networking solutions

G O D i g i g r a m

networking solutionsfor digital audio and remote management

D i g i g r a m

GODIGIGRAM2001

P3

1985■ Digigram founded in

Grenoble in the French Alps.

1989■ Introduces the first

professional PC soundcard utilizing audio coding.

1993■ Launches the first sound

cards incorporating theISO/MPEG audio codingstandards that are nowwidely used in broadcast andmultimedia.

1995■ Unveils sound card range

offering real-timesimultaneous MPEGcoding/decoding andmixing of compressedand linear tracks to thesame physical output.

1997■ Goes public on the Second

Marché of the Paris stockexchange.

■ Opens Digigram Inc. nearWashington, DC, to serveNorth America.

■ Presents the firstprofessional sound cardfor laptop computers, thePCXpocket.

■ Offers a high-levelapplication-programminginterface (API), PCXtools,free of charge.

1998■ Opens Digigram Asia Pte

Ltd. in Singapore.■ Delivers the PCXnp range

of sound cards that deliversenhanced, real-timeprocessing operations.

1999■ Enables Digigram Powered

audio processing on thenative processors ofcomputers and otherplatforms through VirtualPCX software modules.

■ Introduces technologiesfor audio transmission viaEthernet in the NCXnetwork audio terminal.

■ Launches range of soundcards for lower-costapplications on bothWindows and Mac OSplatforms.

■ Opens field office in Beijing,China.

■ Completes acquisition ofAztec Radiomedia,Strasbourg, France.

2000 ■ Opens Digigram América

Latina in Buenos Aires,Argentina, and a fieldoffice in Tokyo, Japan.

■ Provides Linux driver forPCX range of sound cards.

■ Introduces HitPlayer,professional networkedaudio appliance.

■ Delivers second-generationIP2 remote devicemanagement interfaces.

2001■ Opens Digigram Europe.■ Partners with AT&T Labs

to develop Advanced AudioCoding (AAC) technologies.

■ Acquires stake in Innova-Son, Brittany, France.

■ Releases miXart range ofmultichannel audioprocessing and mixingsound cards based onPowerPC processor.

About Digigram

Competition in the growing electroniceconomy demands a constant search for better ways to transport and share data and to more efficiently control networked devices.

Digigram’s networking solutions for digital audio andremote management respond to that demand and are keyto the success of media, communications, and industrialcompanies worldwide.

Our technologies are portable andscalable. They are implemented onsound cards for personal computers,dedicated multimedia devices, audioproduction applications, stand-alonebroadcast and remote controlequipment, and other host platforms.

Digigram’s 1999 acquisition ofAztec Radiomedia added expertisein industrial control to Digigram’stechnology portfolio. Our combined know-how in applyingnetworking technologies to audio, broadcast, and Internetconnectivity now includes audio data storage and retrieval;

editing and manipulation of digital audio data; transmissionand device management over low-bandwidth networks; andprogram production for broadcast, CD, DVD, and othermedia.

Around the globe, Digigram’s hardware, software,and development tools are widely used to provideadvanced solutions to diverse markets. Our achievements arereached in collaboration with other technology inventors,

application developers who base theirproducts on Digigram Poweredsolutions, and specialized sales andmarketing organizations. Thesepartnerships focus our activities on theneeds of the ultimate customer, bringnew offerings rapidly to market, andincrease the visibility of the Digigrambrand.

To fuel our growth, we investsubstantially in research anddevelopment and have taken financial

interest in other companies. We maintain a corporatephilosophy dedicated to superior customer support andmaintain offices worldwide to fulfill that commitment.

Marian Marinescu (left),co-founder and President of the Supervisory Board,

and Philippe Girard-Buttoz (right),co-founder and President of the Executive Board

Company milestones

D i g i g r a m

P4

GODIGIGRAM2001

Digigram technology is used daily in a wide range of markets.Whether a network consists of radio or television transmissions, intranets,or the Internet, our expertise in technologyintegration results from our practicalapplication of emerging networktechnologies, computer-based solutions,broadcast, and industrial control.

Digigram Markets

Broadcast and Internet audioautomation and content creation

Digigram’s historical market has changedsubstantially since we pioneered computer-assistedradio solutions. Whether transmitted via traditional radiofrequencies, satellite, or the Internet, Digigram continues toaddress the requirements of radio by enhancing our tools fornews gathering, program creation, and broadcast automation.D ig i g r am d ig i t a l aud io t e chno logy power s ove r 100 applications developed by our partners that are localizedto specific requirements.

FM radio transmission and signal analysis

Aztec Radiomedia built its reputation on reliable andhigh-quality products for FM broadcasting. An earlyinnovator in FM subcarrier and digital FM equipment, weunderstand the needs of the market and our newest productsincorporate network control.

