this Word Clock is distributed throughout the network and is available as an output at all nodes with 50ps jitter.

In line with the company's 'green' philosophy OPTOCORE has reduced power consumption of its devices, leading to greatly-reduced energy bills.

Both this, and the ability to integrate between OPTOCORE and SANE networks via the respective fibre and Ethernet ports on the converters, is already stimulating system designers.

Says OPTOCORE International Sales Manager Mike Case, "The overwhelming feedback we have received from a close community of audio professionals is that this is the solution they have been looking for - enabling them to build scalable digital networks at costs previously unimaginable, while guaranteeing full media streaming integrity."

Arena Television Links the BBC with OPTOCORE at Glastonbury

Munich, August 21st, 2009

UK broadcast specialist, Arena Television, employed their new OPTOCORE system to provide audio broadcast feeds for BBC Two and BBC Three at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. The systems were purchased for Glastonbury from OPTOCORE’s UK distributor, HD Pro Audio.

To cover the event, Arena provided two OB Trucks for the Other Stage and the BBC Introducing Stage, a large VT truck for the BBC4 and Interactive and Red Button operations and two OB Trucks for BBC2 and BBC3.

The two for BBC2 and BBC3 were each linked via OPTOCORE to the respective BBC2 and BBC3 backstage studios, each feed carrying presenters plus various bands' acoustic sets. A further OPTOCORE run linked the two Scanners to provide full redundancy of the OPTOCORE system. The OPTOCORE systems consisted of 2x 48 in/16 out stageboxes, comprising 2x X6P-16 In, 2x X6P 8/8 and 1x DD32E with 2x DD4ME MADI Interfaces. These were then connected to Calrec mixing consoles.

Mark Reed, Arena’s engineer at Glastonbury, remarked, “We did a lot of research before Glastonbury, comparing all options. OPTOCORE gave us the most cost effective solution with no compromises. In addition to set up, monitoring of levels throughout the event was all done with the OPTOCORE software and the system worked perfectly with superb audio quality and reliability”.

“The compact size of the hardware is also very convenient and the system easy to deploy and set up, making it ideal for many of the events we cover”.

Andy Huffer of HD Pro Audio commented, “OPTOCORE has often been incorrectly perceived as an expensive option when comparing digital transmission and routing systems. It is a premium networking solution, and clearly a superior system to its perceived competitors in many ways. Ultra-low latency, multiple layers of redundancy, high channel count, mixed media and data streams and superb reliability are all key OPTOCORE traits”.

“However, in the case of the systems we supplied to Arena, OPTOCORE not only offered all the required functionality, but was also the most cost-effective. Knowing where OPTOCORE are heading in terms of product development, we at HD Pro Audio are able to continue to grow the brand’s UK presence in this vein”.

www.hdproaudio.co.uk
www.arena-tv.com

OPTOCORE Enriches Equipment at Kulturpalast in Dresden

Munich, July 30th, 2009

Just in time for the 40th anniversary of the Kulturpalast, OPTOCORE will supply several devices in order to enrich the sophisticated technical equipment of the famous venue in Dresden. The Kulturpalast is Dresden's renowned address for concerts, shows, musicals, congresses, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, galas, and balls. The ballroom with its 320 m2 main stage as well as the conference room with up to 1000 seats available can now rely on OPTOCORE's fibre optical network technology as a link between digital and analogue professional audio equipment.

175 Bands, 75000 People – OPTOCORE at Roskilde 2009

Munich, July 20th, 2009

Sziget Festival (Hungary), Glastonbury Festival (UK), Rock Werchter (Belgium), and Roskilde in Denmark are the four biggest annual festivals for contemporary music in Europe. 75000 spectators and 175 bands joined this year’s party from July 2 – 5 in Roskilde accompanied by 21000 volunteers and 5000 media people. The festival was created in 1971 as an extemporised hippie event and is nowadays known for its extraordinary line-up, and is, just as Glastonbury, a proving ground for the latest and most sophisticated pro-audio equipment.

OPTOCORE has been used at many, many festivals; however, Glastonbury and now Roskilde are surely counted among the most fascinating and challenging. With the highest demands for sound quality, harsh conditions, extreme temperatures, sometimes a great deal of rain water, mud, dust, hundreds of bands with hundreds of different audio setups and last but not least extremely long distances provide just the right challenges for OPTOCORE. OPTOCORE’s fibre optic technology allows exceptionally long cable runs, built in redundancy, ultra low latency, a high bandwidth with 1 Gbit/s for up to 512 channels, extremely low weight, and many, many more features to make it just the right selection for festivals of this size with their sophisticated requirements.

Gorm Jakobsen of DPA Soundco A/S comments that without a doubt, OPTOCORE is the best system for events of this type where maximum flexibility and high resiliency are required. OPTOCORE does everything you need and is in many ways, perfect. I’m very happy with the way the system performed on this highly demanding project.

OPTOCORE Light Speed at the Monaco Formula One GP

Munich, June 25th, 2009

OPTOCORE successfully entered the high speed world of Formula One racing at this year’s GP in Monaco. LeTeam (Nanterre), France based broadcasting transmission experts, installed a 3km fibre optic ring to provide transportation of audio and video for the TV commentary broadcast. The redundant network provided connection between all broadcast points including the Main Commentary booth, the Pit lane, Race Directors together with the SAT FARM OB truck in the TV broadcasting compound.

LeTeam supplied a large number of OPTOCORE devices including several DD32E network I/O devices, DD8RP repeater devices, as well as numerous X6-series A/D – D/A converter modules.

LeTeam Sales Engineer Frédéric Protot, who was responsible for the system design commented: “For an event of this global magnitude we had to come up with a solution offering a redundant network capable to transport the highest quality video and audio signals with absolutely no room for error. The speed of Formula One means that it is extremely important that the signals transmitted between the pit lane and the commentary booth are done so with extremely low latency. For us OPTOCORE provided the obvious solution, a high quality low latency synchronous network system with the advantage of direct remote access to control the microphone pre-amp gain via the OPTOCORE Network. Alongside OPTOCORE allows easy set up, we started to set up the system on May 10th, had our first practice on May 20th, and closed everything down on the 25th, the day after the GP. The system was absolutely reliable, running five days non-stop with the beginning of the first practice.

OCT held at RBB

Munich, June 19th, 2009

OPTOCORE successfully held a two day OCT session at Berlin based RBB (Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg = Broadcasting Service Berlin-Brandenburg). The seminar took place in one of the Radio Studios of the RBB building. The attendees were largely from RBB technical staff, members from Berlin based event service provider Faces of Theater, as well as a number of freelance engineers.

OPTOCORE Support Engineer Martin Barbour, who held the session, was satisfied and commented: “The skill base at the start of the session was quite broad with some people already with a lot of OPTOCORE experience and others with no experience. We had demo hardware from OPTOCORE, Faces of Theatre brought a lot of extra hardware, and RBB were able to demonstrate an example using their own hardware showing camera video and control (pan / tilt / zoom) over their OPTOCORE network. We also had a PM5D and LS9 on site to demonstrate Yamaha integration. Having two different client bases present (broadcast and rental company users) in the same session gave us a very easy way to demonstrate the use of OPTOCORE in multiple scenarios so I think that worked well."

OPTOCORE Lecture and Workshop at VDT Seminar

Munich, June 10th, 2009

As pioneers in optical fibre networks OPTOCORE contributed its knowledge to the one-day seminar with the topic “Audio Networks and Distribution Systems for Live Events”, initiated by the VDT (Verband Deutscher Tonmeister = Association of German Sound Engineers) in cooperation with the School of Audio Engineering (SAE). Leaders of the industry were invited to join and lecture on Saturday June 6th in Hamburg, Germany. Participants included students from the SAE, VDT members, as well as external attendees.

The day was divided into a lecturing section in the morning and a workshop section in the afternoon. Andreas Kaspar, OPTOCORE Support Engineer, presented an exciting and well-responded lecture in the morning, the topic being “Basic Principles of Fibre Optic Connections”. In the afternoon, Andreas Kaspar offered hands-on experience in a workshop explaining the audio distribution using OPTOCORE. The participants very much welcomed the opportunity to set up an OPTOCORE Network and explore its fabulous facilities in detail. “Seminars such as the one in Hamburg are a great opportunity to deepen the understanding of fibre optical audio distribution and OPTOCORE’s enormous potentials to simplifies the daily work especially at live events,” stated Andreas Kaspar after a successful day.

OPTOCORE Successful at 126th AES Convention in Munich/Germany

Munich, May 15th, 2009

Following a great and thriving Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt, NAB in Las Vegas, PALME in Dubai, OPTOCORE can now also look back on a successful AES Convention in Munich. It has been the fourth trade show for OPTOCORE this year and despite all pessimistic calls the reactions from the market have been overwhelming and this has confirmed the company’s feeling that they are on the right track.

At the AES Convention OPTOCORE not only took the opportunity to display its products on an own booth but also offered daily workshops to all interested parties at a separate booth just opposite of the OPTOCORE exhibition. These workshops offered highly professional consultation and information to existing customers as well as many new interested clients. Especially the interconnectivity of OPTOCORE with third party devices, such as the control of OPTOCORE pre amps from digital consoles of well-known manufacturers, called for immense interest.

“Increasing awareness of the company has been brought to a new level thanks to our presentation and presence at four of this year’s most important trade shows for the professional audio industry. Frankfurt, Las Vegas, and Dubai already turned out to be very prosperous for OPTOCORE and now the outcome at the 126th AES in our hometown Munich has also pleased us very much,” mentioned Tine Helmle, OPTOCORE Director of Sales and Marketing.

Representing OPTOCORE for the first time at the AES in Munich was Mike Case, OPTOCORE’s newly designated International Sales Manager. According to Mike Case, “it was a great show with a great bunch of people visiting our stand. The contacts we made and the acknowledgment we received will pay off for OPTOCORE and all of us in the future. An absolute highlight was to have Marc Brunke, the founder and CEO of OPTOCORE, lecturing about synchronous fibre networks and AES 42 as part of a short seminar at Neumann’s booth. That is what the AES is all about; you meet the supreme professional players of the pro-audio industry.”

OPTOCORE – Successful at PALME Middle East

Munich, May 7th, 2009

OPTOCORE has experienced a successful PALME Middle East trade show on the booth of Thomsun Trading Establishment, OPTOCORE distributor for the GCC region. PALME Middle East is known as the leading exhibition for professional sound, light, music, audio visual, and system integration. Thomsun’s professional presentation of OPTOCORE convinced the visitors of the uniqueness of OPTOCORE and attracted widespread attention.

The positive response to OPTOCORE’s first PALME presentation at last years exhibition saw its continuation this year and is already now emphasising the increasing acceptance of OPTOCORE as a fibre optic audio network system that highly values design and reliance. “I think the first thing that comes to mind is that this was only the second year of exhibiting OPTOCORE at PALME, and we had a large number of visitors from outside UAE. Events, Rental and Installation companies from other countries like Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and Lebanon visited us. Most of these were Yamaha users that obviously saw value in the OPTOCORE solution. However, there were also users of other brands like Studer, Soundcraft and DiGiCo, who were impressed by the capabilities of the OPTOCORE Network,” mentioned Alok Ghurde, Asst. Project Manager at Thomsun Trading.

OPTOCORE presented two different interlinked redundant network rings featuring several OPTOCORE devices, showing all the advantages of an OPTOCORE Network System. The first ring featured the OPTOCORE pre-amp control from Yamaha consoles. The second ring emphasised on data distribution via OPTOCORE Network and Ethernet. Both rings were interconnected via MADI using two OPTOCORE DD2FE MADI devices. “Presenting our solutions quickly made the visitors realise that OPTOCORE not only stands for different devices, but also represents an infrastructure for the pro-audio industry,” stated Martin Barbour, OPTOCORE Support Engineer. Additionally, Alok Ghurde added, “I think the way an actual working solution was presented at our exhibit along with the list of impressive references, helped industry players understand the ease of use and configuration of the OPTOCORE Network and drew visitors to the stand.”

OPTOCORE appoints Mike Case as new International Sales Manager

Munich, May 1st, 2009

OPTOCORE today announced the appointment of Michael Case to the position of the International Sales Manager. Mike Case brings to OPTOCORE many years of successful expertise in international and domestic business sales, training and support.

Mike Case was most recently employed with Digidesign as European Live Sound Sales Manager for, introducing their successful live sound product range, and previously spent time as UK Sales Manager for Yamaha Commercial Audio.

“I have known Marc Brunke for a number of years and have always been impressed with his philosophy of open network and product design, so its no surprise to me that OPTOCORE are the global leaders in providing systems for the transport of audio, video, and control data via optical fibre network,” says Mike Case. “Many companies investing in digital product recognize the need to maximize their investment by the use of digital networking which, OPTOCORE represents by offering a unique redundant synchronous fibre optic network system. OPTOCORE can be seen as an essential part of the digital pro audio world and I am very much looking forward to work with the OPTOCORE team.”

"We are very pleased to have Mike join our team,” says Marc Brunke, founder and Managing Director of OPTOCORE. "Mike’s background and experience are a perfect fit for OPTOCORE and will provide great value that will assist us in achieving our long-term growth objectives.”

Mike can be reached at m.case@optocore.com or 0044 7545 786 381.

OPTOCORE at the 2009 NAB Show

Munich, April 13th, 2009

OPTOCORE will be at the 2009 NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 20 – 23 in the North Hall, booth N6535 along with Marc Brunke the creator of OPTOCORE, as well as lately appointed US Technical Sales Manager Jeff Priepot and the rest of the OPTOCORE NA staff.

New product for the show will be the North American debut of the R type converter devices. Based on the highly acclaimed X series the new 1u install friendly Phoenix connector versions offer savings in time and hardware costs. Major excitement has been generated as OPTOCORE now offers dual independent preamp cards making them the first manufacturer to answer the longstanding debate between FOH and monitor engineers as to who controls preamp gain.

Also new will be the release of Soundcraft/Studer emulation software that allows complete remote control of OPTOCORE X Series preamps via console control surface functions. Other new features in Version 2.12 are macros for increased operator efficiency via keyboard shortcuts to toggle displays between floating meters and macro buttons, which will be extremely useful in live events.

Soundcraft, Studer and OPTOCORE Partner for Control of OPTOCORE Preamps over Network

Munich, April 9th, 2009

Hertfordshire, UK, Regensdorf, Switzerland and Munich, Germany – Announced at last year’s Pro Light & Sound, the partnership between Soundcraft, Studer and OPTOCORE is bearing rich fruit as the companies develop further features for the interface between Soundcraft and Studer consoles and the OPTOCORE fibre network. Last year, OPTOCORE and Soundcraft Studer co-developed the DD2FE network MADI interface, which allowed Studer Vista and Soundcraft Vi Series consoles to transmit up to 128 input and 128 output channels of audio over an OPTOCORE network.

