A Guide to Quality Installed Sound Systems. - Jands

audio
networking
Harman HiQnet
What is HiQnet?
HiQnet is a communications protocol or language with which all device-types within the full audio signal path can communicate.
Co-developed and shared by elite engineers from all the brands within the Harman Pro Group, HiQnet merges the best features of all
previous brand-independent communications protocols and thereby benefits from years of combined experience and is simultaneously
optimised for all components of the full professional audio system.
How Does It Work?
The full HiQnet system is configured and controlled with a single software application - Harman Pro System Architect. A comprehensive
core PC application into which device-specific plugins developed by each Harman Pro brand can be loaded, System Architect has been
written entirely from the ground up to achieve the goal of accommodating all requirements from all the links in a signal chain. System
Architect has been optimised for use in both tour sound and installation environments and includes features enabling quick and easy
system configuration for both disciplines.
Today’s HiQnet system is built from flagship products from Harman Pro brands - BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx Professional, JBL
Professional, Lexicon Pro, and Soundcraft
Example Set-up
Where Do I Use It?
The HiQnet system is a flexible and intelligent system. The protocol is versatile enough to traverse
any transport methodology - current HiQnet compatible devices employ serial, USB and Ethernet
connectivity. In addition, HiQnet’s compliance with the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)
standard enables HiQnet devices automatically to negotiate HiQnet network addresses between
themselves and device IP address assignment when on an Ethernet network.
HiQnet control software not only includes the all the necessary editing of device and system
parameters but also offer the most simple user interface available today for routing of networked
audio - however complex the requirements. To assist with this, the HiQnet protocol itself is
capable of wrapping around the transport medium employed by third-party networked audio
protocols such as CobraNet.
Whether in real-time from a device’s default software editor, from an advanced custom-designed
control panel running on a touchscreen PC, with System Architect’s optimised mode of operation
for control from a wireless tablet PC or from a dedicated hardware touchscreen wall-controller,
all parameters from across an entire HiQnet system are instantly accessible. Never before has
such full control been at the operator’s fingertips.
Specifications
Supports Ethernet control, supports USB control, supports serial
control, supports CobraNet audio, supports up to 64 channels of
streaming audio, supports sample rates up to 96kHz, supports in
excess of 65,000 HiQnet nodes in a single system, wireless 802.11b
and 802.11g compatible, optimised for tablet PC use, optimised for
remote access, universal plug and play (UPnP) compliant, multiple
computer support.
HiQnet System Architect
The core of HiQnet System Architect is engineered by a central Harman
Pro R&D team. The software architecture enables Harman Pro brands
to develop plugins for their products which integrate seamlessly with
the core application. System Architect is currently at version 1.4 and
uses the Harman HiQnet protocol to configure and control the following
products:
Crown CDi series, Crown 2-channel CTs and MA series amplifiers with
PIP LITE, USP3 or USP3/CN installed, Crown CTs 4200 USP/CN and 8200 USP/CN, Crown DSi series, Crown I-Tech series, Crown XTi series,
Crown MAi Series, dbx DriveRack ® 4800 and DriveRack ® 4820, JBL VerTec ® DP Series, JBL VP Series.
Harman - HiQnet Audio Networking