This chapter describes the core features in the Prima LT Plus

Chapter 1 Feature Overview This chapter describes the core features in the Prima LT Plus 1. Prima LT Plus Overview The Prima LT Plus is an audio codec that is used to encode and decode audio for transmission over a digital facility such as ISDN, dedicated data service, Switched-56, and satellite. Along with its audio compression capabilities, the Prima LT Plus has a rich set of monitor and control (M&C) features made possible by a powerful on-board control processor and special command language. These M&C capabilities give you unique capabilities you will not find in audio-only codecs. The Prima LT Plus shares the same audio encoding hardware and coding technology as the world-renowned CDQPrima series of audio codecs. Important Prima LT Plus features are listed below: Prima LT Plus Algorithms And Compatability Features CCS MUSICAM with Quick-Frame Low Delay ISO/MPEG Layer II ISO/MPEG Layer II ISO/MPEG Layer III Independent Mono Operation CCITT G.722 16, 24, 32 & 48 khz sampling rates Bit rates from 24 to 384 kb/s Additional algorithm capacity CCS IMUX inverse multiplexing H.221 BONDING transport protocol 1-1

Prima LT Plus Algorithms And Compatability Features ITU-T J.52 error protection MPEG Layer II advanced error concealment Psychoacoustic parameter adjustment Prima LT Plus Audio Features Bi-directional stereo operation 24 Bit A/D and D/A converters Selectable input and output levels Gold plated Neutrik XLR connectors AES/EBU, S/PDIF digital audio I/O Automatic digital audio rate adaptation 20 Hz to 20 khz CD Quality audio >95 db SNR, <0.005% THD + N 20 segment LED VU and peak meters Intelligent headphone monitor circuit Prima LT Plus Ancillary Data, Remote Control And Programming Features Two RS232 asynchronous ancillary data paths Twelve virtual control lines connecting each unit Up to eight relay outputs and optically isolated inputs Bi-directional SMPTE Time Code Programmable summary alarm relay Motorola 68020 internal processor Software update via RS232 Far-end remote control Windows remote control Full remote control via RS232 or RS485 Extensive on-line help for remote control Programmable bit error detector Programmable out-of-frame detector Programmable audio/silence detectors Programmable auto detection of incoming call format 256 entry Speed Dial directory Over three dozen pre-programmed configurations 1-2

Prima LT Plus Ancillary Data, Remote Control And Programming Features Pre-programmed 24-hour Music Line test numbers System Snapshot speed dial entry creation System Snapshot user default creation Powerful Speed Dial entry editor Storage for 20 terminal adapter configurations Prima LT Plus Mechanical Features Dimensions: 19 Rack Mount or table-top All steel chassis for exceptional RF immunity World Power Supply, rear power switch 2U high Interface module slots 3 Terminal adapter with built-in NT1 for North America Terminal adapter for international use Dual-port V.35 interface module Dual-port X.21/RS530/RS422 interface module Extra large dial and control keypad Extra large LCD display for programming and status Adjustable display contrast with back light Keypad beeper and audible alarm Line connect, framed and Bit Error LEDs 1.1 Prima LT Plus Features The feature set available in your Prima LT Plus makes it the most powerful audio codec available anywhere. The remainder of this chapter contains a summary of Prima LT Plus features that are current through the date of this manual. If you believe a new feature would be helpful in your application, we encourage you to contact us with your ideas. One of Prima LT Plus s most important features is that it can easily be field upgraded, and we may be able to easily make your idea a reality. One of the most significant features of all current MUSICAM USA codecs is the ability to upgrade both control and algorithm software without having to return the codec to the factory. Noting the software version as your Prima LT Plus boots can identify both the software and hardware versions. Please feel free to check with us for the current 1-3