The teams have now announced that using the OPTOCORE DD2FE, Soundcraft Vi Series consoles and Studer Vista consoles are now able to remotely control the microphone preamplifiers in the OPTOCORE LX4AP stagebox, which features 48 mic inputs. This has been enabled through OPTOCORE’s integration of the Studer D21m I/O system control protocol into their topology. Vi Series and Vista consoles can already remotely control the preamps in their own stageboxes over the network, allowing multiple consoles and stageboxes to be interconnected with full redundancy.

The ability to remotely control stagebox gains over the OPTOCORE fibre network is a major advantage for users, giving that extra degree of flexibility and gain control over the relevant parts of an installed system, particularly in Theatres.

For more information, contact OPTOCORE (www.optocore.com), Soundcraft (www.soundcraft.com), or Studer (www.studer.ch).

OPTOCORE to Offer Daily Workshops at 126th AES Convention in Munich, Germany

Munich, April 9th, 2009

For more than 50 years, the Audio Engineering Society (AES) Convention has provided a platform for an exchange of knowledge between and a display of products for audio professionals and enthusiasts from around the world. The convention combines an exposition stocked full of the latest digital toys with a full technical program, which has, over the years, been the place where many of audio’s breakthroughs were introduced. That formula always makes for plenty of chances to meet up with market leaders and developers in the pro audio industry. The 126th AES exhibition will take place from May 8 – 10, 2009 at Munich’s well-known M,O,C, Events and Order Center.

Being headquartered in Munich, OPTOCORE naturally will be on the exhibit floor, holding forth in booth 2103 to present the latest developments and solutions in synchronous fibre optic networking, and explain the advantages offered by the OPTOCORE system’s redundant ring topology and open platform approach.

OPTOCORE also will offer daily workshops open to all convention attendees. Workshop topics will include “Fibre vs. Copper,” “OPTOCORE networking – Broadcast, Installation, and Live Applications,” and a concise version of the company’s renowned OPTOCORE Certification Training (OCT). OPTOCORE will announce all workshop topics in detail in a separate notification about two weeks prior to the 126th AES convention.

“We consider the AES convention to be one of the major industry events,” states Marc Brunke, OPTOCORE’s Founder, and Managing Director. “The AES Technical and Convention Committees bring together leading companies, developers, and research scientists to move audio forward with new ideas and standardization efforts.

“OPTOCORE operates from essentially the same principle – that progress comes out of community effort – with our philosophy of an open platform approach. We have already worked in close cooperation with leading audio companies on projects like our DD2FE, DD32E, and YG2/YS2 cards, and we are continuing to extend the OPTOCORE platform through these relationships with quality pro audio manufacturers.

“We are also looking forward to welcoming the audio industry to our hometown.”

You will find the details under Special Events.

Permanent Installation of the Fibre Optic Audio Network OPTOCORE at TeleBärn

Munich, April 7th, 2009

TeleBärn, the private television-station from the Swiss federal capital Bern, has moved its offices in October 2008. The old location in the suburbs of Bern provided too little space for the future. Contrary to that, the modern and spacious multi-media-house in the city centre offered many chances in all aspect. The new rooms of TeleBärn came into being at two storeys of an existing industrial building. Formerly the printing machine of the “Berner Zeitung” (newspaper) was placed there. The architect took the opportunity and designed open and friendly workplaces for the radio, the editorial office of the newspaper and the television.

TeleBärn invested in the fields of building-service-engineering, techniques, furniture, video-monitoring, networks and audio-installation. In this context, TeleBärn went in the audio sector for the digital fibre optic network of OPTOCORE. The small profiles in the wiring of the optical system, the flexible integration of different audio consoles, the overall flexibility of the system, the security of the installation as well as the price were the reasons why TeleBärn opted for OPTOCORE. Since the whole project was supposed to be realised in an ambitious time-frame and without interruption of the production and transmittance, TeleBärn had initially set-up the new installation in Zollbrück at the AVMEDIA GmbH Company. After the setting-up and the implementation of the system, the owner Beat Lüthi said: “Mounting and assembling – running. Simpler is not possible. Also the programming is very user-friendly”.

The synchronic, redundant fibre optic network presently consists of eight with ring-topology inter-linked in-/outplays points, so called IDs. Two OPTOCORE DD32Es directly process the AES/EBU signals. The excellent X6 analogue/digital converters of OPTOCORE are attached to an additional DD32E. Three IDs – in form of OPTOCORE slot-in cards YG2/YS2 are in the Yamaha LS9 consoles of the editing suites and the workflow. In the broadcast control room is one YG2 with two YS2-cards integrated within the DM2000 from Yamaha and for delay-adjustments and midi-mixers are one YG2 and one YS2 with a DME64 from Yamaha built-in.

At its start of operation in last October, TeleBärn used 236 audio channels. In March 2009, eight additional channels will be required. Finally, for summer a further extension to more than 256 audio channels and more than eight IDs are planned. In order to realise this, the manufacturer will in due course provide an up-grade, which will allow a further system-extension of TeleBärn.

TeleBärn looks back to a competent and friendly cooperation with the Munich based OPTOCORE GmbH as well as the Swiss OPTOCORE-Representative Neutrik Zürich AG.

Michael Siegenthaler, TeleBärns Chief of Technique and Production, summarizes: “We are certain that by using this system, we have made a proper, future-proof selection and until today we are most satisfied with the system. The OPTOCORE-Network fulfills our requirements in an optimal way. It runs now efficiently for many months without disruption, everyday 24 hours and offers us an enormous flexibility.

www.neutrik.ch

Who determines the gain?
This question will be no issue in the future – that’s just one of the significances of the new converter devices X6R and V3R

Highly Flexible and Customised, OPTOCORE presents the new Converter Devices X6R and V3R

Munich, April 1st, 2009

8 in 1, that is the new X6R 16-channel, analogue – AES/EBU converter device in a 1 RU enclosure. Its flexibility emerges from the two card slots on the rear that can be equipped with five different card types. No matter whether conversion of analogue signals (16 inputs, 16 outputs, 8 inputs and 8 outputs, dual microphone inputs with two independent adjustable gains) to AES/EBU or a sample rate converter for AES3 input signals is required, the X6R is the customised device to provide the interfaces in the renowned OPTOCORE quality, reliability and sample rates up to 192 kHz.

The V3R has the same size but one card slot for eight channels on the rear and is ideal as an analogue input or output satellite if no more than eight channels are required.

Five card types are available:

• 8 mic inputs
• 8 line inputs
• 8 line outputs
• 8 mic inputs with two independent preamps each
• 8 AES/EBU inputs with sample rate converters

The devices are especially designed for rack mounted applications and permanent installation. All cards are equipped with Phoenix connectors. These common installation interfaces provide a simple and cost-efficient connection to other audio equipment.

In cooperation with OPTOCORE’s DD32E the X6R and V3R are seamlessly integrated into the OPTOCORE OPTICAL DIGITAL NETWORK SYSTEM. All parameters of the converters can be remote controlled and monitored with the same software application as all the other OPTOCORE devices, the OPTOCORE CONTROL software. The high quality of the preamps, A/D- and D/A converters make the X6R and V3R units ideal for the incorporation into audio systems even if no OPTOCORE network is established.

The X6R with the dual microphone input card relieves all FOH and monitor engineers of the decision about the control of the microphone preamps. Every microphone input incorporates two independent microphone preamps and both can be adjusted individually. So analogue split boxes and two stage racks to give FOH and monitor engineers the freedom to adjust their mic preamps directly at their own console can be a past.

Different sample rates of devices with AES3 outputs are no issue any more as well. The 8-channel (16 audio channels) AES/EBU card will convert the sample rate to the one shared in the network.

The devices can be equipped exactly according to the customer’s requirements and the following versions can be purchased:

OPTOCORE Version 2.12 Software/Firmware Released

Munich, March 27th, 2009

OPTOCORE GmbH of Munich have announced the release of version 2.12 of their Windows-based OPTOCORE CONTROL software, along with an associated firmware upgrade.

Numerous improvements have been made to OPTOCORE CONTROL, especially in streamlining the configuration process, enhancing tools for designing intuitive user interfaces, and adding a macro facility for more efficient workflow. The firmware’s new features include enhanced handling of AES/EBU signals.

The macro function can record changes to matrix routing, analogue mic preamplifier gains, and phantom power settings. Up to eight macros can be saved in a single file and loaded independently of the project. Workflow is further enhanced by the addition of keyboard shortcuts to toggle the display of floating meters and macro buttons.

Straightforward and easy-to-handle customized operating environments can be created using the new status bars and features for defining the colour, text, size, and position of floating meters, status indicators, and macro buttons. This customization is especially powerful for live applications with short changeover times between performances, and multipurpose fixed installations requiring different network configurations for various event types.

Another new feature in OPTOCORE CONTROL is ABSENT DEVICES, which lets devices that may be physically absent still be visible in the online mode, with status indicators clearly displaying whether each device is present or absent. When online mode is activated, a logic analyser automatically controls the settings to avoid disrupting the network by accidentally entering an invalid or incorrect parameter setting. Users are alerted about incorrect settings by error messages.

The streamlining of the configuration process improves the transfer of settings to the devices and the definition of global network parameters such as sample rate and Ethernet transport. The platform for all of this is the main configuration dialogue.

The configuration file is now in a new format (.OCS) that can be edited in a text editor. The 2.12 release is backwards-compatible with older .OCC files, which are opened, converted, and saved in the new format.

The new firmware version lets each AES/EBU input of a DD32E phase-lock to the AES/EBU signal feeding it, enabling a DD32E to be fed from multiple source devices receiving the same word clock. MADI and AES/EBU user bit handling are also improved, and an auto-mute function has been added for protection against artefacts caused by the disconnection of a fibre link.

The software/firmware upgrade and documentation can be downloaded on our DOWNLOADS page.

OPTOCORE as Fundamental Backbone of the German Music Award ECHO 2009 in the O2 World, Berlin

Munich, March 10th, 2009

The ECHO is one of the most important music awards worldwide: A coming and going of international music stars and show acts in a live broadcasted mega event. Highlights such as U2, Depeche Mode and Udo Lindenberg presented their songs in the new multifunctional arena O2 World build for 17 000 spectators. The ECHO 2009 was a spectacular gala and OPTOCORE safeguarded the transmission of 180 inputs to 170 outputs; audio, Ethernet, video and control data of various audio devices where exchanged between FOH, stage, monitor desks and loudspeaker systems.

The PROCON Event Engineering GmbH was in charge of the audio system with nine OPTOCORE DD32E, five DD6NE and two X6 interconnecting the four consoles (three Yamaha PM5D, PM1D-EX), twelve Yamaha AD8HR, four DA824, two AD824, two DME64N, nine Meyer Sound Galileo 616, twelve XTA DP226 and four Sennheiser NET1. Beside the audio signals, the transport of Ethernet and control data was a main function of the OPTOCORE network. Yamaha preamps, Meyer Sound Galileo and XTA Audiocore used the Ethernet and RS485 interfaces of the OPTOCORE devices. The CVBS interfaces enabled the status monitoring of the Sennheiser Net1, the configuration and control devices for Sennheiser wireless microphone systems, from FOH and monitor positions.

Kai Reiss and Dennis Tholema were responsible for design and operation. “We preconfigured the OPTOCORE system in our depot in Hamburg”, Kai Reiss stated.” So despite the really tight schedule on site, the establishment of this complex signal distribution including audio, Ethernet, control and video was no issue.”

For rehearsals and show, the network was active nonstop for five days. Due to the huge dimensions of O2 World (approx. 160 m long, 130 m wide and 35 m high) distances of up to 250 m between devices had to be traversed, an easy task for the OPTOCORE network enabling the transport of audio and data over distances of 700 m between devices by multimode fibre.

“The customer was absolutely pleased with the system and we are as well”, said Kai Reiss. “The two big advantages for us were the possibility to prepare the whole OPTOCORE network beforehand and to use the same network for all the different types of signals. Without the setup of a huge digital system based on OPTOCORE, the realization of the ECHO 2009 would not have been possible in the given narrow time frame.”

OPTOCORE Names Alberto V. Leiva Soulages as Sales Manager for Spain

Munich, March 7th, 2009

OPTOCORE has named Alberto Leiva to the newly created position of Sales Manager for Spain. Mr. Leiva was, most recently, Commercial Audio (CA) Manager at Yamaha Música Ibérica, where he handled Spain & Portugal territories. He brings along more than two decades of pro-audio industry experience. The newly created position reflects the company's expanding commitment to customer-oriented and highly professional regional service and sales. “As we take our business very seriously, we believe that sometimes a very personal approach results in much more overwhelming success. This move will help us to expand and improve customer relationships and to optimize our local support. Besides North America and France, Spain is now the third region where we take this approach,” said Tine Helmle, OPTOCORE Director of Sales and Marketing. “We are delighted Alberto has chosen to join OPTOCORE.”

Alberto Leiva is now in charge to enlarge the continual success of OPTOCORE products in broadcast, permanent installation and live event pro-audio markets. “I see it as a great challenge to work for such a renowned company as OPTOCORE. The company reflects a positive attitude to business. The first step will be to popularize digital networking in the region and to find new business opportunities. Digital networking is the future and OPTOCORE has the perfect products for it. The market has evolved and is ready for this technology,” said Alberto Leiva.

World Economic Forum Relies on OPTOCORE

Munich, February 16th, 2009

More than 2,500 participants from 96 countries — including a record 41 heads of state or government — convened in Davos, Switzerland, early this year for the 39th Annual World Economic Forum.

For the third year in a row, Pierre Heyligen, executive director of Paris, France-based live production experts Lumiere & son Paris, designed the audio system for the meetings around an OPTOCORE synchronous optical network ring for the simultaneous transport of audio signals, Ethernet, DMX and intercom signals. The system had to fulfill the requirements of both daytime conferences and evening entertainment shows.

The OPTOCORE network ring joined and synchronized three I/O racks with two digital mixing consoles, carrying everything from wireless microphone signals to video sends and intercom. The Yamaha DM 2000 FOH mixing console and Yamaha M7CL monitor console were fully interfaced with the OPTOCORE network by two YG2 MiniYGDAI modules and five YS2 submodules, plus three DD32 AES/EBU interfaces, eight X6P-16IN and three X6-16OUT A/D/A interfaces.

