invision UK

Netstreams secures strategic patent for streaming audio, video and control over IP networks

Suffolk, UK, 20^th January 2010 – Netstreams, recently acquired by ClearOne and exclusively distributed in the United Kingdom by Invision UK, has announced that it was granted patent # 7,643,894 for its audio network distribution system on 5^th January 5^th, 2010 by the United States Patent Office. The patent is for streaming synchronised time-sensitive audio and video over local area networks (LAN).

The StreamNet technology facilitates discovery, control and content management over standard networking using IP. Netstreams’ patented StreamNet technology enables integrators to deliver the complete IP-based audio/video distribution solutions over TCP/IP networks. It provides an end-to-end IP ecosystem for plug and play connectivity, AV signal synchronisation, high performance AV reproduction, automatic device discovery and configuration, network control and more.

When StreamNet endpoints are plugged into the IP network, automatic device discovery and configuration takes place. Endpoints immediately advertise their capabilities, reducing the need to configure the entire audio video network system from scratch.

StreamNet IP-based distributed audio, video and control systems leverage TCP/IP to deliver rich media digitally via a meshed IP network. Each StreamNet product on the network has its own network intelligence, eliminating the need for costly centralised matrix switches, controllers and supporting infrastructure. StreamNet systems scale as large as a network can grow and impose no constraints on the number of sources, audio playback zones or video displays.

“A fundamental problem with using TCP/IP to distribute digital audio to multiple zones is the synchronisation of this time sensitive data,” said Michael Braithwaite, Senior Vice President of Technology for ClearOne. “Without this synchronisation, audio can cut out, crackle and echo. StreamNet technology provides a simple and elegant solution by removing the effect of network delays.”

All StreamNet products that carry the ‘StreamNet connected’ logo are interoperable, enabling easy integration of audio/video and control products from multiple manufacturers. StreamNet provides a stable, easily expandable platform and tool set for future products and new applications. This enables installers to deliver the future of AV and IT convergence today.

Chris Dawson, product manager at Invision UK, said: “When DigiLinX was first introduced, the system delivered a very high quality audio distribution system unique in its ability to offer unlimited sources to unlimited zones. Through continued development this has been expanded to include intercom facilities, doorbell functions, IP camera images, Home Cinema integration and unparalleled integration with lighting, HVAC and control systems.”