software version number. You can also check for the latest software on our Web Site, www.musicamusa.com. The beginning section of this chapter includes summary information only. Later chapters of this Users Guide, and the CDQPrima Technical Reference Manual, will describe the available features in more detail, including the commands needed to activate or change the features. 1.1.1 Mechanical Features The Prima LT Plus is housed in an attractive 19 (48.3 cm)all steel chassis that can serve as a table-top unit or can be rack mounted using the provided mounting brackets. The Prima LT Plus is forced-air cooled and has a quiet, thermostatically controlled fan that can be switched off for silent operation. The Prima LT Plus contains an international power supply that does not require jumper or switch setting adjustments for voltage or frequency changes. The power switch is located on the rear panel to prevent accidental shutoff. The Prima LT Plus has a large, backlit alphanumeric LCD display for viewing and changing system settings. The display contrast can be adjusted over a wide range for ease of viewing from any angle. The Prima LT Plus can be configured and used from the large, built in keypad with tactile and audible feedback. In addition to the alphanumeric dialing keypad, there are keys for cursor control, speeddial directory maintenance, status displays, headphone output and two user programmable function keys. The front-panel includes twelve LED indicators for connect state, framed state, headphone monitor source and bit errors. Four 20 segment peak/vu meters are included for stereo send and receive audio monitoring. 1.1.2 Audio and Time Code The Prima LT Plus uses 24-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) and Digital-to- Analog (D/A) converters for high quality, low noise and low distortion audio conversions. Extra care has been taken in designing the analog audio section to provide the best possible audio performance. In addition, high quality gold plated Neutrik XLR connectors are used for analog audio I/O. The Prima LT Plus s +18 dbu maximum input level assures ample headroom for all applications without the need for audio limiters. Maximum input and output levels can also be set to +12 or +15 db for connecting to consumer-grade audio equipment. 1-4

Gold plated Neutrik XLR connectors are used for both analog and digital audio connections. Both AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital formats are supported. Automatic rate adaptation is employed, allowing all common digital audio sample rates to be used. An al SMPTE time code reader and re-generator can be added to to the Prima LT Plus. SMPTE time code can thus be sent simultaneously with the compressed audio as ancillary data to the far end, where it can be displayed on the front panel LCD display, and is output to a rear panel connector. The Prima LT Plus automatically senses and regenerates the time code rate, so no external control is necessary. The SMPTE time code feature can be used with all compression algorithms except G.722, which does not support time code. SMPTE time code is bi-directional 1.1.3 Ancillary Data The Prima LT Plus can transmit and receive asynchronous ancillary data to and from the remote location along with the compressed audio data. Ancillary data can be data that is input to the rear panel ancillary data connector, time code, virtual events, and switch closures, etc. Ancillary data is encoded along with the audio and sent to the far end, where it is decoded and demuxed to the proper location. Unlike other codecs that support ancillary data, all data is split evenly between left and right channels to assure equal fidelity. Direct ancillary data; i.e., data that is not multiplexed with other data, can be sent at bit rates up to 38,400 bps. Multiplexed ancillary data can be up to 19,200 bps. Ancillary data can be used for remote control of peripheral equipment at the far end; for example, tape recorders can be stopped and started using ancillary data. Since the ancillary data is sent in the audio bit stream, the bits used for the ancillary data are not available for audio data. Therefore it is not advisable to use a high ancillary data rate with a low transmission rate. One key feature, however, is that if no ancillary data is present, no bits are robbed from the audio data, even if the Prima LT Plus is configured to send ancillary data. Bandwidth is used only as needed. THE Prima LT Plus can send two independent RS232 ancillary data streams. The combined bit rate for both of the RS232 paths can not exceed the 19,200 bps maximum allowed by the multiplexer. The Prima LT Plus s ancillary data features can be used when connecting to other manufacturer s codecs. 1-5