Networked audio for public addressand permanent playback

This diverse market is poised to move away fromcomplex analog products. Background music, in-storelistening stations, transportation facilities, and other niches allrequire the reliability and ease-of-use afforded by enhanceddigital audio solutions. Digigram’s Internet and Ethernetaudio networking technologies present fresh alternatives,including remote control and update capabilities that can beeasily customized to specific applications.

Pro audio and project studio recording and production

High-end facilities demand the most powerful,efficient technologies to remain competitive. Oursuite of digital audio editing and production tools and ourhigh-performance range of sound cards are the basis forunique, cost-effective solutions addressing this market. Inaddition, our software products and sound cards offer projectstudios and musicians the ability to use a portable computeras a complete audio recording and production tool.

Specialized audio acquisition,storage, and analysis

The demands for audio archiving products comefrom sectors such as judicial, financial, and publicsafety. Our expertise in recording and managing compressedaudio data files enables us to partner with a number ofcompanies involved in the acquisition, indexing, storage, anddistribution of archival voice and sound. Digigramtechnology allows sophisticated applications to be developedrapidly and economically on standard desktop and laptopcomputers

Radio

Public address and audio production

D i g i g r a m

GODIGIGRAM2001

P5

Industrial & telecom applications

Audio for switched networks/telecoms

Digigram technology is applicable anywhere audiojoins a network. Highly specialized computer sound-cardshave been developed to interface the switched telephonenetwork with Customer Relationship Management software.

Remote device management

Advanced IP2 innovations provide interconnectionfor remote management and control of real worlddevices via TCP/IP networking, the universalcommunication basis of the Internet. Our small, dedicated-purpose hardware provides the building blocks for smartcustom products that are easily integrated into existingapplications.

OurPartners

Technology is only as good as the tools that allowyou to use it. At Digigram, we strive to make ourtechnology accessible by providing free or low-cost accessto development kits and customized support. Additionally,many of our products are appropriate for value-addedresellers in a number of markets. Our partners includelarge multinational corporations, companies of all sizes,individual developers. If your application requires digitalaudio networking or remote device management,Digigram may have a solution to give you a competitiveadvantage.

Becoming a partner

Digigram’s success is based on more thanjust technology. Our partners are softwareand hardware developers, systemsintegrators, and specialized resellers.

We also work closely with an international roster ofcollaborators, such as AT&T Labs, Dolby Laboratories, andthe Fraunhofer Institute, to implement world-class,standards-based products.

Partners who present our technologies and productsto the marketplace can be divided into two sales channels:

Development partners

These integrate Digigram Powered technology intotheir products and offer them to their targetedmarkets under their own brand names. They mayimplement Digigram sound cards with applicationsdeveloped with our specialized tools, harnessing our software

audio resources, incorporating our stand-alone devices, or licensing our know-how.

Look for the Digigram Powered mark of excellenceon products, in advertising, and at trade shows; itsignals that the company has chosen to use top-performingDigigram technology.

Resellers

This channel consists of systems integrators andretail establishments that present Digigram-and Aztec Radiomedia- labeled products ascomplete, user-ready packages.

D i g i g r a m

P6

GODIGIGRAM2001

Advanced technology, and the resources required toproperly support that technology, ignores borders. AllDigigram offices make personalized assistance a key part ofour relationships with our partners and users. By telephone,fax, e-mail, and the Web, you may consult our engineers,obtain the latest software updates, access up-to-datedocumentation, or receive a prompt response to a question.

Wherever you are, Digigram support is close by. Toaddress our global market, we established four regionalbusiness companies. These companies focus on thepromotion, sales and support of both Digigram and AztecRadiomedia branded products.

■ Digigram Europe, established this year, serves ourpartners and users in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Anatural evolution in the consolidation of the activities ofAztec Radiomedia into our overall strategies, DigigramEurope has its headquarter in Strasbourg and an office inMontbonnot, France.

■ A North American subsidiary, Digigram, Inc., nearWashington, DC, was created in 1997. Subsequently, fieldoffices have been established in Los Angeles, San Francisco,and Seattle.

■ In 1998, Digigram Asia Pte Ltd. took root in Singaporeand it presently has additional offices in Beijing, China andTokyo, Japan.

■ Based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the one-year-oldDigigram América Latina further contributes to ourworldwide efforts.

Research and development

A significant percentage of Digigram employees areengineers performing fundamental research to expand thebreadth and depth of our know-how. A communicationsmatrix between the engineering development and marketingstaffs allocates our resources to maintain our technology edgeand turn ideas into products. Research and development areprimarily conducted in our own facilities in Montbonnot andStrasbourg, France.