The first I/O rack included a DD32 and X6P-16IN to accommodate 36 wireless microphones inputs. A second rack situated onstage utilized a DD32 and an X6P-16IN to handle 64 microphone inputs, while the third rack, located backstage, serviced amplifiers, radio, TV, and video sends and returns with a DD32, an X6P-16IN, and an X6-16OUT. The third rack also provided DMX and intercom interfaces.

The daily conferences, with all the attending participants and their speeches, presented a formidable challenge for the audio system and network. However, for Heyligen, the greatest hurdle for the system to surmount was a five-hour show for the forum’s Morocco Night, a Saturday evening event featuring 120 singers and musicians. “OPTOCORE once again ensured a reliable network,” says Heyligen “We started the system for test and rehearsals on Wednesday morning, and it ran nonstop until Monday morning.

“In addition to its trustworthiness, OPTOCORE helps us limit the amount of cabling we need, and the OPTOCORE preamps guarantee brilliant sound quality. We had zero faults, and, of course, we couldn’t tolerate a fault on a job as critical as the World Economic Forum,” Heyligen notes with satisfaction. “We had about 300 meters of fibre for signal transport on this production and everything went 100% okay. It always does when we use the OPTOCORE network and fibre connections.”

OPTOCORE Retains Industry Veteran Larry the O

Munich, February 9th, 2009

OPTOCORE, GmbH have announced that they have entered into an agreement with long-time audio industry veteran Larry the O to retain his communications services in support of the company’s ongoing marketing efforts. The O, principal consultant of San Francisco-based Toys In the Attic, will work directly with OPTOCORE’s headquarters office in Munich, Germany, to meet the increasing communications needs of the fast-growing company.

With experience at some of pro audio’s most respected firms, the O has spent the last 30 years garnering extensive knowledge of manufacturing and audio production credits on albums, film, TV, video games, and live sound events. However, the O is possibly most widely known for the many articles he has written over the last quarter-century for leading trade magazines, primarily Mix and Electronic Musician, on both of whose mastheads he has appeared for years as a Contributing Editor.

“Yes We Can!” – OPTOCORE Supports the Inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama

Washington, D.C., January 22nd, 2009

A record crowd of two million jubilant, if cold, people packed into the National Mall in Washington DC., to see and hear Barack Obama be sworn in as the United States’ 44th president. The crowd, which reached all the way from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial — a distance of more than three kilometers — listened intently as Obama offered an earnest but inspiring inaugural speech.

Baltimore, MD-based Maryland Sound International provided the audio systems for the event, making them responsible for the daunting task of delivering to the massive audience the swearing-in ceremonies of Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, Obama’s inaugural address, speeches from other dignitaries, and musical offerings with complete intelligibility.

For one of the most significant events in the country’s history MSI required the highest level of performance and utter reliability from their audio systems, and, most especially, from the network connecting the system’s components. Given these circumstances, MSI chose to use an OPTOCORE network to accomplish the huge and complex job.

The choice was not a difficult one for MSI, who have found OPTOCORE to be a reliable partner at other mega-events, including previous presidential inaugurations and the renowned Times Square New Years Eve celebrations.

The swearing-in ceremony itself was not OPTOCORE’s only appearance during the inaugural gala period: OPTOCORE was also effectively used at the pre-inaugural concert held two days earlier under the gaze of Abraham Lincoln at the famous memorial to the earlier president at the opposite end of the mall. Obama and his family, along with tens of thousands of others, enjoyed performances by Bruce Springsteen, U2, Beyonce, Garth Brooks, and Jay-Z, as well as speeches from then-Vice President-elect Joe Biden, Denzel Washington, and Tom Hanks.

www.marylandsound.com

OPTOCORE at the Abu Dhabi Classics opening gala dinner

Munich, December 19th, 2008

The famous Emirates Palace Auditorium with its superb acoustics, its 1100 seats, and its exceptional seating comfort – there could have been no better scenery for the inaugural gala of the Abu Dhabi Classics season 2008/2009. Under the motto ‘Journey of Emotions’ Oscar winning actor Jeremy Irons hosted an evening with an unforgettable musical journey featuring some of the world’s greatest musical artists from classical, gipsy, jazz, and flamenco. The show featured performances of Indra Thomas, Roby Lakatos, Arcadi Volodos, Till Broenner, Arcángel, and The Musicians of the Nile.

Dubai/United Arab Emirates based Production Technology LLC (Protec) provided the technical equipment for the evening and was responsible for a perfect performance of the system. Established in September 1999, Protec has emerged to one of the largest supplier of sound, lighting, audio visual and other equipment of the region. Protec has been investing in the latest state-of-the-art equipment; it is therefore not surprising that one of their latest investments included OPTOCORE devices and equipment.

John Parkhouse, 1st Engineer at Protec’s Audio Department, was delighted using OPTOCORE for the first time. “The OPTOCORE system was employed for the first time since Protec’s purchasing on the opening gala dinner at the Emirates Palace Auditorium. It included YG2 and YS2 cards situated in the FOH Yamaha M7CL console with 2 x 150 meter Optocable to stage connecting the LX4AP stage unit. Monitors were connected using D-sub breakouts direct from the LXA4P. Additionally there was an LX4B unit on standby as an optional record split for TV, which was not utilised in the end. The OPTOCORE network and matrix was programmed during prep and performed flawlessly during the entire event.”

John Parkhouse felt quite comfortable regarding the fact that the OPTOCORE system was in use for the first time. “One aspect that I feel really helped in using the system for the first time was the fact that in the week prior to the event, Protec Audio crew was invited to attend the OCT (OPTOCORE Certification Training) at Thomsun Trading Establishment in Dubai, with OPTOCORE’s support engineer Marc Wesler. Marc was able to help us realise the full potential of the system with detailed and insightful advice on how to get the best out of our units.”

Summing up, John Parkhouse added, “It is safe to say we are delighted with our OPTOCORE and the enormous benefits it brings both during the setup and the show. We are looking forward to take out the systems as much as possible with the events next scheduled and to use OPTOCORE at a Russian Arab Gala dinner with multiple musical and dance performances at The Madinat in Dubai followed by the Kylie Minogue show at Dubai Festival City. OPTOCORE will also be in use on the George Michael and Alicia Keys concert which is the biggest concert in terms of audio ever in the UAE!”

www.productiontec.com

Optocore the Hub of Major Audio Upgrade at GM Place in Vancouver

Munich, December 3rd, 2008

The Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League have completed a major upgrade of the audio system at General Motors Place in time for the start of the 2008-09 NHL season. The entire system, from the new Soundcraft Vi6 console to the L-Acoustics loudspeaker line arrays, is connected and managed via a dual redundant Optocore fiber optic digital audio network.

The Optocore installation in Vancouver follows the deployment of a similar Optocore network in the Bird’s Nest Stadium at the Beijing Summer Olympics in August. In response to ensuing increases in business and technical support demands, Optocore is ramping up its world-wide operations, and recently expanded its North American office in Toronto.

“Optocore is the key to everything we’re trying to do here. It was a very important choice for us,” said Fred Michael, president of Rocky Mountain Production Services (RMPS), who installed the new $1.7M sound system that features improvements to the performance sound reinforcement system, intercom, and system infrastructures at General Motors Place.

Via Optocore, all audio on the network is available everywhere in the facility. “The fiber ring travels some 200 degrees around level Zero at the bottom floor of the building and up a riser to the 500 level where it rings around the other side of the rink. From there, it runs up to the 600 level where the clock and amplifiers are located. It then returns to the 500 level and goes the other way in the tray, and then down a different riser back to the ground where it hooks back up to the beginning. Theoretically 512 channels of audio are available at every location in the building where there is an Optocore interface box,” said Canucks Sports & Entertainment’s chief audio technician John Riley, who designed the new sound system. Full story...

OPTOCORE visits the antique city of Jerash, Jordan

Munich, November 10th, 2008

One of the most complete, best preserved and fascinating sites in Jordan is the provincial Roman city of Jerash, located north of Jordan capital Amman in the Biblical land of Gilead. Pax Romana, the “Roman peace”, made exceeded trade possible and Jerash flourished in the first century AD. Jerash South Theater represents an outstanding site for an event; an excellent opportunity for OPTOCORE to show all its advantages.

This summer, audience and spectators were able to attend an exceptional open-air experience at the Jerash South Theater, the biggest of Jerash's three antique amphitheaters. Between July 8th and August 9th, visitors were able to enjoy a magnificent season of events by top Arab and International performers along with Jordan's mild weather, in the ambiance of historical and archaeological wonders. Highlights were a show with Elissa, George Wassouf, Omar Al Abdullat, an Algerian Night with Faudel, Biyouna and the famous Khaled & the National Barbes Orchestra, and a grandiose show with Placido Domingo, the Cairo Opera House & Cairo Symphony Orchestra, along with Julia Migenes and Monica Yunus.

OPTOCORE equipment was supplied by Lumière & Son located in Paris / France. System designer and Managing Director of Lumière & Son, Pierre Heyligen was responsible for planning and installing the system. For FOH, a Yamaha PM5D digital console equipped with OPTOCORE YG2 and YS2 miniYGDAI cards exchanged signals with an OPTOCORE DD32 device via optical fiber. Following the signals were exchanged with an analog MIDAS HERITAGE 3000 console and various effect-racks using the DD32 and OPTOCORE X6-Series modules. The monitor system was set up similar. A Yamaha M7CL digital console again exchanged its signals with a MIDAS XL 250 analog desk and effect-racks utilizing OPTOCORE DD32 and X6-Series modules.

Pierre Heyligen said, “With the use of OPTOCORE we were able to change a set of musicians in a maximum of 15 minutes. Every microphone and effect line and mixing desk, analog and digital, was connected to OPTOCORE. This way we were able to change all the configurations of each band without having to plug or unplug any cables. No line check was necessary during all the shows.” Pierre Heyligen added, “We had 17 shows in one month and the system was running constantly and most important flawlessly. On July 11th, for example, we had to change between four bands each with 40 microphones. The first changeover took us 11 minutes, the second 9, and the third only 7 minutes. Can anything else describe the advantage of such an OPTOCORE based system?”

For Pierre Heyligen the absolute highlight of the month was the appearance of star tenor Placido Domingo. “We had 80 SCHOEPS microphones in use, which is quite a number, but still for the system this was no problem at all. We, at Lumière & Son have been working with OPTOCORE for several years and we never regretted it, it is a fantastic system to use!”

www.lumiereetson-paris.fr

OPTOCORE appoints Tine Helmle to Board of Directors

Munich, October 30th, 2008

OPTOCORE, the leading global supplier of high performance fiber optical network products for the transport of audio and control data signals, today announced the appointment of Tine Helmle to the company’s Board of Directors.

As OPTOCORE’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Tine Helmle has collected more than five years of experience in the pro-audio industry with a strong emphasis on fiber optical network technology and its commercialization.

Tine Helmle: "When I meet Marc Brunke back in 1998 and heard about Optocore for the first time, I was highly fascinated by the technique and idea. It all started with Marc as a musician being awfully annoyed about buzzing PA-systems caused by copper cables. There had to be some sort of solution to avoid this. When he found out that there was absolutely no audio network, he started to build his own. Why not send audio signals via optical fibers, disturbance-free and in addition extremely light. Today OPTOCORE is the leading company in this field."

As a graduate in theater and communication studies, Tine Helmle has been working for several well-known companies, before joining OPTOCORE as full-time staff in the year 2003. Her pre OPTOCORE work included the production of video and film clips for marketing departments of various companies such as Siemens. Bringing along this experience, Tine Helmle managed to push the company to where it is today.

"We are delighted to have Tine Helmle join our board," said Marc Brunke, Chairman, and Managing Director of OPTOCORE. "Her knowledge of all aspects of the fiber optical professional audio business, and her experience in management while maintaining a focus on business objectives, will be of great value to us. She brings along a tremendous corporate development and marketing background, as well as a unique width of experience gained from guiding the development of our company over the past years."

Tine Helmle: "Being on the Board of Directors of OPTOCORE is an exciting opportunity for me to contribute to the growth of a rapidly expanding company in what I believe is an important industry."

OPTOCORE succeed with worldwide Optocore Certification Training seminars

Munich, October 27th, 2008

Due to the constantly increasing global demand for the fiber optic OPTOCORE network, OPTOCORE has successfully offered Optocore Certification Training (OCT) seminars in several countries around the world. Recent OCT sessions were held at Thomsun Trading Establishment in Dubai, OPTOCORE's distributor for the United Arab Emirates, at Lumiere & Son in Paris/France, OPTOCORE headquarters in Munich as well as a session at OPTOCORE North America Inc. in Toronto/Canada and a session organized by HD Pro in London/UK.

The use of digital networks and fiber optical cables for the transport of audio signals becomes increasingly popular in the pro audio world. However not only supply and demand is growing, there is also a desire for deeper and substantiated knowledge. Digital technology provides a huge platform of possible applications and therefore asks for a great expertise in order to comprehend all the possibilities.

OPTOCORE is the worldwide leading pioneer for digital optical fiber network technology. Thorsten Schulze, OPTOCORE Support and Product Manager stated; "We are very eager on passing on our experience and knowledge. Both participants and OPTOCORE benefit from the seminars. The OCT helps us to give our customers a detailed understanding of OPTOCORE and its products and OCTs are always an exchange of ideas, which we think is very conductive for further developments." Tine Helmle, OPTOCORE Director of Sales & Marketing added; "We started off with the first OCT in fall 2007 at Audio Export - Georg Neumann & Co. GmbH, our German distributor in Heilbronn. Subsequent, OCTs were held in Poland, at Procon Hamburg, Crystal Sound Karlsruhe, and AMPTEC our distributor in Belgium, as well as and the recent ones mentioned above. We are very aware of the importance of such an event and so far they were all a real success!"

OPTOCORE will hold future OCTs on a regular basis and would like to invite customers and other interested parties to join an OCT session. For further information, please refer to www.optocore.com or contact inquiry@optocore.com.

The Audio Truck Inc. 'Fibred' with OPTOCORE

Munich, October 16th, 2008

For 25 years Danny Greenspoon has been an audio engineer, and for 20 of those he has doubled as a producer with multiple multi-platinum albums and 4 JUNO Award and 2 Gemini Award wins to his credit. He is also well known as a fine guitar player who for years accompanied a wide range of Canada's elite performers.

For the last 12 years he has been the owner/operator of The Audio Truck Inc., a Toronto based mobile studio. Covering a diverse clientele that includes live broadcasts, big events and well as editing musical recordings when stationary Danny recently underwent the process of upgrading his truck with new Yamaha DM2000 consoles all configured around an OPTOCORE fiber optic transport network.