MUSICAM USA s new lowdelay MPEG Layer 2 decoder yields 50% lower delay at any bit and sample rate for all single-line connections 1.1.4 Audio Compression The premier audio compression algorithm available in the Prima LT Plus (and all other MUSICAM USA MPEG Layer II compatible codecs) is MUSICAM USA s enhancement of the industry standard ISO/MPEG Layer II coding, known in the USA as MUSICAM. Since the enhancements apply to the encoder side only, using the MUSICAM USA enhanced algorithm allows all MPEG Layer II decoders to reproduce MUSICAM enhanced audio. Industry standard MPEG Layer III, industry standard MPEG Layer II, and ITU-T G.722 encoding and decoding is also supported on all models. In addition, the Prima LT Plus codecs can also communicate with a variety of codecs manufactured before industry standardization. Since encoding and decoding is accomplished in software, your new CDQPrima can be field upgraded to incorporate improvements in compression algorithms, including ongoing improvements in our own MUSICAM encoding. Audio sampling rates of 16, 24, 32 and 48 khz are standard. Note that not all algorithms support all sampling rates, and the Prima LT Plus cannot be configured to an invalid combination. The psychoacoustic parameters used by the MPEG Layer II compression algorithm, such as those mentioned in the CDQPrima Technical Reference Manual, can be fine-tuned by the user when using the al Windows Remote Control program, a MUSICAM USA exclusive. 1.1.5 Control Features The Prima LT Plus can be configured and controlled from the front panel using the built in LCD display and soft-touch keypad. The basic keypad contains the cursor, alphanumeric dial and speed dial keys required for all setup and control functions. In addition, Quick-Status, headphone and two user-programmable function keys are provided. Full RS232 or RS485 remote control is possible using an external computer or terminal connected through the Prima LT Plus s remote control port. A Windows setup and control program is also available for friendly point and click configuration and control of the Prima LT Plus, and includes many special features. When using an external terminal or computer for control, full on-line help is available. RS485 remote control allows up to 30 MUSICAM USA codecs to be controlled from the same computer. 1-6

Far end remote control is possible using the ancillary data features available on the Prima LT Plus. There are also twelve virtual control lines connecting each Prima LT Plus or other codec in the Prima series. Directly entered commands can be sent to the far end codec, as well as automatic control commands generated internally as Virtual Actions in response to internal events. Internal events include bit-error, out-offrame, or any one of four internal timers. The Prima LT Plus can not only be controlled remotely, but can also be used to control external devices. Commands can be sent to external equipment as ancillary data or virtual actions. 1.1.6 Pre-Programmed Quick-Configurations All CDQPrima and Prima LT models use the CDQPrima Speed Dial directory to create and store Quick Configurations. Since any speed dial entry contains all the information needed to complete a link to a far end codec; you can use a non-dialing speed dial entry to instantly configure all line, algorithm and rate parameters. You can therefore completely change the configuration of your Prima LT Plus with as little as one button press, even if you are not using an internal terminal adapter. We have pre-programmed your Prima LT Plus with more than three dozen of the most popular configurations, detailed in Chapter 6. In addition, you can instantly create your own Quick Configurations and store them for later use. Since these Quick Configurations do not dial any numbers, they can be used even if an internal terminal adapter is not used. You can also use one of the Quick Configurations as a template for creating your own speed dial entries. In addition, the Prima LT Plus comes pre-loaded with our 24-hour Music Line ISDN numbers and test configurations. You can now confirm your Prima LT Plus configuration and set up simply by speed dialing our Music Line numbers at either 56 or 64 kb/s monaural, or 112 or 128 kb/s joint stereo. For accessing the Music Line numbers from outside North America, simply edit the appropriate speed dial entry and add the appropriate United States international dialing code to the numbers that are already present. 1-7

1.1.7 Auto Detection of Incoming Calls Also available is the ability to program your Prima LT Plus to detect incoming call algorithms and formats and reconfigure accordingly. This can be an invaluable feature when the receiving Prima LT Plus is in an unattended location. Using the power of Prima Logic Language (PLL) with its Event-to- Action Logic and Virtual Actions, it is possible to program your Prima LT Plus to autoconfigure on up to four different device formats. This ability has not been pre-programmed into your Prima LT Plus; however, using the example shown in the CDQPrima Technical Reference Manual as a guide, you should have no trouble implementing this feature if desired. Alternately, you can contact MUSICAM USA Technical Support and we can download this function into your Prima LT Plus over ISDN. 1.1.8 On-Site Software Upgrades One of the most important features of your Prima LT Plus is remote software updates via RS232 or RS485. Units do not need to be returned for software upgrades, nor do you have to replace EPROMs. New software can be loaded either from an attached terminal, or from a remote location through a modem. 1.1.9 Digital Interface Modules The Prima LT Plus architecture uses plug-in modules to interface to the digital transmission network. Up to three digital interface modules can be installed, each allowing connections to one or two locations. This modular architecture allows for application flexibility and prevents obsolescence. Currently ISDN, X.21, RS422 and V.35 Digital Interface Modules are available and these can be mixed and matched to suit your needs. See Chapter 5 and the CDQPrima Technical Reference Manual for a description of the available modules. 1-8