The OCA Alliance will be providing a preview of the latest version of the AES70 device control standard at the ISE 2022 show (May 10-13) in Barcelona.
The new AES70-2022 release will be upwards-compatible with the current AES70-2018 and offers several enhancements for new and improved features along with several documentation upgrades for increased clarity and precision.
Some of the key new features include:
· Datasets. This is a mechanism for devices to exchange data blocks (datasets) with controllers. Data block size is limited only by implementation; large datasets may be stored and retrieved with ease. AES70-2022 will specifically define several types of datasets. Further, manufacturers will also be able to add their own datasets as required.
· Media files. Due to the new Datasets feature, controllers can now manage device audio file recording, playback and storage.
· Logging. A new logging mechanism – also based in the Datasets feature – enables controllers to retrieve logs generated by a device, in any format and at any time.
· Command sets. This is a new mechanism for storing predefined control command sequences in devices and executing them on request, at scheduled times, or at specified positions in media streams.
AES70-22 also includes some significant enhancements to existing functionality:
· Improved media stream connection management. This is a significant improvement – managing device media streaming connections is now more powerful and easier to program and implement than ever. AES67, ST2110 and AVB/Milan audio streams may be patched using AES70, thus opening up the possibility of using an audio network as the matrix.
· Connection negotiation support. There’s flexible new support for connection negotiation, the process by which controllers develop compatible transmitting and receiving settings for media stream connections.
· Support for managing presets. A new mechanism for storing and recalling device presets has been implemented that is capable of handling complex devices with tens of thousands of parameters. It is easier for controllers and devices to program and supports much larger sets of stored parameters.
· JSON version available. AES70-4 is a new standard that defines a JSON version of the AES70 protocol which allows control from text-based protocols. AES70-4 may be implemented instead of or alongside the existing binary protocol.
In total, the new 2022 release offers approximately 40 new or enhanced features and 15 documentation upgrades. According to Bosch Communications senior scientist and OCA Alliance technical committee chair Jeff Berryman, AES70-2022 will provide some welcome useability improvements, making the route to adoption easier: “As with any standard, the more widely it is adopted and used, the greater the benefit to all concerned and the industry at large. The 2022 revision offers several enhancements and upgrades to make it more accessible, easier to implement while also improving performance. Combined with our recent lightweight implementation, we now have AES70 control solutions for every part of the spectrum, from the simplest to the most complex systems.”
Daily presentations at the OCA Alliance booth #7-R870 at ISE 2022 will explain the new features and benefits in more detail, while other presentations aimed at product managers and engineers will offer insights into how to implement AES70 into their products.
Tuesday, May 10: 4:00 pm
Wednesday, May 11: 11:00 am
Thursday, May 12: 4:00 pm
AES70-2022 is scheduled for release during the second quarter of 2022 and will be downloadable from the AES website.