The truck is the second mobile studio that Danny has owned and was originally a mobile broadcast van used by groundbreaking Toronto FM station CFNY in the '90's. Having used it on previous shows and liked it, when he found out that it was up for sale he instantly realized it was perfect for his operations growing needs. To respond to his customer's increased requirements as well as quick switchovers on multiple artist shows Danny saw the potential of digital consoles but committed himself to improving, not sacrificing the sonic quality that his work was known for if he migrated from analogue to digital domains. The use of remote mic preamps and fiber optic cabling yielded him the ease of handling as well as improved audio by capturing it at the sources that were frequently up to 500ft away.

A major concern, as a predominantly live event-recording engineer, was having a comprehensive, fault-tolerant 'platform' as well as extensive matrixing and flexible routing to supply a redundant, simultaneous backup. Danny's extensive research led him to OPTOCORE as the solution to all his criteria.

An OPTOCORE DD32E network device receives all AES outputs from the remote stage rack's Yamaha AD8HR's via a 15 lb. 150 m reel of OPTOCORE tactical grade fiber cable with Expanded Beam connectors in the trucks patch bay. The complete system is a 5 node dual redundant ring where the other four network devices are an OPTOCORE DD4ME MADI interface for his ProTools rig, another DD32E that feeds a Tascam X48 backup recorder and two sets of YG/YS interface cards installed in his 2 DM2000's. This allows via OPTOCORE's emulation software the ability to control the gain of the preamps on the stage - invisibly from the desk. Additional system pluses find them using the stage box's DD32E's composite Video In/Out connectivity to keep a close eye on the events on the stage on monitors in the truck.

The essence of being mobile is that everything is always in motion and efficiency is a premium goal in redesigning a truck. Danny consistently tells people, "I can't believe that with one finger I can lift a 500ft snake that can do 256 channels where before my 48 channel snake was at least a 2 person lift and only went 300ft and didn't sound as good"

As to the performance of his new system, "I was shocked when I plugged in the system for the first time and really listened. It was unsettlingly clean and instantly perceivable as quieter but still remaining transparent."

Danny's investment in OPTOCORE now allows him to further support one of his clients -CTV Broadcast who recently bought the first of three extensive OPTOCORE systems that will inevitably see there downtown Queen Street studio, mid-town MTV Canada studio and suburban broadcast center interconnected. His ability to be a remote mobile resource to them is a great pairing of OPTOCORE enthusiasts.

www.theaudiotruck.com

OPTOCORE North America Inc., with Director Bill Coons, at the AES 125 - to be held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco between October 2nd and 5th.

Munich, September 26th, 2008

OPTOCORE is the leading pioneer in the world of digital audio transmission via fiber optical cables. Marc Brunke, OPTOCORE's founder and Managing Director: "We are working and researching in the field of digital audio transmission using fiber cables since the early 90's, a long time before this field became interesting for the pro audio community. Today we are the worldwide leading company in this field and we not only managed to convince the pro audio world of the advantages, but also kicked off quite a boom. We are very excited to present our first own booth as OPTOCORE North America Inc. at an US trade fair and are looking forward to welcome our key clients at this years AES in San Francisco."

OPTOCORE at AES: Booth 734

OPTOCORE at the MTV Hip Hop Open 2008

Munich, September 4th, 2008

Since 2000, Stuttgart/Germany is the host for the very popular MTV Hip Hop Open. It all started as a small event with local artists - today it can be considered as one of the biggest rap events in Europe with a top line-up. 8000 kids celebrated 12 hours of hip-hop culture and music to the tunes of international stars such as LUDACRIS and Ice Cube along with German highlights such as Dynamite Deluxe and Culcha Candela.

The Suedwestrundfunk (SWR, "Southwest Broadcasting"), a public broadcasting company for the southwest of Germany, recorded the entire event on audio and video. Due to utilized capacity of SWR's own OB vans, an additional van had to be supplied by MBM Musikproduktion located in Darmstadt/Germany. In order to fulfill the demands of the SWR, an OPTOCORE system was integrated into MBM's OB van. The SWR supplied the necessary devices from their own stock and Juergen Buss, SWR Director of the Outside Broadcasting Department in Stuttgart, together with MBM technicians, was responsible for the configuration.

A LX4AP served as stage box for the transport of 48 audio channels and the transport of the video signal from the monitoring camera. A DD4ME device was used for the exchange of MADI signals. The Optocore devices communicated with a Sony DMX R100 digital console, a DAW Magix Sequoia Vs. 10 for signal processing and the Sony DV camera on stage. The distance between OB van and stage added up to 250 meters, which were easily covered using two OptoCable 4/150 cable reels in a row.

Juergen Buss stated, "The OPTOCORE system is very impressive! One of the big advantages of the system compared to the analog world is the possibility to connect a stage box with 48 IN and 16 OUTs with a console using only one single thin optical fiber. An additional reason why we decided to invest into OPTOCORE equipment is the support of the MADI format. When we bought the system, it served as a connection between an analog OB van and our mobile multi-track HD recording system, which included a MADI card. A third reason for selecting OPTOCORE is that we can now easily expand the inputs and outputs of our vans, which possess a free MADI port. Last but not least we save a lot of assembling and disassembling time during events, as we no longer have to pull copper cables." Olaf Mielke from MBM Musikproduktion added, "We were quite taken with the OPTOCORE system, especially because we were able to set it up and integrate it into our system without any problems. We were very satisfied with its operation."

The system was in non-stop use for two days, once again showing its reliability and helped to make the MTV Hip Hop Open 2008 a full success.

Audio and Visual Effects with OPTOCORE at July 14th Celebrations in Paris

Munich, August 22nd, 2008

On July 14th, almost every city and village in France celebrates the 'Fêtes National' and fireworks usually accompany the celebrations. The biggest of all festivities is held in Paris, it regularly attracts thousands of viewers. This year's revelry was exceptional, with a big concert one and a half hours before the traditional fireworks went off. Around 800.000 spectators attended the concert, organized by the Ministry of Culture, and the following firework.

The concert was also broadcasted on TV, therefore the promoter asked for highest standards regarding sound and light. Wissous/France based De Préférence was in charge of audio and Longjumeau/France based Impact-Evénement for the lighting system. Two established companies, both relying on OPTOCORE and its outstanding fiber optic network technology.

For audio, the technicians of De Préférence created a loop of eight devices including OPTOCORE's YG2 cards and DD32E. The ring communicated with Yamaha equipment on stage and FOH, and exchanged audio and control data. For the lighting system, Impact-Even used two YG2 cards and two DD6NE devices for the transport of Ethernet in combination with a MA Lighting GrandMA and NSP. Distances of up to 800 meters had to be covered by both sound and light, which were more than easy to handle simply by using OPTOCORE.

Five rings shine above Beijing!

Munich, August 9th, 2008

The five ring symbol that is recognized worldwide as the logo of the Olympic Games is coincidentally similar to the basic system configuration of the OPTOCORE installation in the 'Bird's Nest' - Beijing's new National Stadium where the opening and closing ceremonies was hold.

To follow up on the success of Athens in 2004, OPTOCORE was again assigned the responsibilities for the transport of the audio signals via optical fibre to locations around the 91 000-seat venue, that spans a huge distance of 333m by 298m. As is the case where every Olympic production attempts to outdo the previous one, the BOCOC (Beijing Olympic Committee) staged an extraordinary production, that was watched by a worldwide television audience estimated at 5 billion.

The multifaceted show incorporated unique aspects of both, Chinese and international cultural as evidenced by the theme song performed by Chinese singer Lui Haun and British diva Sarah Brightman. The finale of the show was a pyrotechnical display of astounding proportion and complexity synchronized to an impeccable quality sound system provided by Bei Ao via a 68 component Optocore network. For live events of this magnitude and complexity once again Gary Hardesty, was awarded the responsibility of System Designer due to his expertise garnered from past Olympics and huge events, such as World Youth days where audiences exceed 1 million attendees. Gary's initial designs were based on Optocore as reliability and confidence are always his #1 priority because "with almost four billion people watching, you only get one chance to get it right." Working with Olympic organizations production staff and the technical support team at Optocore, a design based on five redundant bidirectional multimode fibre rings was created and installed by Bei Ao, with the help of Leifull, the Chinese Optocore Distributor.

The five 'rings' allowed isolated distribution to zones, that comprised the playing field, the stadium's second seating level, roof located speakers, the stadium's house system via the control room and a fifth 'ring' to provide remote preamp inputs on the centre stage and VIP area signal returns only used during the opening and closing nights.

All signals from the main control room in the stadium were processed by a Meyer Sound Galileo Loudspeaker Management System, which fed adjacent Optocore X6P-16IN and X6-OUT AD/DA converter modules which in turn were connected to Optocore DD32E network devices connected to the fibre run throughout the building. Via Optocore's software any signal could be routed to any of the amplifier rack locations around the building where additional DD32E and X6-16OUT units converted the signal from digital back to analogue for connection to amps and speakers with no signal degradation or latency.

As noted, special design considerations from the onset for instanteous fault tolerant switch over in case of signal interruption are always part of Gary Hardesty's mandate for mega-events thus the choice for Optocore. "The fact that every network device can switch to it's redundant AC supply, redundant optical input/output ports or word clock instantaneously in one sample, allows me the peace of mind to focus on the show not worry about the equipment. With miles of fibre, a lot of connection points and hundreds of technicians around the building there are a lot of potential 'variables', but our use of leading edge products for the system afford us the confidence you need going into these type of productions." Gray went on to add, "The real big plus is the pristine quality audio that the audience will get. The X series preamps are up there with the best I've heard and when packaged with the Meyer thru an invisible transport media it yields astounding results. Our engineers now actually get to 'mix' a show that has nuances as apposed to years ago where massive systems lacked the subtlety and the challenge was more about 'distributing' the audio than 'presenting' it."

Luca Giaroli International Sales and Technical Manager for Optocore who's been involved from the beginning commented, "We are very pleased with the final result of our efforts. It was a great team effort on an international level which sort of mirrors the Olympic theme. This gig has been the most important in my career, but thanks to the great design of Gary, the reliability of our systems and the fibers and connectors from Fiberco, I could keep on going offering everyone shots of espresso from an Italian espresso machine brought to China and it kept myself busy, since the entire Optocore system performed flawless since the beginning of the rehearsals.

Right after the show, Gary Hardesty commented: "It has been great to work with Optocore, it's been flawless, the sound has been great, the team's been great: it's simply been perfect!"

Cooperation between OPTOCORE and Neumann brings up excellent new possibilities!

Munich, July 31st, 2008

OPTOCORE is proud to announce its next huge step towards universal digital connectivity. Due to the cooperation between OPTOCORE and Neumann (www.neumann.com), it is now possible to transport, distribute and route Neumann digital microphone audio signals and control data using one digital network - one network connection for all signals with no limitation in distances and a guaranty for high quality. Distribution becomes much easier and is now possible by using the OPTOCORE Network technology.

Neumann, the well-known microphone company from Berlin / Germany have been leading pioneers for professional microphones over the past 80 years. Some of their latest developments include the Solution D Series digital microphones with AES42 interfaces. A most advantageous A/D conversion, especially developed synchronization technology and the capability of controlling standard microphone parameters and various integrated signal-processing functions remotely ensure that Solution-D meets the most demanding professional audio production requirements.

Audio signals are available at any point of the network as AES/EBU and MADI as well as conventional analog format. OPTOCORE has now developed a RJ45 to Sub-D adapter cable allowing every OPTOCORE device equipped with a RS485 interface to communicate with Neumann microphones. Neumann offers an AES42 to RS485 and AES/EBU converter with two microphone channels, an eight channel version will soon be introduced. The converter (DMI-2) is remotely controlled via RS485 using a PC/MAC. All signals can now be transmitted via Optocore fiber optic networks to and from Neumann Solution D Series Microphones using Neumann DMI-2 interfaces. This also counts for any other microphone as long as it is AES42 compatible. Neumann has intensively tested the functionality and adjudged it as simple to use and is very satisfied with the results. The complete audio production signal chain is entirely digital using the OPTOCORE network.

High standard state-of-the-art digital microphones pass on signals to interfaces connected to the high quality and synchronous OPTOCORE fiber optic network. High flexibility in regards of output format, cable length and position of control brings up excellent new possibilities, especially for high profile audio productions, studio and broadcast applications. Neumann DMI-2 can be controlled over extremely long distances with a PC connected to an OPTOCORE device. Optocore offers the equivalent interface no matter whether MADI, AES/EBU or analog is the appropriate output to pass on signals to other devices.

Adapter cables for the connection of Neumann devices with OPTOCORE devices are forthwith available.

Optocore at Glastonbury 2008

Munich, July 9th, 2008

Optocore devices were used again for the digital returns system on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury this year, sending multiple AES channels to stage processors and distributing them, as well as transporting the RS485 control signal.

Andy Huffer of Optocore's UK distributor, HD Pro Audio, explained the setup, "At FOH, the AES outputs from the Digidesign Profile console were sent to the Optocore DD32E device, with all digital devices locked to an external wordclock. The DD32E also received an RS485 input from an XTA DP226 processor located at FOH."

"These signals (both AES and RS485) were then sent to the Optocore DD32 device located on stage, and distributed. The AES signals were patched to multiple outputs via the Optocore internal matrix, allowing the same signal to be sent to multiple XTA DP226 processors where necessary - as in the case of the main PA hangs, where one input signal was "zoned" via several DP226s. The RS485 signal was also sent from the DD32 device to the first DP226 in the RS485 chain on stage. Custom XLR panels were used to allow for easy patching of all amplifier and processor racks with 4 way AES multicore cables".

Huffer concludes, "The main advantages of using Optocore for this application were the easy transport and distribution of multiple AES signals, an area traditionally full of cable and wordclock issues, plus the solid transportation of RS485 control data, which can prove unreliable over long distances and multiple connections".

The complete system for the Pyramid Stage was supplied by Wimbledon-based RG Jones Sound Engineering and system design was by Simon Honywill, who commented afterwards, "The system was absolutely rock solid throughout, Andy's co-operation and ability was total as ever and the nasty place that is the Pyramid Stage multicore trap was significantly less crowded. I was determined to maintain the signal in the digital domain from mic input to loudspeaker processor output, and this was an elegant solution".