In January 2001, Digigram became astockholder of Innova-Son, a professional audioconsole manufacturer for live performance, television,theatre, conferencing and corporate events. Createdin 1993 in France’s Brittany region, Innova-Son(www.innovason.com) has a staff of 20. It was the firstcompany to introduce and deliver all-digital consolesto a market that is moving from analog to digitaltechnology.

Digigram and Innova-Son’s strong technology,product offerings and sales channelscompliment each other, and will enable Digigramto meet the growing demands of the public addressmarket.

Digigram Today

Innova-Son

Buenos Aires

Strasbourg Beijing

Tokyo

Singapore

Washington

Seattle

Los AngelesSan Francisco

Business development unitsResearch & Development units

Grenoble

D i g i g r a m

GODIGIGRAM2001

P7

Digigram Technologies and Products

Sound cards for development partner applications and forpro audio and project studios

Our well-known PC sound cards are available in fourranges:

■ miXart - Our newest offer is a unique platform, combiningpowerful Digigram onboard processing with comprehensiveaudio mixing functions. Three programming environmentscan be used individually or in concert for the rapid creationof sophisticated computer-based audio solutions. Based onthe PowerPC processor, miXart brings new possibilities toaudio production and post-production, acquisition andarchiving, broadcast, security, and other demandingprofessional applications.

■ PCX - Our well-known range of cards are the basis for over100 partner-developed applications. Significant on-boarddigital signal processing (DSP) power is harnessed byDigigram Powered applications. PCX cards are available instereo and multichannel versions for both desktop andlaptop computers.

■ LCM - Digigram quality with fewer functions. Applicationsmay take advantage of on-board DSP on desktop stereo andmultichannel models.

■ VX - Professional hardware used when audio processing ison the computers native processor. Stereo models areavailable for desktop and laptop computers, withmultichannel models for desktops.

D i g i g r a m

P8

GODIGIGRAM2001

Digigram’s np SDK is designed to take full advantage of thefunctions of our sound cards and offers three interfaces:

■ PCXtools - Our high-level API, PCXtools, is provided as aDynamic Link Library (DLL) and may be programmed usingVisual Basic, Delphi, and C/C++.

■ PCX Designer Kit - For highly specialized applications,this API provides access to low-level driver functions usingC/C++. Applications may be developed for Windows,Linux, or Solaris.

■ PCXedit - The engine inside of Xtrack, this developmentinterface is a modular package for the design of customdigital audio editors and workstations.

Virtual PCX is a set of audio resource modules that run ona computer’s native processor. Programmed using the npSDK, these resource modules provide specific feature sets toDigigram VX and third-party sound cards.

miXart Virtual Console SDK includes the object-orientedVConsole Builder that allows a custom console configurationto be constructed in a matter of hours on our miXartplatform. Using the low level VConsole Designer Kit, you mayalso design a virtual console from scratch and virtual consolefeatures can be accessed to enhance your primary application.

IP2 Operating System and SDK

Embedded into a number of our hardware products,the IP2 operating system and SDK enable developersto build automation applications and complexsystems that remotely control numerous, network-connected devices. Our Netcom protocol creates a bridgebetween widely deployed serial communications (such as RS-232) and more accessible command and control via IPnetworks.


Audio production software ■ Xtrack is Digigram’s comprehensive suite of multitrack

digital audio tools, designed to take advantage of the DSPpower of our sound cards. Specialized Xtrack modulesaddress the theater, film dubbing, and audio-for-videomarkets.

■ Digigram’s multichannel digital audio encoderpermits the mastering of Dolby Digital 5.1 surround audiofor broadcast and consumer use.

Application developmentsoftware Digigram audio resources

Rapid application development is essential torespond to the changing needs of users. Digigram offersa number of powerful options to allow our partners to writeapplications that can be modified for different purposes andprice points. Depending on the tools selected, our softwarecan run on our sound cards’ DSP, the computers nativeprocessor, or a combination of both.

D i g i g r a m

GODIGIGRAM2001

P9

Networked audio playback and distribution Digigram presents several options for backgroundmusic in shops, restaurants, and other public places;informational and directory systems intransportation facilities and museums; corporate andinstitutional radio; audio for amusement parks andtourist facilities; and announcement andentertainment systems in trains, busses, and othervehicles.

■ HitPlayer-L - This networked digital audio systemcombines two stand-alone audio players with IP networkservices into a superior solution for both automated andinteractive audio applications. Whether the programmaterial is streamed, played from local storage, or acombination of both, HitPlayer-L is an innovative choice.Also available is the HitPlayer-B designed for broadcastbackup systems and for mobile, and other applications thatneed a rugged rack-mount enclosure.

■ The SPX420 OEM board provides complete HitPlayer-Lfunctions in a form factor for easy integration into custom

hardware configurations.

