Thiel Develops IP-based Solution for High-end Multiroom Audio

A new IP-based audio distribution system is coming from an unlikely source: Thiel Audio, maker of high-end loudspeakers.

Called ThielNet, the solution comprises an IP-addressable audio distribution processor, IP-based powered loudspeakers, IP adapter to connect third-party speakers to the ThielNet network, IP-based subwoofer and PC-based software for configuration and operation.

"We decided to get into the project because we recognized that, with new digital distribution technologies, it is really becoming possible to do high-end systems with them," says Gary Dayton, customer service technical support manager for Thiel.

The ThielNet technology was developed with Bicom, developer of IP-based telecom systems. "Our expertise is in digital signal processing and processing different media on different platforms," says Ekin Binal, vice president of product development. He says that Bicom has been on the cutting edge in the transition to voice over IP (VOIP), helping the likes of NEC and Samsung with IP-enabled PBX systems.



With that experience, "We wanted to get into the media side of things," says Binal. "High-end audio has always been a passion of mine."

The end-to-end IP-based audio solution began after Bicom looked at creating DSP-crossovers for loudspeakers. "We wanted to remove some of the passive components, and do it all digitally," he explains. "You have to keep everything in the digital domain when you make the transition – preserve the digital all the way to the speaker where the crossover takes place. We followed the same path as with VOIP."

ThielNet Components

The heart of the ThielNet solution is the dB1, a Dolby Digital distribution processor with analog and digital audio inputs, plus an eight-port network switch. "All network traffic rides on its own subnet," says Binal. "We're guaranteeing quality of service."

He says that the company has patent-pending technology for synchronizing zones across the network, eliminating the echo effect that might otherwise be heard when audio is streaming to two adjacent zones simultaneously. Theoretically, the company says, ThielNet can accommodate eight speakers in eight zones, for a total of 64 speakers, but the company says it hasn't tested such a large configuration.



The dB1 connects to the homeowner's own Ethernet network for communicating online (great for firmware updates) and with the users' PCs and other IP-based controllers.

At each speaker location is a dS1 -- a module that will be built into Thiel's own speakers, and available as a standalone box for third-party devices. The dS1 includes a 250-watt power amplifier, digital crossovers and IP connectivity.

Because of the end-to-end digital communications, "You don't have to worry about 700-foot speaker runs and all the loss associated with that," says Thiel's Dayton. "The signal is maintained entirely all the way to the speaker."

It doesn't hurt, says Binal, that "the digital-analog converters we're using inside ThielNet are the best ones you can get right now."

The first Thiel speaker with ThielNet is the SCS4D, based on the company's popular SCS4 bookshelf speakers. ThielNet also will be available in the new SS1D subwoofer. "We have plans to include practically all Thiel models in the future," Dayton says.

The exact pricing has yet to be determined, but the ThielNet products should be significantly more than their non-IP counterparts. "It would be like buying an SCS4 and audiophile-grade amp," Dayton says. The SCS4 sans ThielNet goes for around $990.

Controlling the System

Since all of the elements in the ThielNet network communicate via IP, a surround-sound and whole-house audio system can be configured seamlessly via the ThielNet Streamer browser-based software.

A basic ThielNet remote is available as well.

The dB1 processor has an IR input and output. There is also an RS-232 port, and 12V trigger in and out.

Configuration is easy, and Thiel says that consumers should be able to install ThielNet themselves. The Streamer software automatically discovers PC-based content for deliver to the appropriate IP-enabled speakers via the dB1.

What Else is Out There

IP-enabled audio distribution is becoming a thriving category. "SqueezeBox and Sonos are great for music distribution, but there are none that are really high-end," says Dayton. "We didn't see why we couldn't do a high-end product."

Thiel shrugs off comparisons to NetStreams, the first developer of IP-based solutions for audio (and video) distribution, and the current leader of such technology in the custom channel. NetStreams' StreamNet technology appears to be similar to ThielNet; however, Thiel maintains that its solutions are more appropriate for do-it-yourselfers looking for a high-end experience.

NetStreams does not manufacturer its own loudspeakers, but at least three well-known loudspeaker manufacturers – Sonance, Triad and Polk – are building StreamNet IP technology into their products.

In September, NetStreams introduced the "World's First IP Home Theater," featuring an end-to-end IP-based surround sound solution for both audio and video.

Coming Up

Bicom is now working on ThielNet solutions that require no new wires.

On the wireless front, the partners are working with SST Communications on a mixed-signal solution in the 2.4- and 5.8-GHz ranges.

Powerline communications is another option, but "We see latency issues with HomePlug A/V," says Binal. "We're focusing on doing our own proprietary algorithm on top of HomePlug, hopefully applying what we've done to Ethernet."

At CES, Thiel will demonstrate a 5.1 surround-sound system using ThielNet, as well as a wireless implementation of the technology.