If it is the case that you are looking at doing an upgrade to your Audio (& Video) installation, or even looking at a complete new installation, I am sure one thing has become obvious is that IP has crept into every technology advancement.
Dante is an audio distribution system that takes huge advantage of the IP network. In effect it has not only managed to make Audio systems enormously more flexible, it has reduced the installation size of hardware required to an absolute extreme!
From large switching matrixes to distributed Amplifiers making multiple zones difficult to integrate, the Dante technology, or better said the manufacturers who have taken Dante onboard in their systems have enable a completely new experience.
So, to make one thing clear, Dante is a “language” that hardware uses to talk to each other and pass sound from one system to another. As such the hardware you buy is “Dante enabled”. The next thing to understand is that the physical connection is Ethernet cable with ethernet switches, the very same you already use for you other network communication. So, in effect you can use existing cable infrastructure if you have it, or you can lay new cable (or fibre) which is easy to work with, flexible and small (in diameter)!
The end result is that every equipment (Dante enabled) is able to communicate with any other equipment (Dante enabled), in both directions. You want the whole yacht to play the same music, done. You want to connect a DJ on the aft deck today, and on the foredeck Jacuzzi area tomorrow, done.
Or do you have a lounge that has a TV on one side with surround sound, but the music listening orientation is completely different at the dining table, or you have a projection screen that is setup in a different location… needing to shift the left and right audio around… easy programming, done.
So, yes, I am praising what Dante has done to the AV industry, as it has simplified installation just so much. And the racks full of hardware has suddenly halved as well, reduced space, reduced heat and reduced noise!
One of my favourite suppliers, Nexgentec have also come out with some products like Bluetooth receivers that simply attach to the network and immediately provide another input to your Audio system. All TVs can be connected and seamlessly integrated into the existing speaker system.
Audios volumes are easily programmed across the network cleanly ramping up to avoid those surprise shock moment, levels all adjusted accordingly for the best listening experience.
Thus, if you are considering a revamp of your installation, I would strongly suggest that you look at a Dante enabled system. It will take a little time to get your head around how it works, but once setup properly I guarantee you will be happy with the results. Great sound with more possibilities taking up less space!
This article was written by Tim Gorter, Virtual AVIT ETO, www.teletechnics.com.
I provide a Virtual AV/IT ETO support and am looking out to helping you in any technical requirements, to make sure you get the best out of the AV & IT system onboard. I want to make sure you understand how it works, and that it works as advertised. Call for an AV & IT health check, more on teletechnics.com
By Tim Gorter, AV/IT/Wi-Fi Virtual AVIT ETO