■ NCX network audioterminal uses standardEthernet for audio reproductionover a distributed network or forrecording from multiplelocations. NCXplayer andNCXengine are software tools torapidly implement automatedand large-network NCX-basedsystems.

Radio transmission and test These products are offered under the AztecRadiomedia brand name and can include IP2technology for network control.

■ Radio Data System (RDS) and Digital RadioChannel (DARC) coding and receiving systems -Using dedicated channels embedded in a standard FM radiosignal, this data is used for car radio information systems,paging, public information services, and other applications.

■ FM radio multiplexers - The creation of the FM radiosignal requires generation of the stereo audio signal andassociated data channels. The solutions of Aztec Radiomediacreate this multiplexed signal using complex digital signalprocessing algorithms for improved quality for the listenerand reliability for the radio station operator.

■ AZ100 FM Navigator - A compact, affordablesystem for easy field surveys of an FM station’scomplete signal. It can be set to measuresingle or multiple frequencies, and includesa built-in GPS receiver for completelyautomatic signal mapping. Model AZ1000is designed for fixed installations and providessimilar measurements in a rack-mount unit.

■ FMtel3 - An “intelligent” FM tuner and RDS receiverequipped with an external modem. This combination makesthe FMtel3 ideal for use at any remote location with only atelephone line for means of communication. FMtel3facilitates the supervision of up to 32 FM stations and theirRF, audio and RDS parameters.

D i g i g r a m

P10

GODIGIGRAM2001

Remote device management IP2 technology permits high-level openadministration via common browsers and standardInternet services. IP2 solutions are elegant options forsecurity devices, distant manufacturing facilities, precisionhome electronics, and more.

Several stand-alone products, such as the AztecIP2port and IP2switch, incorporate the IP2 operatingsystem with various levels of hardware connectivity. Alsoavailable are development cards, with full IP2 functions, forintegration into host devices.

All IP2 products embed a Web server that allowsconfiguration in a user-friendly and intuitive manner. It canbe customized with standard Web editing tools. An SNMPagent permits administration using SNMP protocol and usinga regular TCP connection, or UDP broadcast features, you canremotely control one or several devices from an externalapplication via Telnet.

IP2 also offers the ability to send e-mails, SNMPtraps, and HTTP database requests over thenetwork. Any event detected by an IP2-enabled device cantrigger these messages. A Telnet/RS-232 gateway is alsoprovided by the IP2 operating system.

Navigation (dGPS) Our positioning solutions for public transportation fleetsand other applications involving mobile network clients drawon our knowledge of digital audio, data broadcasting (RDS,DARC), Global Positioning System (GPS), and Internetnetworking.

Custom hardware andsoftware development

Digigram is uniquely qualified to research, design,fabricate, and deliver custom digital audio hardware andsoftware. Our track record of success in fulfilling specificcustomer requirements recommends us as a strongcollaborator when time-to-market is critical. DigigramPowered solutions can be found in products as diverse asmultimedia servers, foreign language film dubbing, andforensic analysis.


www.digigram.com

Digigram S.A.Parc de Pré Milliet, 38330 Montbonnot - France

Tel: + 33 (0)4 76 52 47 47 • Fax: + 33 (0)4 76 52 18 44 • E-mail: [email protected]

Digigram Europe31, rue du Chemin de fer, 67087 Strasbourg cedex 2-France

Tel: +33 (0)3 88 26 91 40 • Fax: +33 (0)3 88 26 91 44 • E-mail: [email protected]

Digigram Inc.2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1004,Arlington,VA 22201-USA

Tel: +1 703 875 9100 • Fax: +1 703 875 9161 • E-mail: [email protected]

Digigram Asia Pte Ltd.350 Orchard Road - #19-07 Shaw House Singapore 238868-Singapore

Tel: +65 291 2234 • Fax: +65 291 3433 • E-mail: [email protected]

Digigram América LatinaAv. Callao 384, 1022 Buenos Aires-Argentina

Tel: +54 11 4375 5585 • Fax: +54 11 4371 5555 • E-mail: [email protected]

Aztec Radiomedia31, rue du Chemin de fer, 67087 Strasbourg cedex 2-France

Tel: +33 (0)3 88 30 90 90 • Fax: +33 (0)3 88 90 90

networking solutionsfor digital audio and remote management

Dig

igra

m, a

nd th

e D

igig

ram

logo

are

regi

ster

ed tr

adem

arks

of

Dig

igra

m S

.A. O

ther

trad

emar

ks a

re th

e pr

oper

ty o

f the

ir re

spec

tive

hold

ers.

© 2

001

by D

igig

ram

S.A

. - P

rint

ed in

Fra

nce

by

Impr

imer

ie d

es D

eux

Pont

s - P

hoto

s : L

ucy

in th

e Sk

y. D

R -

Documents

networking solutions