OPTOCORE Establishes New Operations for North America

Munich, June 20th, 2008

To respond to recent significant increases in business and associated technical support demands throughout the US and Canada, Optocore who has its headquarters in Munich are pleased to announce they will be moving their North America office to Toronto, Ontario from the previous location in Totowa, NJ.

As of June 1, 2008, all operational aspects will now be the responsibility of the newly appointed Managing Director - Bill Coons, known throughout the industry as the Director and owner of Contact Distribution who has been the Canadian distributor for Optocore for the last 1.5 years. Bill Coons commented, "In a very short period of time since we introduced the brand we have had great success having placed fiber optic network systems in various critical applications from broadcast, mobile recording and commercial installations across the country where no other product offered the functionality or the quality of Optocore devices. We've now got the country's leading consultants and designers standardizing on the product and a number of the top integrators and technicians having completed the OCT - Optocore Certified Training." Bill went on to add, "To date the existing rep network in the states has achieved similar success with some major production companies and integrators. From New Years Eve in Times Square to numerous installs in theme parks, performing arts centres, churches and large sports venues Optocore's abilities are being recognized creating a demand that we have to respond to."

Optocore's recent release of the DD2FE optical MADI network interface allows for Studer and Soundcraft digital consoles to be added to the expanding list alongside Yamaha and DiGiCo as the only unilateral fiber network platform that supports the major digital consoles.

Marc Brunke, Managing Director and head designer stated, "We've been impressed with Bill's enthusiasm and marketing talents and the initial response from the US reps share this as many have known him for years. We believe that we have got a great team together to support our existing customer base as well as the new opportunities we're being presented with."

Tine Helmle, Optocore Director of Sales and Marketing, said: "It's comfortable to know that our sales and marketing activities in North America are in Bill's hands. With him being in the professional audio business for so many years we can not think any one better to represent our company!"

Optocore products are considered the leading edge of fiber optic based premium audio and control transport having been used in high profile, critical applications throughout the world since the company's formation in 1994. The implementation of an Optocore fiber optic network into Mediaset's (Italy) new OB van, the European Song Contest in Belgrade, a fixed installed Optocore network at the American Garden Theater at Epcot Center, Orlando, Florida and the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing are only a few of the latest projects involving the company's state-of-the-art products.

OPTOCORE Supplies Six DD32E for the Realization of the European Song Contest 2008 in Belgrade/Serbia

Munich, May 30th, 2008

The European Song Contest is annually held among the active member countries of the European Broadcasting Union. Each member country submits a song to be performed on live television and then gives votes for the other countries' songs in order to determine the most popular song of the contest. The competition has been broadcasted annually since its inauguration in 1956. It represents one of the longest-running television programmes in the world. The latest audience figures of the recent years quote the popularity of the event, up to 600 million people watching international wide. The show is not only broadcasted in Europe, a great number of countries worldwide follow the event despite the fact that these countries do not participate.

23 countries participated in the 53rd final of the European Song Contest in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. The complexity and the challenging procedure of the event call for dependable technical equipment. PROCON Group, responsible for the technical outfit and realization of the contest, focused on reliable professional audio companies in order to supply a trustworthy PA system. Six OPTOCORE DD32E network devices exchanged digital audio signals with two of Yamaha's PM5D and two DM2000 consoles along with a number of Yamaha AD8HR and AD824 modules. The DD32E with its four principal ports for connection and transport of 32 AES/EBU channels (64 digital audio channels) suited perfectly for this application. The channels are user definable as inputs or outputs, this offers utmost flexibility. Redundant fiber connections using the two provided optical LINK-interfaces offer a dual redundant ring structure providing maximum safety in a logical network along with an outstanding low latency. With Yamaha and Optocore microphone preamps, the DD32E enables the gain control of the preamps on stage from a Yamaha digital console at FOH.

OPTOCORE and Yamaha together offer outstanding solutions for the transport and exchange of digital audio signals. Their products and innovations provide the highest safety standards along with supreme sound quality, best suitable for any kind of permanent or mobile application, as well as for such big and complex events as the European Song Contest.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - OPTOCORE Appoints Thomsun Trading Establishment as its New Distributor for the Middle East

Munich, May 21st, 2008

Just on time for the PALME 2008 in Dubai, the Middle East professional sound, light, music, audio visual and systems integration exhibition OPTOCORE appointed Thomsun Trading Est. as its new distributor for the UAE. Led by Managing Director Mr. K.V. Thomas and with an unexcelled network of sales and support teams along with dealers and partners in the region, Thomsun Trading Est. is a well-known and recognized distributor for pro-audio, audio visual and music instrument products and support.

Established in the UAE in 1976 by founding directors Mr. K.V. Thomas, Mr. P. Shrinivas and Mr. V.T. John, Thomsun Trading Est. puts heavy focus on niche markets and represents a multi-faced business enterprise. The diverse sectors cover pro audio, consumer audio and musical instruments; electro-mechanical products; printing and packaging industry; pre-press and digital printing solutions; logistics and distribution; seafood and meat processing industries; supermarkets and bakery; home furniture; IT training and consulting among others. The Thomsun Group has emerged as a market leader in its fields of operations through its focused approach, strong market intelligence, attention to details, sound deployment of modern technology and a commitment to quality. The ambition is to provide all customers with the most cutting-edge products along with the best possible service and support.

Mr. K.V. Thomas says: "OPTOCORE is a unique fibre-based network solution for the broadcast and live markets. It effectively integrates with our existing range of pro-audio products to provide these markets with a high quality end-to-end solution."

According to Mr. A. Ghurde, Thomsun Assistant Project Manager, the decision for OPTOCORE was quite easy. "As we are very active in the broadcast, fixed installations and live/rental markets in the region, OPTOCORE was simply the best solution we could offer to our customers in this market. The OPTOCORE technology was designed from the scratch for real-time transport of audio, video and control data. The OPTOCORE Network is the only solution of its kind based on fibre and provides a high performance, high bandwidth secure network for professional audio, video, studio, broadcast and installation industry. Besides the obvious advantages in terms of technology offered by OPTOCORE, the OPTOCORE advantage lies in the assurance of high quality products with consistent technical support and competitive pricing."

Mr. L. Kanikaraj, Thomsun Trading Division Manager points out, "We have added a great product to our portfolio which I am sure will benefit our customers in the region. I look forward to great things to happen in the future.

For Tine Helmle, OPTOCORE Director for Sales and Marketing, Thomsun Trading Est. is ideally positioned to distribute OPTOCORE systems with the long going customer service and support. "The traditions at Thomsun Trading strongly reflect the traditions at OPTOCORE. We are both deeply committed to listening to the needs of our customers and - not simply coming up with a solution - but delivering systems that meet the application challenges, technology requirements and commercial demands of distinct projects. We look forward to work with Mr. Thomas and his team and to advance the service and support OPTOCORE provides our customers in the Middle East region."

OPTOCORE is proud to announce close cooperation with Soundcraft and Studer

Munich, May 15th, 2008

OPTOCORE has welcomed Soundcraft and Studer as the latest members of their increasing community of partners. The three companies share the interest of developing state-of-the-art products for the professional audio industry and together they have now initiated the DD2FE, formerly known as DD4ME OPTICAL MADI device. Tine Helmle, OPTOCORE Director for Sales and Marketing, points out, "We are more than pleased to have Soundcraft and Studer "on board", with DiGiCo, Yamaha, Soundcraft and Studer we do now work together with some of the most well-known digital console manufacturers."

Soundcraft and Studer digital consoles now benefit from this new MADI interface. The DD2FE provides two fiber optic MADI ports allowing access of up to 128 in- and 128 output audio channels in an OPTOCORE network. The huge amount of channels exchanged by one DD2FE makes it the ideal and most cost effective interface for digital console systems. The DD2FE offers redundancy and the unique possibility to connect two Vi Series digital consoles to a single stage box, so that both FOH and monitor desks can share the main I/O connection, the perfect solution especially when it comes to challenging events.

OPTOCORE, Soundcraft and Studer have already successfully worked together on the celebrations of New Year's Eve in Times Square, the symbolic center of New York City 2007. Audio signals were seamlessly exchanged between FOH located at 44th street and the two stages on 46th and 47th street. A Studer Vista 5 SR FOH console communicated via the Studer SCore Live with two DD4ME devices exchanging MADI signals. An OPTOCORE fiber loop transported the signals to the respective stages, equipped with one DD4ME device at each place, which exchanged the MADI signals with two Studer SCore Live racks and a Soundcraft VI6™ console. OPTOCORE and its outstanding technology was the only solution to this application due to the extremely long distances, the high channel count and the different stages in use. The longest OPTOCORE cable connection used covered 500 meters! The highest quality audio signals were guaranteed due to the fact that everything remained in the digital domain.

With the DD2FE, OPTOCORE offers an additional innovative device for its optical digital audio network and the transmission of audio and data signals via fiber. The DD2FE represents a smart device - ready to face all the upcoming challenges, offering even more flexibility.

De Préférence - France Top Address for the Special Events and a specialist for Optocore

Munich, May 01st, 2008

Wissous, a small town located about twenty kilometers south of Paris / France, is the base for one of the exclusive companies for the realization of what one could call "the very special events". De Préférence is the name one should look out for if it comes to events beyond the usual show. Founded by Alain Français in 1989, De Préférence quickly established a well-known reputation all over the world. The creed of the company is to provide state-of-the-art equipment alongside with brilliant knowledge in order to solve even the most challenging situation of any event.

Back in the founding years, Alain Français and his team quickly realized the importance of reliable equipment and especially the capability of knowing how to run it. These qualities are most important in order to step out of the huge group of event companies. De Préférence serves the demanding event market with the most modern technology; hence, it is not surprising that the choice was made in favor of Optocore when the step from an analog to digital multicore had to be completed. "It was no easy decision for us when we took that step about four years ago. We were just rewarded with the job of the inauguration of the new Airbus A380 in Toulouse / France and it was clear to us that this will not be the easiest job to do, especially with an estimated microphone line of over 300 meters. It was apparent that copper cables could not be the right answer so we searched the market for a better solution. Of course we also had to keep the investment in mind, but as it came to Optocore we were convinced pretty fast that any investment into this product would be paid back a several times more," commented Alain Français.

The list of De Préférence first-class references is countless: The inauguration of the Airbus 380A, the presentation of prêt-à-porter collections in Paris, the presentation of the Renault Twingo at Stade de France in Paris, a two month tour and recording with Florent Pagny and a symphonic orchestra, the latest recording session of The Cure, several events in Qatar and the opening and closing ceremony of the Pan African Games in Algiers / Algeria are only some current examples.

Alain Français added: "The events we work for are usually live events and often put up a lot of challenges during realization. We therefore have to be able to rely on our equipment. We are on the safe side with Optocore, it offers best quality, we use less cable, there is no more buzzing, no loss in signal and as a result more dynamics and a lot of input. Optocore opens new opportunities regarding the transport of signals. We use Yamaha consoles and the compatibility with Optocore using the YG2 and YS cards brings further advantages. Our equipment includes several different Optocore devices such as YG and YS cards, DD32Es and DD4ME MADI devices; this offers us a broad flexibility. A good example is the two-month long Florent Pagny tour with venues changing almost daily. The tour was accompanied by a symphonic orchestra and brought along a high technical effort, especially during the show at the famous Olympia Hall in Paris where we did both PA and recording. I had to use a lot of different devices but the system ran perfectly and everybody was pleased."

De Préférence is already planning the future: amongst others, several recording sessions, a big show in Arabia and the big festival of fireworks in Chantilly / France are on the upcoming schedule and Optocore will be a reliable companion.

Optocore Appoints HD Pro Audio as UK Distributor

Munich, March 18th, 2008

Optocore, the Munich-based world leader in optical network and multicore technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of HD Pro Audio as exclusive distributor for its products in the UK.

HD Pro Audio was established by Andy Huffer and Mark Brown, with a clear view that to be outstanding the company not only needed to provide a well-defined core range of exceptional brands for digital audio mixing, recording and networking systems. Experienced service and support were equally important to help customers choose the right products and gain the maximum benefit from their investment.

"Having been personally involved with Optocore for the best part of a decade now, I am very pleased that HD Pro Audio has been appointed as the new UK distributor", commented Andy Huffer. "As a key brand within a focussed portfolio of professional audio products, both HD and Optocore can only benefit from our concentrated approach to sales and distribution. We see great things for the future of Optocore in the UK".

Marc Brunke, Optocore Managing Director and founder, was equally enthusiastic, "It is an excellent move for Optocore to work with HD Pro Audio as they are specialists in professional audio sales and offer a strong range of state-of-the-art products along with the necessary support. We feel very comfortable with HD Pro Audio being our new UK distributor and look forward to a long and successful corporation. We are particularly happy that Andy Huffer is part of the team. We have known each other for many years and I consider Andy to be one of the top leading experts for Optocore in the UK."

Tine Helmle, Optocore Director of Sales and Marketing, added, "Everyone here at Optocore feels great about HD Pro Audio being our new distributor and we look forward to a flourishing future."

Optocore follows the maxim of highest standards regarding customer support and service, knowing that this is the only solution for happy clients and successful products. The pool of Optocore Distribution all around the world follow the same dictum. HD Pro Audio has outstanding and experienced sales and support staff and is able to provide a wide range of services including high standard training. With all the years of experience behind HD Pro Audio, the team provides product support that is second to none - just the right company for the distribution of Optocore high-tech products.

HD Pro Audio are based in Egham, Surrey England and can be contacted on +44 (0)1784 433687.

More than 10 Optocore devices in less than 10 square meters - Mediaset's new OB Van 27

Munich, March 01st, 2008

Located in Cologno Monzese (MI) Italy, Mediaset is one of Italy's leading TV broadcast networks providing broadcast contributions from various sectors such as news, showbiz, live- and sport events. Mediaset has already successfully used Optocore devices in the past; this made the decision easy to rely on the outstanding quality and reputation of Optocore devices for the technological heart of one of Mediaset's latest investments.

The new OB Van 27 is designed for the outside broadcast of soccer and MotoGP sports events and is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art audio-, video- and broadcast technology. The Mediaset Engineering Group around Aldo Medici and Luciano Consigli were responsible for the technical interior of the van. 12 x DD32E, 3 x YG2 and 15 x YS2 Optocore modules form the core of the new Mediaset OB Van 27. It brings together all audio sources (video camera, audio multiplexer and demultiplexer, video tape recorder, jingle machine, microphones, audio monitors etc.) with the main console, offering both transport and matrix functions.

