[SatBroadcasting(tm)] Telos Systems has released a free software update for the Zephyr iPort MPEG Gateway.

This release, Version 1.5.1b, enables new functions such as setting up a 16-decoder iPort, GPIO tied to MPEG audio streams, Shoutcast support and more. Zephyr iPort enables broadcasters to transport multiple channels of stereo audio across IP networks with guaranteed QoS, such as STL links, Internet streaming, satellite uplinks, broadcasting to cell phones, and other audio distribution systems. iPort's efficient use of Livewire I/O combined with multiple codecs in a single 2RU device result in a low cost per channel compared to that of multiple single-channel codecs. As not every remote connection is the same, Zephyr iPort users have a comprehensive selection of connection protocols from which to choose. There are standard MPEG Layer 2, Layer 3, AAC and aacPlus choices, plus low-delay AAC-LD and high-efficiency low-delay AAC-LD+HE, both with special error resilience protection that conceals low levels of random packet loss. Zephyr iPort also includes AAC-HE+PS (High Efficiency + Perceptual Stereo), the most bit-efficient codec available today, allowing stereo operation down to 32kbps. Zephyr iPort is perfect for facilities that already have Axia IP-Audio networks, but using it with a directly connected Axia Analog or AES Node offers a low-cost solution for any multi-channel MPEG over IP application. Zephyr iPort features two Ethernet ports: one to connect to the Livewire network, and another for connection to the WAN, maintaining full isolation between the two networks for security purposes.