New Axia xSwitch Now Shipping

Zero-configuration, zero-hassle IP-Audio Ethernet switch makes European debut at IBC 2013

20 August 2013, Cleveland, OH USA

xSwitch, the world’s first Ethernet switch designed expressly for use in broadcast IP-Audio networks, has begun shipping to purchasers, according to Axia Audio, the networked-audio division of Telos.

In 2003, Axia introduced the world to Livewire™ IP-Audio networking — a revolutionary way of connecting broadcast studios using standard Ethernet. In 2009, Axia became the first AoIP console manufacturer to build the Ethernet switch into the console mixing engine. xSwitch advances the state of the art again, supplying broadcasters with a zero-configuration, standalone compact Ethernet switch perfectly suited to duties as a core switch for small one- or two-studio setups, or as an edge switch in larger facilities.

“Folks got really excited about xSwitch when we brought it to NAB earlier this year,” says Axia Marketing Manager Clark Novak. “Broadcasters love the ease and flexibility of IP-Audio, but nobody loves messing with switch configurations. xSwitch is pre-configured for AoIP, so you don’t have to program anything — just plug it in and start making great radio!”

“And unlike systems that rely on consumer-level switchgear, xSwitch uses professional-grade hardware. In fact, the same core chipsets are used in enterprise-class Cisco switches,” Novak adds.

Axia will introduce xSwitch to European broadcasters at IBC in Amsterdam, September 12 – 17, 2013.

Because xSwitch is purpose-built for Livewire IP-Audio networks, it offers broadcasters many distinct advantages over third-party Ethernet switches:

  • xSwitch is pre-configured. No config files to upload or command lines to type in — simply assign an IP address with the One-Button Setup and plug xSwitch into your Axia network.
  • xSwitch supports 2,000 Multicast groups and 2,000 ARP table entries — 8 times more routing capacity than other small-form Ethernet switches; xSwitch won’t “run out” of resources.
  • xSwitch is a part of Axia’s high-performance xNode collection, the world’s most advanced family of AoIP interfaces for analog and digital audio. Its standard form-factor allows xSwitch to be racked alongside xNodes; two fit side-by-side in 1RU of rack space.
  • xSwitch is fanless, with front-panel heat sinks that cool using air-conditioned studio air instead of the hot air inside the equipment rack.
  • xSwitch supplies PoE (Power over Ethernet) on 4 of it's 8 Livewire ports to power peripherals such as Axia xNodes, Telos VSet phone controllers, and other Ethernet devices that use the IEEE 802.3af standard. This reduces power cable clutter in the rack — one xSwitch powers up to 4 adjacent xNodes via their Ethernet connections, reducing in-rack cabling by half.
  • Unlike many other small-form switches, xSwitch has two Gigabit Ethernet ports with SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) interfaces. These provide redundant auto-switching of copper or fiber trunking connections, adding to your studio's fail-safe capabilities.
  • xSwitch has a high-resolution front panel OLED display that provides detailed port link status, PoE usage and SFP status, plus system temperature readout, a feature not found in other switches in this class.
  • Eight 10/100 Ethernet ports with Livewire allow attachment of audio devices from more than 45 Axia Partner companies, such as telephone systems, audio processors, playout systems, intercom equipment and more.

xSwitch carries a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $1,295 USD.

Axia Audio is the world’s most popular IP-Audio networking system for broadcast. Over 4,500 studios are on-air using Axia Livewire technology; more than 50,000 connected devices, such as codecs, audio processors, phone systems, and digital delivery systems, are in the field. Axia networks have a total system capacity of more than 10,000 audio streams, and can carry hundreds of digital stereo channels (plus machine logic and PAD) over a single CAT-6 cable, eliminating much of the cost normally associated with wiring labor and infrastructure.

Over 40 Axia partners, including companies such as Nautel, AudioScience, International Datacasting, 25-Seven Systems, and Studer, now make broadcast equipment that connects using Livewire.

Axia also supports the high-performance RAVENNA IP-Audio standard, which is backed by companies like Genelec, Neumann, Sonifex, Merging Technologies and Lawo. For further information please visit ravenna.alcnetworx.com.

Visitors to IBC can see the new Axia xSwitch and the entire family of Axia IP-Audio networking equipment at the Telos Alliance display in Hall 8, Stand 8.D30, in the RAI Center. For more in-depth information about Axia products, and for media information, contact Clark Novak at Axia via email at cnovak@AxiaAudio.com, or call +1 216-241-7225.

###

xSwitch-dual-rack-right

Axia Audio, a Telos Alliance company, builds Ethernet-based professional IP-Audio products for broadcast, sound-reinforcement and commercial audio applications. Along with the Element 2.0, iQ, Radius, DESQ and RAQ AoIP consoles for on-air, commercial production, audio workstations and personal studios, Axia products include intercom systems, digital audio routers, DSP mixers and processors, and software for configuring, managing and interfacing networked audio systems.