Two interconnected Optocore rings form the heart of the system. The first is located inside the OB van and comprises 7 x DD32E digital I/O modules in addition with an YG2 and 7 x YS2 optical digital Mini-YGDAI cards for Yamaha devices. The cards are plugged into a set of Yamaha DIO8s that are part of the PM1D system, the main console of the van. The second ring includes a set of YG2 and YS2 cards hosted by a further DIO8s, also part of the PM1D, and an additional set of YG2 and YS2 cards plugged into a spare DM1000. Supplementary DD32Es complete the second ring for internal and external audio connections. The Yamaha PM1D console is the main crossing point for the audio signals between the two Optocore rings. The van also provides three racks used outside to collect and distribute audio signals. They are each equipped with a DD32E along with Yamaha AD8HRs and DA824 for A/D - D/A conversion. All installed Optocore devices are equipped with mono mode (9/125) fiber transceivers.

Mediaset is enthusiastic concerning their new OB Van 27. "After a successful couple of years with flawless usage of a simple 3 devices Optocore network for the MotoGP productions, when we had to decide the networking for the new OB Van, we didn't have any doubt about the choice. The availability of the new YG2 and YS2 made the choice of the PM1D very easy to take. The legendary reliability of the PM1D and the Optocore system allow our engineers to focus their attention totally on their job, not thinking about any emergency plan!" says Aldo Medici.

Luca Giaroli, International Sales and Technical Manager of Optocore, was responsible for the in-house support. He says: "It was an interesting and challenging project, especially concerning the synchronous connection of more than 450 channels of audio from and to more than 200 different devices, by means of a "simple" Optocore network. Mediaset project managers perfectly understood the great potential of Optocore, not only as digital optical fiber network, but also its great intrinsic matrix system. Most of the time people think about the fiber for long distances. In this project, more than 10 Optocore devices are installed in less than 10 square meters! The Mediaset engineers were astonished during the design process, a little skeptical during the debug session and very excited once everything was running."

Once again, Optocore proves its established and well-known reputation for reliable and high standard digital audio technology, especially in combination with Yamaha products. The Mediaset OB Van 27 and its outstanding design would have been impossible without Optocore.

Times Square NYC - Optocore and Studer work together and welcome the New Year

Munich, January 14th, 2008

New Year's Eve in Times Square the symbolic center of New York City - the world holds breath and cheers as the clock strikes twelve. The famous New Year's Eve Ball descends from the flagpole atop One Times Square, Optocore took part in saying goodbye to the passing year and welcoming the year ahead.

As one of the world's leading production companies Maryland Sound International (MSI), Baltimore (www.marylandsound.com) has emerged as a leader and pioneer in sound reinforcement. MSI organizes once-in-a-lifetime events such as the Berlin Wall Concert, sports, television, corporate and concert events as well as mega events such as presidential inaugurations (using Optocore) and the New York's New Years celebration in Times Square.

Robert Goldstein, Owner and Managing Director, and Ryan Beck, MSI System Designer and FOH Engineer, enthusiastically used Optocore to realize the high duties and responsibilities of the New Years Eve mega event for the third time in a row. With the support of Optocore Support Engineer Marc Wesler four DD4ME dual MADI network devices were integrated into the system. Audio signals were seamlessly exchanged between FOH located at 44th street and the two stages on 46th and 47th street. A Studer Vista 5 SR FOH console communicated via Studer SCore Live with two DD4ME devices exchanging MADI signals. An Optocore fiber loop transported the signals to the stages. The respective stages were equipped with one DD4ME device, which exchanged the MADI signals with two Studer SCore Live racks and a Soundcraft VI 6 console.

Optocore and its outstanding technology was the only solution to make this installation with its extremely long distances, the high channel count and the different stages possible. The longest used Optocore cable connection covered 500 meters! Highest quality audio signals were guaranteed due to the fact that all remained on a digital format and level. "One definite advantage of the system!" Marc Wesler sums up the exciting evening. "It was a great pleasure for me to see how it all fit together perfectly. Once again I would like to thank MSI for the perfect cooperation."

Optocore Certification Training

Munich, Dezember 05th, 2007

The use of digital networks and fiber optical cables for the transport of audio signals becomes increasingly popular in the pro audio world. However not only supply and demand is growing, there is also a desire for deeper and substantiated knowledge. Digital technology provides a huge platform of possible applications and therefore asks for a great know-how in order to comprehend all the possibilities. Only a well-founded understanding can utilize the complete broadness of applications and simplify the day-to-day work.

Optocore is the leading pioneer in the world of digital audio transmission via fiber optical cables - who else could be more appropriate to pass on knowledge and experience. Marc Brunke, Optocore's founder and Managing Director: "We are the leading company in this field and we not only managed to convince the pro audio world of the advantages, but also kicked off quite a boom. It is a logical consequence that we would like to share our knowledge. We therefore initiated the Optocore Certification Training, not only to explain our products but also to pass on our experience."

The Optocore Certification Training (OCT) provides a detailed insight into the utilization of Optocore devices as well as their integration into the OPTOCORE OPTICAL DIGITAL NETWORK SYSTEM. The Optocore Network provides several exceptional features making it a unique and outstanding system. Optocore would like to use the OCT to deepen the technical knowledge in order to enable the participants to use the Optocore system and all its advantages in temporary and fixed installations.

The Seminar is planned as a two-day event. Optocore personnel will introduce the various devices of the Optocore family and demonstrate their function, utilization and integration into the OPTOCORE OPTICAL DIGITAL NETWORK SYSTEM. Furthermore an introduction into the configuration- and control- software, OPTOCORE CONTROL, will show how easy the complete system can be set up and managed. Additionally the seminar will provide an insight into the digital fiber optic technology, the cables and their maintenance. Substantial knowledge in this field will provide a great advantage during daily work. Practical examples and training will round off the seminar.

The OCT will be summed up with a short multiple-choice test and the successful participation will be awarded with a certification entitling the participant as an Optocore Technical Consultant.

Optocore would kindly like to invite you to participate in an Optocore Certification Training Two OCT sessions are scheduled for May and October 2008 at Optocore Headquarters in Munich, Germany. The corresponding dates will soon be announced on our homepage. For pre-registration please email to inquiry@optocore.com.

Optocore goes east and welcomes MediaTech as new distributor

Munich, November 19th, 2007

Optocore warmly welcomes MediaTech as the new distributor for Slovakia and the Czech Republic. "We are very contented regarding the cooperation with MediaTech knowing that their company policy and employees fulfill absolute highest standards. We especially reward the obligation concerning the activities in turn-key projects of radio stations, studios, theaters, etc and the excellent work of the MediaTech installation team," says Marc Brunke Optocore's Managing Director. Tine Helmle, Optocore Director of Sales & Marketing adds, "MediaTech has build up a perfect network of about 200 dealers for high quality audio products in the Czech and Slovak Republic. This will help us to bring the advantages of Optocore to the professional audio world of both countries."

Located in Bratislava, Slovakia and in Chrudim, Czech Republic, with an international office in Oslo, Norway, MediaTech is one of the leading companies for the distribution and installation of pro-audio products meeting the demands of ISO 9001. MediaTech is well known for its brilliant marketing and sales activities as well as for its engineering personnel and servicing facilities. Definitely further reasons for cooperation, but what were the reasons for MediaTech? Miroslav Paciga, MediaTech's Technical Manager puts it to the point: "After intensive research of all available audio network systems we choose Optocore because it has many advantages and is best fitted to our applications. Live sound and broadcast business is growing with more and more applications including digital mixing consoles and there is a need for digital audio multicore and networking. We expect to have reliable and proved system for small to large applications and to make a step forward in positioning our company on our pro-audio market. The overall technical concept makes Optocore so special. Long-term reputation, lots of important applications and a well running company with good support also came into account. From technical side we focus on a native optical system, capacity, easy setup and use. Optocore is a dedicated audio network not based on hosting on other networks."

Optocore and MediaTech are looking forward to a long and successful partnership and as Miroslav Paciga mentions, there are several planed projects involving Optocore: "We are working on a replacement of an analog multicore in TV OB vans and multi-mixing console interconnection for TV live musical shows. Beyond other projects we are also working on an audio network at the Academy of Arts in Banska Bystrica, central Slovakia.

Optocore participates in winning the Guinness Book World Record - DreamHack, worlds largest LAN-party

Munich, November 09th, 2007

Winter 2006, DreamHack wins the Guinness Book World Record for the largest LAN-party with 10,638 visitors attending. A stunning event and Optocore is pleased to have participated in last winter and this years summer occasions, helping to accomplish it for everybody's contentment.

DreamHack is held biannually at Elmia Exhibition Center in the city of Jönköping, Sweden. In order to host the world's largest LAN-party, the organizers have to fulfill plenty of modifications within the halls, first and foremost the electrical and audio installations have to be adjusted. 4554 computer seats for gaming and communication, a main stage for show events and a number of booths for selected exhibitors and sponsors etc. are set up in two huge halls of the exhibition center. Both halls, every single seat and booth, as well as the audio, video and light systems have to be interconnected. About 3,000,000 Watts (!!!) of electricity is needed and over 70 km of fiber cables and network cables are used. Magnus Jerkrot, technical supervisor, mentioned: "Everything runs 24 hours on four days. We build up DreamHack three days before the event starts and pull everything down in 10 hours."

Optocore is the network system which was capable to deal with this challenge, especially operating non-stop over such a long period of time. A high-tech solution for a high-tech event, offering utmost flexibility with a straight forward network for the transport of audio signals. The decision to choose Optocore was made very easy. Two DD32E devices along with one X6-16 OUT were sufficient to get the main stage system with a Yamaha DM2000 mixing console running. Furthermore video signals were send from FOH to the record computer located on the main stage. Optocore's fiber cable technology fitted perfectly into this technologically advanced, groundbreaking event and DreamHack was ready to go.

Permanent Optocore Installation in the Opéra Bastille Paris

Munich, October 22nd, 2007

Designed by the Canadian-Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott, the Opéra Bastille Paris was inaugurated on July 13th 1989 as part of the French Revolution Bicentenary celebrations. Its 2,700 acoustically consistent seats, its unique stage facilities, its integrated scenery, costume and accessory workshops, as well as its numerous work areas and rehearsal rooms, make the Opéra Bastille one of the great modern theaters of France.

Not only the outside and inside of the building itself are very impressive, the technical system inside is of greatest quality and standard. This counts for the theater and stage techniques, lighting systems and especially for the audio system. Regarding the audio systems the Opéra Bastille was always leading in the world. They were the first to work with an analog console with digital total recall remote, today they are the one of the first operas to work with Optocore. During technical modifications starting December 2006 and ending in May 2007, highest standard digital audio equipment was integrated and once again Optocore and Yamaha build up the base of the system. Three PM1D consoles located in three halls of the opera are linked up using three Optocore YG2 and 21 YS2 cards along with two DD32E's, two X6P-16 IN and two X6P-8/8 devices forming a redundant ring.

Opéra Bastille sound directors Philippe Taberlet and Serge Dupond were looking for a system which would be able to fulfill three main aspects: The Yamaha PM1D's had to be linked up by a system capable to read the Yamaha remote protocol, the system had to offer galvanic isolation between the different points of the ring and the network had to offer redundancy.

Primary contractor was Le Team from Nanterre, France, a company specialized in audiovisual fiber optic solutions. Le Team project managers Marc Belleville and Frédéric Protot approached Optocore's French distributor Philippe Moreau knowing that only the Optocore Network System was capable to fulfill these aspects. All parties involved, mentioned the most interesting and challenging part of the project: the ring network with integrated redundancy, high quality audio mic preamps and converters. The shows at the Opéra Bastille are an incredible experience thanks to the advanced and outstanding technologies offered by Optocore and Yamaha.

Optocore training days with Yamaha!

Munich, October 1st, 2007

Optocore and Yamaha products form a unique and seamless integrated audio network solution for an enormous range of applications. In order to enhance the profound knowledge about Optocore network technology and devices, Optocore and Yamaha arranged seminars for Yamaha employees in Hamamatsu - Japan, London - UK and Rellingen - Germany.

Optocore and Yamaha, two leading companies in the field of digital audio technologies, have already "met" at several big events, such as the opening and closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in Athens 2004, the 15th Asian Games in Doha 2006 and the Papal Visit on the occasion of the World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany 2005.

Many audio companies combine the sophisticated advantages of Yamaha and Optocore products: The high regarded DSP-processors and digital consoles of Yamaha are used for audio processing and mixing. The excellent abilities of the OPTOCORE ® OPTICAL DIGITAL NETWORK SYSTEM guarantee a high quality transport of Yamaha control data and audio signals.

The basic idea of the seminar initiated by Yamaha and Optocore, was to improve the support for the customers that use Yamaha products in combination with Optocore devices. Yamaha's Technical Marketing Groups had the opportunity to get detailed information regarding Optocore technology as well as fiber optical audio and data transmission. Practical exercises deepened the skills to configure and operate an integrated network.

"The training was very fruitful, thank you very much." Hiroshi Hamamatsu, Yamaha's Technical Marketing Team Manager replied after the two days of training. "After we could share the necessary information, we are ready to enhance the support for our customers." Marc Wesler, Optocore's Technical Manager and lecturer in Hamamatsu and London, added: "The training was very effective for Yamaha and Optocore. Yamaha appreciates the Optocore network technology and its high reliability. They are familiar with the abilities offered by the combination of Yamaha and Optocore due to all the events, where our products worked together. I was welcomed in a truly friendly manner and the seminar was held in a very productive and open atmosphere. It was the right platform to share and advance the knowledge regarding the numerous varieties of combinations."

Optocore welcomes Contact Distribution Ltd. Canada as new Distributor

Munich, August 30th, 2007

Optocore is pleased to announce Contact Distribution Ltd. Canada as the youngest member of the worldwide Optocore Family. For almost 20 years Distribution Ltd. has taken care of the needs of professional audio and video operators in North America by providing best possible equipments and solutions.

Bill Coons, Contact Distribution's President and Director of Sales, points out that one major philosophy of his company is to present the customer the "best of brand" solution instead of average or "me too" products. "The final results need to be significant and forward thinking … Something special. A set of solutions no one else has. So Optocore was an obvious choice … Optocore products for the current majority of applications usually exceeds all the requirements, which positions them as the best solution. Bottom line - the product is flexible and dependable."

A further important factor for the cooperation of Optocore and Contact Distribution Ltd. are the people involved. Bill Coons and John Lee, Managing Director of Optocore's United States Team, have been working closely together for more than 20 years. John Lee encouraged Contact Distribution Ltd. to become his Canadian partner and Bill Coons was convinced that Optocore would be a success.

