Hybrid Hearing Core Audio Solution (HHCAS)

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This article provides design background and instructions on applying the HHCAS Tesira template file for a small or medium courtroom and how to set the TesiraFORTÉ X to converged network mode. This enables a true plug-and-play solution fostering an engaging and inclusive "conversation" environment to enhance communication.

Solution overview

Hybrid Hearing Core Audio Solution (HHCAS) leverages Biamp TesiraFORTÉ X DSP integrated with Televic Confidea stations and Plixis AE-R creating a seamless plug-and-play courtroom audio solution. The HHCS supports remote courtroom hearings using Unified Communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom to provide remote and local participants with an exceptional audio experience.

The Televic Confidea Flex and Plixus AE-R are preconfigured from their factory to plug in and work seamlessly with the FORTÉ X supporting a full mix-minus for local audio reinforcement and isolated court recorder audio feeds.

Room design example

This system design demonstrates how to outfit a small to medium-sized courtroom with a single TesiraFORTÉ X. The system template includes a mix-minus local reinforcement system, multi-track recording of each position as well as the ability to video conference through a third-party video conferencing codec.

Each of the courtroom positions is reinforced by Televic discussion microphone stations. Each location has a speaker zone allowing for mix-minus speech reinforcement, and the judge is provided with a TEC-X for control and mute as well as the ability to engage sidebar white noise for sound masking at the judge's bench.

Hybrid Hearing Core Audio Solution (HHCAS) Signal Flow Plug and play with minimal setup

Audio Support for municipal courts requiring:
- Remote Hearings
- Court Reporting
- Simultaneous Interpretation
- Remote operation/support
Televic feeds isolated Microphones to the TesiraFORTÉ X via Dante
TesiraFORTÉ X manages three separate mixes
- Mix minus feeds back to Televic speakers
- Zoom feed (via EX-UBT)
- Agnostic Recording Feed
  - Via Dante
  - Via USB on TesiraFORTEx
TesiraFORTÉ X provides the essential plug-and-play connections
Televic mics network daisy chained the Plexus server
HHCAS Template file created by Biamp

Equipment list

Biamp Tesira Hardware Required
TesiraFORTE X 800	Up to 64x64 AVB Streams of digital audio networking with Biamp AVB devices Up to 128 x 128 channels of digital audio networking with Biamp AVB devices 32 x 32 channels of digital audio networking via the Dante protocol AES67-enabled Dante endpoint 2 mic/line level inputs, 2 mic/line level outputs Five 1 Gigabit Ethernet Ports Four ports support PoE+ power (IEEE 802.3.at Class 4, 30W) Up to 2x2 channels of configurable USB audio 8 AEC channels assignable to any input 4-pin GPIO Surface mountable with included bracket Supports port authentication via IEEE 802.1X SIP VoIP interface via Gigabit Ethernet connection
Tesira EX-UBT	Supports up to 8 channels of configurable USB audio Supports Bluetooth wireless technology LED indicators for power and wireless status Configurable via Tesira software PoE powered
Apprimo TEC-X 1000	Ethernet-based control solution for Tesira systems Capacitive touch LCD interface Supports up to six buttons on the LCD interface Dedicated rotary encoder for incrementing and decrementing level controls Control functions of onscreen buttons are easily programmed in Tesira design software High contrast touch-enabled LCD provides easy-to-read on-screen text and status messages Display brightness can adjust automatically to the ambient light level Assignable LED light bar provides optional feedback for mute and system state PoE powered (IEEE 802.3at Class 3, 15W) for simple, single CAT5e/CAT6 cable installation Up to four devices can be daisy-chained together Wall mounted in standard single gang box, with optional tabletop stand accessory sold separately

Televic Hardware Required

Televic Confidea Flex Stations

Judge,Witness,Prosecution (State),Defense,Lectern

Confidea Flex

Televic Plixus AE-R

Example File

The file provided is built and ready to load.

The example file can be downloaded here HHCAS_v1.0.tmf

Network design

The control processing for this system runs completely using the built-in network ports of the TesiraFORTÉ X running converged network port mode.

After enabling converged mode on the TesiraFORTÉ X simply plug in the TEC-X and Televic devices into the remaining ports and the system will become operational.

Audio setup

This audio system consist of a locally reinforced mix-minus system with the addition of program audio and video conference audio. The use of a mix-minus via the Televic stations provides a flawless audio system that allows each mic to be reinforced to the positions of the courtroom with the least potential of feedback.

Multi-track recording

Using the Tesira EX-UBT gives you the ability to send 8 channels of audio over USB. When used with a recording software you can capture each talker for accurate archiving. The EX-UBT eliminates the need for USB extenders, it uses implicit AVB to reliably transmit the audio to the limitations of Ethernet. This allows the TesiraFORTÉ X to be in a centralized rack room but the archival PC to be controlled by the clerk in the courtroom using only a standard USB cable to connect.

To utilize the Tesira EX-UBT's eight-channel output, you must pair it with the Tesira USB audio driver. This allows the Windows PC to interface with all eight channels. The driver will require previous ASIO drivers to be uninstalled prior to installation. Failure to uninstall previous ASIO drivers will cause the Tesira USB audio driver to not perform as intended. Macs will natively be able to interface with more than two channels of audio over USB.

Room Audio Control

The TEC-X Programming will be used for VTC privacy mute and sidebar conversations, muting all microphones.

Audio is controlled via logic out of the TEC-X providing control to either the judge or clerk position: