01.02.2008 — 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.”