The decision to become the Canadian Optocore distributor was enhanced by the supportive and cooperative contact to Marc Brunke, Optocore Managing Director, and the rest of the factory. Bill Coons: "The other shining star that cemented our involvement was Luca Giaroli, Optocore Product Manager, who generously spent a lot of time at the NSCA show explaining the product to the other Canadian dealers and consultants we'd brought by the booth and getting to know him. Intricate, advanced technologies absolutely need the 'go to' guy and in the 30 years I've done this job Luca is probably one of the top two or three factory support guys out of the hundred or so I've worked with. All the dealers and my staff instantly concurred. " Marc Brunke adds: "We are very excited about the cooperation with Contact Distribution. I consider Contact as the perfect partner to distribute the product line of Optocore in Canada. We are looking forward to a long and prosperous partnership."

Optocore "meets" Barbra Streisand on her first ever tour of Europe!

Munich, August 27th, 2007

The grand diva of showbiz finally in Europe for her first tour, for many of her fans almost unbelievable, but the dream should become true in summer 2007. Looking back on more than 60 record releases, 17 films, two Oscars, eight Grammies and nine Golden Globes, it is certainly no surprise that she was welcomed with standing ovations and Optocore was ready for her.

The tour was a mix of indoor and outdoor shows, the technical equipment therefore had to fit both applications. Bruce Jackson was in charge of the sound design and mixing, a great virtuoso and expert, who has mixed for Elvis and Bruce Springsteen, among others. He has been at the front of audio technology development for more than three decades.

One main challenge on this tour was an extensive delay system in order to reach every seat with the best possible sound. 36 L'Acoustic KUDO line source arrays basically made up the delay structure. Due to extremely long distances and harsh conditions, Bruce Jackson had to come up with a solution in order to send AES/EBU signals as well as Ethernet without any loss in quality.

As Audio Director for the Asia Games in Doha Qatar, Bruce Jackson remembered the particularly good audio quality and reliability of the Optocore Network System. "I have successfully used Optocore previously with the most recent instance being a very complex stadium set up for the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar in the Middle East where extreme temperatures can be a challenge. German built reliability is a big plus in tough conditions."

For the Barbra Streisand tour, two DD6NE and two DD32E devices were integrated into the PA system for the instantaneous transport of AES/EBU and Ethernet control signals. As expected they perfectly met the requirements regarding the high-class audio transmission and the convenient handling. Once configured, the devices worked without the extra use of a PC. The transmission of Ethernet using the Optocore fiber connection simplified the complete procedure of each show, no additional cables had to be laid for the control of the Dolby Lake Processors and Dolby Contours.

Bruce Jackson is exalted: "Some of the delay feeds ran hundreds of meters, well beyond the distance we could reliably send AES/EBU over copper. Optocores nicely integrated fiber optic system gave us the ability to send our AES signals over virtually unlimited distances in addition to simultaneously carrying the Ethernet control for our Dolby Lake Processors and Dolby Contours. No computer based configuration was necessary and the Optocore was reliable from show to show in very unfriendly conditions, it rained during every one of the outdoor setups."

Orenburzhie Sports Complex plans for the future with the help of Optocore

Munich, August 20th, 2007

Russia is one of the leading sport nations of the world and has always put great emphases in the support of their athletes and the facilities. The construction of the new Orenburhzie Sports Complex in the city of Orenburg, 1500 km southeast from Moscow, is the best example.

This state-of-the-art sports arena not only includes the opportunity to accommodate sport events; its concept goes much further. The Orenburhzie Sports Complex is equipped with the most modern technical equipment and is therefore ready to host shows and live events besides the usual sport actions. ISPA - Engineering Russia (www.ispa.ru) was assigned with the installation of the PA system and came up with the ideal solution. Optocore's stunning potentialities in the field of digital data transmission using optical fibers came to account. The Yamaha PM5D FOH unit and the Yamaha M7CL-48 monitor console are each equipped with Optocore's YG2 and YS2 cards featuring the Yamaha miniYGDAI standard. Both consoles are integrated in a network with the LX4AP working as an analog interface, enabling the control of the microphone preamps of the LX4AP directly from the consoles. A PC at FOH can be used for the flexible configuration of the network, the storage of settings for different applications in the multipurpose arena and the activation of the Yamaha Emulation Mode. The outstanding abilities of the OPTOCORE OPTICAL DIGITAL NETWORK SYSTEM guarantee the high-quality audio transmission of signals from Sennheiser and Neumann microphones to the dbx DriveRack PA Processor and Lab.gruppen amplifiers of the PA. The perfect and flexible network solution for today's purposes and at any time expandable in the future.

The Orenburhzie Sports Complex crew and ISPA - Engineering are now anxiously waiting for the grand opening of the outstanding multipurpose arena in early autumn 2007. Definitely Orenburg will soon be one attraction richer.

"Almost invisible, we just forget that it is turned on."
"Coliseu do Porto" equipped with Optocore!

Munich, August 1st, 2007

Located in the northern town of Porto, the "Coliseu do Porto" is one of the most impressive and symbolical Portuguese venues. With a capacity of 2955 seats and 3500 standing spaces the Coliseu looks back on over 60 years of concerts, operas, ballet and theatre performances.

In order to optimize the audio transmission between FOH (Yamaha PM5D) and stage (NEXT PA system and monitoring) in the main hall arena, the Coliseu Technical Team around Luís Barros looked for a high quality solution. After consideration of various possibilities, Luís Barros and his team were convinced by Optocore's fiber optical option recommended by Optocore distributor for Portugal, Garrett S.A Sales Director Raúl Fernandes. One LX4AP on stage and one LX4B at FOH now offer the requested quality and flexibility. Luís Barros is very pleased and says that the system "has an incredible quality and transparency. Almost invisible, we just forget that it is turned on. Suddenly we hear microphones."

Glastonbury's Main Pyramid Stage Goes Digital With Optocore.

Munich, July 9th, 2007

Even the mud could not stop Optocore's success supporting a technological breakthrough on this year Glastonbury Pyramid Stage. The Optocore optical fiber solution offered the perfect answer to link up the digital path between the Digidesign D-Show VENUE FOH consoles and the Funktion One speakers on stage.

Simon Honywill, system designer for the control and monitor system suppliers RG Jones Sound Engineering, asked for a high-speed digital transmission from FOH to the stage in order to allow the utmost comfort and potentialities for the 36 acts and their sound engineers appearing on the Pyramid Stage.

Marquee Audio, the official UK distributor of Optocore fiber networks, along with the excellent support offered by their digital expert Andy Huffer came up with the solution integrating three DD32E network devices for the transmission of a maximum amount of digital data at high speed. One DD32E was placed at the FOH console, and the other two were placed at the left and right stage wings. "The idea was to establish a 100% digital solution via AES I/O's," explained Andy Huffer. Two Digidesign D-Show VENUE's piggy-backed between the main stage acts throughout the festival fed AES signals to the D-Show Profile. The output was transmitted to the AES inputs of XTA 482 processors, along with RS485 control data, via DD32E using optical fiber. As a result the control of the XTA 482 processors on stage was done from FOH without any additional connection.

Andy Huffer pointed out that the combination of Optocore's ultra-high speed transmission and the VENUE's mix-buss algorithms resulted in optimum audio quality. "It was noted particularly how clear the vocals sounded," he said. Simon Honywill agreed. "We wanted to keep the signal in the digital domain for as long as possible - and were able to do so right up to the speaker processors. The reaction received was really positive - it all worked seamlessly … ."

NEW! Cover extreme long distances with OPTOCOREs latest development - the DD8RP Repeater Device.

Munich, April 28th, 2007

OPTOCORE GmbH is pleased to announce the new DD8RP Repeater Device. Rounding off the OPTOCORE Optical Digital Network System, the DD8RP repeater unit offers an utmost flexibility in any application asking for data transmission over extremely long distances.

OPTOCORE devices are usually equipped with multimode transceivers, which allow data transfers covering distances of up to 700 m via fiber optics. However today's events, such as open-air festivals, outdoor sport or gala events etc. sometimes include even longer distances. The DD8RP repeater unit offers four independent Link ports, each of them equipped with a pair of user changeable SFP (small form factor plug-able) transceivers. Each slot can be equipped either with mono or multimode modules. The Link ports therefore enable data transmission over almost any distance, running the device in mono mode (up to 100 km) or multimode (up to 700 m). On one hand the DD8RP unit can be used as a pure repeater for several multimode applications, using the four independent ports for a data transfer covering distances longer than 700 m, on the other hand it can also be adopted as a converter from mono to multimode.

Complex outdoor events not only bring up the problem of long distances, sometimes such "simple" things, as an adequate electric power supply can also become a problem. The DD8RP has the sufficient solution offering an universal AC power supply, and also a 12V DC power supply for redundancy and well-suited for any battery packages, UPS (uninterruptible power supplies) or standard AC adapters. Using only 1 RU of a 19" rack, the DD8RP is especially designed for low power utilization and therefore manages to work without additional cooling such as fans.

In addition the DD8RP contains fully re-programmable logic, a RS232 and a USB port offer a perfect device control and fiber check-up via OPTOCORE CONTROL software. Status LEDs offer a immediate control of all ports and power supplies.

"Best OPTOCORE Distributor of the Year 2006" goes to ....

....AUDIO EXPORT Georg Neumann& Co. GmbH!

Munich, April 2007

For the second year in a row OPTOCORE GmbH has awarded German Distributor AUDIO EXPORT Georg Neumann& Co. GmbH as 'European Distributor of the Year'. Audio Export received the award to honour its outstanding sales growth in the business year 2006. The award was presented at the Prolight & Sound 2007 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Audio Export handles distribution of all OPTOCORE professional audio products in Germany and Austria.

Christoph Keller, Head of Sales at Audio Export comments: “We’re really proud of winning this award once again this year. We experienced a very exciting year with Optocore in 2006 as many new products were launched for various vertical markets. Therefore we could strengthen our very good position in the live touring market as well as developing the broadcast business. The DD4ME - MADI to Optocore interface is versatile tool for broadcasters which opens the Optocore network to this part of our industry. We are looking forward to another great year with Optocore and their products.”

OPTOCORE at the Asian Games in Doha!

Munich, February 1st, 2007

The Asian Games in Doha in December 2006 were the largest sporting event ever held in Middle East.
The Opening and Closing Ceremony in the Khalifa Stadium was a spectacle of pyrotechnics and ani- matronics.
An overwhelming num- bers of international and local designers and artists worked for over two years to present the biggest ceremonies, Asia ever had.

The Audio System was designed and consulted by Scott Willsallen, who was also responsible for the Olympic Games in Athens 2004, were Optocore powered both Ceremonies.

For the Asian Games, he designed a system using three digitally combined network rings including 19 DD32E / DD32 nodes, several X6 and a total length of 5.500 meter fiber cables. From the field inputs, through consoles to the loud- speaker processors everything was digital.

Scott Willsallen comments: "Once again Optocore transported the highest quality digital audio in a mission critical application transparently and effortlessly. My sincere thanks to Marc Wesler and Marc Brunke for their support and their remarkable products."

Soundware Norway new Optocore Distributor!

Munich, January 15th, 2007

With beginning of the year 2007 Optocore announces Soundware Norway as new and solely distributor for Norway. Soundware Norway is one of the leading suppliers of professional audio equipment in Norway.

"Our main customers are broadcasters, recording and postproduction studios and theatres. We focus on being a full-range supplier including project planning, sales, service and support - we have designed systems for the biggest broadcasters, both for TV and radio.
Optocore will definately strengthen our line of products and also open new interesting markets." says Gunnar Nessa, Product Manager of Soundware Norway.

Marc Brunke, Managing Director of Optocore comments:"We are very happy to welcome Soundware Norway as our new distributor and looking forward to a prosperous and succesful cooperation in Norway."

NEW! Optocore introduces a mini YGDAI card for Yamaha products at AES in San Francisco!

Munich, October 6th, 2006

Optocore announces the AES Expo launch of their Y-Series Network Modules designed for use in all Yamaha Digital Consoles. The Y-Series modules are designed to fit into YGDAI Mini-slots on the rear of the consoles or in the DIO8 for the PM1D.

Optocore's YG2/YS2 modules bring the pioneers of digital sound processing and the pioneers of audio networking together. Up to 64 audio inputs and 64 audio outputs per YG2 module can be transmitted to and from any Yamaha device, while multiple modules can provide up to 512 audio channels per Optocore network ring on one single fibre pair. The Optocore protocol is the same found in all Optocore branded products as well as other manufacturer brands of devices equipped with an Optocore connection.

The YG2 includes a full 10/100MBit Virtual Ethernet Switch to form a single large standard Ethernet switch embedded in Optocore devices for plug-and- play Ethernet usage. Remote control of Yamaha or Optocore Mic Pre’s-A/D Converters directly from the console work surface is also possible as the Optocore protocol transports the necessary data with no additional hardware or interface. The YG2 main module has full access to all 16 Inputs and 16 Outputs of a mini YGDAI slot. Each YS2 sub module connects an additional 16 channels of I/O to and from the YG2 module via CAT5 cables, up to the full 64 I/O channel complement.

This is a very exciting time for Optocore," says Marc Brunke, President and Chief Design Engineer of Optocore. "We are pleased that Optocore can work so closely together with Yamaha. The development of these Y-Series Modules allows us to bring fiber directly to the mixing console, saving time, valuable rack space, and money."

For more information please click here:

Product Introduction YG2/YS2 PDF

YAMAHA PRO AUDIO

OPTOCORE appoints new Distributor in Sweden!

Munich, October 1st, 2006

OPTOCORE GmbH announces the selection of Svensk Musik TTS as the new distributor in Sweden.

Svensk Musik TTS, a fusion between two major players within the music industry, both with 25 years of industry experience, is today one of Sweden's largest distributor of MI and Professional Audio equipment.

Anders Lindstedt Sales Manager of Svensk Musik TTS said "Our aim is to market and sell professional sound equipment, music instruments and accessories from strong, well-known brands to companies and institutions, active within our primary segments - MI-stores, installers, sound contractors and PA rental companies."

"We regard Svensk Musik TTS as an excellent distribution partner to meet the steadily increasing demand for OPTOCOREs range of highly acclaimed audio network system in Sweden. We look forward to our future with Svensk Musik TTS and are confident that their commitment to excellence will provide the distribution channels to best reach the Swedish customer." Claims Marc Brunke, the Managing Director of OPTOCORE.

NEW! Point to point device from OPTOCORE!

Munich, September 4th, 2006

Optocore GmbH is pleased to announce the new PTP32E: with the PTP32E OPTOCORE opens a new entry level to digital signal transport.

