ISDN vs. Audio Over IP

Nikki Saco · Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008, 21:31 (GMT) Post subject: ISDN vs. Audio Over IP

Uninitiated VOF Seeks Guidance from VO with Hands-on Experience in Real-Time Remote Recording.

Background:

There are studios out there which want the ability to record talent remotely: talents voice through their mics (remotely), transmit audio signals to the studios, and the studios do the actual recording at their end. My question has to do with the methods for transmitting that signal. Traditionally, real-time recording has been accomplished through ISDN lines because ISDN transfers data in a way that preserves the integrity of the audio signal.

But it seems there've been some recent, significant improvements to audio over IP which may make it an attractive alternative to ISDN. I've read a bit about Audio TX, Frank Frederick's iSpeek, and Source Connect. Telos Systems has even come out with the Zephyr Z/IP, featured above the rest of their well-known ISDN-based product line. (I'm not suggesting all these options are equal, just that they're out there.)

Question(s):

Are any of these audio over IP options really as reliable in delivering real-time audio as ISDN? Or does ISDN still lack any true competitor? If audio over IP is finally challenging ISDN, which audio over IP option is the strongest challenger (or is it still too early to call)?

Dilemma:

Because ISDN has been the reliable technology, it's obviously not unusual to find studios equipped with ISDN lines and one of the more prominent ISDN codecs. That may be reason enough for voice talents who want to provide real-time recording options to add ISDN lines and codecs to their studios. But I don't mind moving towards a more future friendly option like audio over IP -- even if it's not as widely used -- as long as (1) it's at least as good as ISDN and (2) studios are likely to move in that direction (towards IP).

One good client could justify the cost and at least audio over IP doesn't require the added monthly expense of an ISDN line since it would use the same cable, DSL or T1 connections most of us use now. Another plus is audio over IP could make traveling easier (not that I go anywhere). Wink

In a Nutshell:

Is audio over IP ready for prime time? Or still just a flash in the pan?

Deby Cedars · Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008, 00:51 (GMT) Post subject:

I'm not totally sure....but I was told that ISDN is faster with no delay.....But these things are really over my head.

Thomas C. Gass · Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008, 08:38 (GMT) Post subject:

Nikki

have a look at this thread: http://www.voiceoversavvy.com/ftopic4813.html

By the way: I am still ready to do the mentioned testing, but unfortunately no one dropped me a PM yet - even worse: I still could not get hold of the AudioTX demo software, 'cause the guys at audiotx do not respond to my e-mails - since 10 days. Not a very good customer service at all...

For me it's absolutely clear: voice over IP is not *yet* able to replace ISDN codecs. Even if the audio quality is very good at the moment, there are a lot of other factors that let ISDN be much ahead of VOIP.

Thomas

Gregory Houser · Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008, 14:20 (GMT) Post subject:

Nikki Saco · Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008, 17:06 (GMT) Post subject:

Thomas, thanks for pointing out that thread. I did a search here first but missed that discussion -- and it was recent too. Audio TX quality sounds very good on Ed and Thom's demo test! Way better than I expected.

It's both impressive and unsettling that you need 4 ISDN lines to achieve optimal speeds, Thomas. The cost must be staggering; and you must be a very busy voice talent. Not surprising.

Allen Brown · Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008, 19:10 (GMT) Post subject:

Nikki -

Harlan Hogan wrote an informative piece about this very subject on the V123 blog. You might want to check it out.

http://voice123team.blogspot.com/2008/02/do-i-invest-in-isdn-or-internet-audio.html

Nikki Saco · Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008, 20:07 (GMT) Post subject:

That's great. Thanks!

Thomas C. Gass · Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008, 20:21 (GMT) Post subject:

Nikki

George Whittam · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

For those frustrated with the total lack of support from AudioTX, contact Dave at digifon.com. He is a dealer of AudioTX and I am sure he could help you out. I recommend going through him anytime you are needing to purchase or get support for AudioTX, he is located on the East Coast of the US.
ISDN is not as expensive as you might think, and will pay for itself quickly with the right client (hate to point out the obvious). Service avg's about $50/month, and you can get used ISDN codec hardware for $1500 or less these days. There STILL is no true replacement for ISDN's dedicated, guaranteed bandwidth, and reliable connection. Who knows if there ever will be? Getting started with Audio over IP only costs $400 with Source Connect standard, so for those just getting started with clients needing real-time delivery, that is the way to go. You can pay a bridging company like outofhear.com for the occasional ISDN bridge until the demand increases.