The PTP32E is a 1 RU digital audio device with the same technical features as a DD32E except its network capabilities at a very attractive price point. It enables a point-to-point link with redundant fiber connection for a total of 32 AES digital audio channels in user selectable Input/output configuration in groups of four (32-0, 28-4, ..., 0-32). Also included are bidirectional composite video, 4 times RS485 / RS422 / DMX / MIDI / CAN, and redundant power supplies.

When changing your equipment from analog to digital you can use two PTP32E as replacement for your analog multicore. You can use two PTP32Es as a digital multicore for any converter and any console - or combine one PTP32E with our LX4AP stage box as a complete remoteable analog frontend multicore for digital consoles.

When you see your digital needs growing, the PTP32E can grow with you. The PTP32E is upgradeable into a DD32E. So if you need network functionality lateron, your today's investment in a PTP32E is safe.

New distributor of OPTOCORE in Australia - Jands Pty. Limited

Munich, July 24th, 2006

OPTOCORE GmbH is pleased to announce Jands Pty. Limited as its latest distributor for Australia.
"OPTOCORE is very glad to have Jands Pty. Limited on board to carry the line of OPTOCORE. We are looking forward to a long and prosperous partnership,” says Marc Brunke, the managing director of OPTOCORE.

Jands was founded in the 1970's and rapidly became Australia's premier touring production company, hiring Lighting, Audio and Staging to the premier local and international Rock and Roll acts of the time. While continuing to be successful in the production business, Jands has now grown into Australia's largest distributor of Professional Audio, Lighting and staging products. Jands brand of lighting control consoles and dimmers, designed and manufactured in Australia have become well known both locally and internationally for innovation and reliability.

"Jands is very excited about the opportunity presented to us with the Optocore product. It fits well with our current offering of high quality, internationally acclaimed Audio and Lighting equipment," declares David Bell, Sales and Marketing Director of Jands.

Optocore did the Opening Ceremony of New Central Station in Berlin!

Munich, Mai 2006

For the light show at the opening of the new Berlin central station OPTOCORE reunited what was seperated for the last 20 years - it transported light and audio data over the same cable.

The network included 4 DD6NE and 4 DD32E for Ethernet, Audio, Video and DMX transport.
Ethernet was used for interfacing all the lightning equipment, Audio for the complete sound needed for about 600.000 spectators, Video was used for the screens and DMX for the lights at the audio towers.

Procon Event Engineering GmbH installed a redundant OPTOCORE system with 8 devices for one of the biggest light shows ever. For half an hour about 600.000 spectators saw a symphony of light - with hundreds of beamers, laser, pyrotechnic and moving lights mounted on moving trains.

The entire data for all the lights was distributed via 4 DD6NE - OPTOCORE's Ethernet Switches. To the moving trains the data was passed via WLAN. The total length of the fiber cable needed was 2250 meter.

Additionally OPTOCORE transported Audio for the entire show on the same fiber. The main task was to distribute the audio sum to a very large area and the broadcast vans, and also the stage was connected via OPTOCORE.

OPTOCORE's Video was used to feed the main screen in the station, and DMX was used for dimming the lights at the audio towers during the light symphony.

Audio Export is OPTOCORE Distributor of the Year!

Munich, April 2006

OPTOCORE GmbH has awarded German Distributor AUDIO EXPORT Georg Neumann& Co. GmbH as 'European Distributor of the Year' for the first time. Audio Export received the award to honour its outstanding sales growth in the business year 2005.

Audio Export handles distribution of all OPTOCORE professional audio products in Germany and Austria.

Christoph Keller, Head of Sales at Audio Export comments: "Since we've started doing business with OPTOCORE in July 2003 we experienced a growing demand in high quality distribution systems for audio, video and control data. The OPTOCORE products satisfy those demands in a perfect way due to its 'state of the art' technology.
In addition to that, the products that were launched during the last few months put us in a position not only to satisfy the touring and fixed installed market but also the needs of the professional broadcast industry.
We are really proud of being appointed 'European Distributor of the Year' and looking forward to the future with great new products and projects."

NEW! Network device with Ethernet switch from OPTOCORE! NEW!

Munich, March 2006

OPTOCORE GmbH is pleased to announce the new DD6NE: with the DD6NE you establish a virtual Ethernet switch in your OPTOCORE network.

DD6NE's have each 6 standard RJ45 ports and use part of the OPTOCORE network for Ethernet, and all devices create automatically a big switch - as if all devices connected were in the same room in the same network, even when they are really hundreds or thousands of meters away.

In addition the devices extend your LAN far beyond the technical limits of a traditional Ethernet. The devices feature fully IEEE 802 compatible 10/100Mbit Ethernet ports, but enhance it by redundant power supplies and a guaranteed fibre redundancy without difficult Ethernet setups like spanning tree.

The DD6NE addresses the increasing importance of Ethernet in our industry for controlling devices or linking computers in various places. As Audio and Video are NOT part of the high latency Ethernet concept, you now have the best performance of both worlds in a single fiber - an OPTOCORE ultra low latency network for audio and video and a virtual switch for easy computer data exchange.

Neutrik Zürich AG is the distributor of OPTOCORE in Switzerland

Munich, February 16th, 2006

OPTOCORE GmbH announces the appointment of a distributor for Switzerland: Neutrik Zürich AG.
"This appointment reflects the dynamism and attractiveness of OPTOCORE. Neutrik Zürich AG helps us to improve our geographical presence as well as strengthen our growth trough a new sales channel. With Neutrik Zürich AG we have found a reliable and strong partner for Switzerland". Says Marc Brunke, the managing director of OPTOCORE. The cooperation starts from Feburary 2006.

NEW HEADQUARTERS FOR OPTOCORE USA!
US COMPANY WILL PLAY A BIGGER ROLE IN WORLDWIDE MARKETING.

Totowa, NJ, January 3rd, 2006

Marc Brunke, President of Optocore, Inc., is pleased to announce the relocation of the USA headquarters from Tucker, GA to Totowa, NJ, effective January 3, 2006. "It is the next major step in our market expansion in the Americas", said Mr. Brunke. "We are so fortunate to have been able to experience the kind of growth in 2005 that allowed us to make such an important move so quickly", he added.

In a unique alliance of independent professional audio manufacturers, Optocore, Inc. joins Powersoft Audio USA, Inc. and APB-Dynasonics, Inc. in their headquarters in Totowa, NJ. "This is a great opportunity for three complementary companies to share resources and grow together", said Tom Bensen, Optocore, Inc.'s Director of Sales and Marketing. "Having three companies under one roof makes all of us tremendously efficient. We have common staff and infrastructure that serves a common customer base. It is a wonderful marriage", he said.

In addition, Optocore's US operation will expand its activities to include the all of the countries of the continents of North and South America, thus making the US company an even more integral part of the company's worldwide market expansion. With executive management and market direction from industry veteran, John Lee, Optocore, Inc. is poised to grow exponentially. "I am very excited at the prospects that lie ahead", said Mr. Lee. "The Optocore 'fit' with the other brands we care for globally, i.e. Powersoft and APB-Dynasonics, is absolutely perfect. The ability to join forces and work as a team, finding common customers and Distribution, while utilizing common sales management, administration and technical support staff makes us a truly unique operation", he added.

With the introduction of several new products, such as the LX4A/P 1dB gain step 48x16 stage box, and the DD6NE 6 port Ethernet-fiber converter, the company is poised for another record year in 2006.

Optocore, Inc.
20 West End Road
Totowa, NJ 07512
Tel 973 785 4774
Fax 973 785 1105

Optocore in the Berlin Olympic Stadium!

Poor Herta BSC! For four long years Berlins famous football club was without a home base. The Olympic stadium, where they used to play, was originally build in 1936, but needed to be renewed from 2000 till 2004.

Now the football club and the fans can return in their renewed home.

During the renewal Optocore devices were installed. Several DD32's and X6's in different locations in the stadium were build as a network ring. The devices are located in two corners of the roof and in the directors room. The devices are controlled by a DiGiCo DS-00. The Optocore network system not only transmitt audio signals, but also CAN-Bus and RS 485 data.

Apart from that Optocore is as well used as the heart of an alarming system, which warns the spectators and fans in the case of an emergency.

OPTOCORE with 65 devices at World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne!

This year, the Catholic church's 20th World Youth Day took place in Cologne, Germany from August 16th - August 21st. During this time dozens of events were held, led by bishops and clergy from all over the world.

The main highlight of the six-day event was the arrival and participation of Pope Benedict XVI in Cologne, who held his first meeting with Youth Day participants, on August 18. It was the Pope's first major foreign trip since his election in April. He addressed the massive crowds for the first time from a boat on the River Rhine. Pope Benedict XVI presided over the final Mass held on Sunday, August 21, bringing the WYD ceremonies to an end.

For this occasion, OPTOCORE installed 65 devices (X6's, DD32's and DD32E's) in 7 rings making sure the words of the Pontiff sound like they really come from heaven, transmitting the audio, alarming and DMX data to the sound and light systems for 1 million spectators on the "Marienfeld" just outside of Cologne.

Supported by Audio Export, the German OPTOCORE Distributor and OPTOCORE's own Marc Wesler, a co-operative group consisting of Crystal Sound, Sirius Showequipment and Neumann&Müller installed the devices. Thorsten Schulze was responsible for the sound system design, on a huge open air area covering almost 4 km², where the Mass and the closing ceremony were held on the Saturday and Sunday.

Jazz Festival New Orleans 2005

OPTOCORE makes its debut at New Orleans Jazz Festival

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival attracts some of the biggest names in the music industry and offers something for everyone; blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, rap, country, bluegrass and everything in between. And of course there is lots of contemporary and traditional jazz.

The 36th Annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival was the setting for the OPTOCORE to makes its festival debut. Sound company Andrews Audio of NYC used an OPTOCORE fiber optic link from stage to front-of-house mix to connect their Yamaha PM5-D and DD32 to the OPTOCORE LX4A. Engineer John Dorsey commented, "The sound quality of the OPTOCORE system was noticeably better. It was so quiet, I had to ask if it was powered up!"

OPTOCORE at Cologne Carnival 2005

Carnival in Cologne in Germany is every year a special dimension of celebrating. The "rose monday walk" is attended by over a million people every year.

This year the Carnival saw the use of two DD32s with 300m optical fibre cable from OPTOCORE. Wolfgang Verza from Gahrens + Battermann Mediensysteme, Germany, used it for transporting Audio and Video from a broadcast vehicle of WDR (West German Broadcast) to entertain the celebrating audience with Sound and Video on a 19 square meter Video LED screen. The system was used for opening cermony.

Wolfgang Verza: "We used this system for the first to send the composite signal to our big screen. And I was suprised, that it runs like plug and play! No interference, no interruption, just easy-going. With the OPTOCORE DD32 we have the most up-to-date fibre-optic system currently on the market."

V2 Software release

After the V2 pre-releases with several limits used by selected customers only, now the fully flexible V2 software for all applications is finished.

The V2.03 software features complete individual control over audio, video and computer data flow for up to 8 network devices per redundant ring.

New features include:

• 8 Devices in the Ring
• Full 256 Channel Audio Matrix
• ID 1 to 4 up to 48 Inputs
• ID 5 to 8 up to 16 Inputs
• Supports DD32, X6, X6P, LX4A, LX4B
• X6 remote control through DD32
• Free Port Setup on DD32
• Full Video Matrix, now also configurable through the network
• Full RS485 Matrix, now also configurable through the network
• Fully Flexible Yamaha Emulation Mode
• Floating Level Meters
• Export as CSV file for Import and Print via other Programs like Excel
• Log Critical Events with Timestamp
• Online Help

All users are welcome to download the new software, and as usual we guarantee full compatibility even with our earliest devices.
And - the software is free of charge.

OPTOCORE USA OPENS WITH MILLIONS ON HAND!!!!

OPTOCORE GmbH recently opened its doors in the USA and millions - of people that is - were there to cheer them on.

"We looked to OPTOCORE to provide a solution for our Times Square, NY New Year's Eve distributed sound system needs" said Bob Goldstein, President of Maryland Sound. "Their DD32 and X6-Series modules were the perfect technology for the event. In fact they worked so well, we decided to use them for the presidential inauguration, where they also performed perfectly".

That said, we are pleased to announce our US Office, which officially opened its doors on January 1st, 2005. Marc Brunke, president of OPTOCORE Inc., says: " After the success all over the world, like the installation during the Opening and Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games Athens, we now made a fundamental decision for the North American market. The best and most logical solution for our customers was to found our own company. The instant success we had with Maryland Sound and other high profile customers, has proven already that we have made the right strategic decision with respect to our sales and marketing in the USA. "

OPTOCORE Inc. is under the sales direction of industry veteran, Tom Bensen, who will be the subsidiary's Director of Sales and Marketing. " I am extremely excited about this opportunity", said Bensen. "We have had such a tremendous response from the most respected names in the Pro Audio community right from the start. Our future looks very bright and I am pleased to be a part of the OPTOCORE team."

OPTOCORE Inc. is fully owned by OPTOCORE GmbH. The main office is located in Tucker Georgia, near Atlanta, for administration, maintenance, support and import/export. The second office is in White Plains, New York, for sales and technical support, warehousing and service. This NY office allows Tom Bensen to have fast direct access to demo gear and technical support in the region where he lives, plus the "backup" of the main office for administration and import.

OPTOCORE Inc. will be displaying in booth 1654, at the upcoming NSCA expo in Orlando, Florida, March 10-12, 2005.

For further information please contact T.Bensen@OPTOCORE.com.

The new X6P series is out:
World's first A/D converters with true analog 1dB step gain control!

Give your microphones a chance to show their quality!

X6P series microphone preamps now feature 1dB step control - not digitally calculated, but implemented in a fully analog form. This means an optimum signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) for any gain step and a massive improvement in overall SNR performance.

Please download more information here: X6P.pdf

The Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympic Games 2004

were, with 4 billion people worldwide on the screens, one of the biggest media spectacle ever.
OPTOCORE powered both Ceremonies with 26 devices bound in two redundant rings.
Both rings, one in the stadium roof, the other on the field play, were connected with over 4 kilometres of fibre optic cables. Full story...

Please download here the full case study of Athens: Athens.pdf

OPTOCORE GmbH is pleased to announce that on the 15th of September 2004 we have moved to our new office.

Our new contact details are:

   OPTOCORE GmbH
   Lisbergstr. 7
   81249 München

   Phone +49(0) 89 - 899 964 - 0
   Fax     +49(0) 89 - 899 964 - 55