Ruggedized record and replay portable recorder extends AudioSoft product family
AudioSoft, the UK based developer and manufacturer of digital recording systems, are pleased to announce the launch of their Ruggedized Portable Recorder and Reproducer which further extends AudioPC portable radio and surveillance monitoring functionality for military and surveillance markets. Built within briefcase dimensions for rapid deployment, the unit meets ongoing worldwide requirements for secure data transfer within mobile monitoring stations. Its primary function is to enable a physically secure and efficient transfer of data from fields of operation to Boards of Enquiry and Analysis Centres.
Using standard PC components with a low ‘cost of ownership’ and maximum upgradeability, the ruggedized machine uses the same proven Audio-PC interface as existing systems. Operational range is also further extendable using optional 12 volt power supplies which can be supplied from vehicle power points
Compatible with AudioPCs full suite of software, the recorder can be configured to include LAN / WAN integration and tools from AudioSoft’s SmartAdditions range which include text transcription using Microsoft Word™, synchronized replay of voice / radar / or other forms of data, timecode stamping, GPS synchronization – plus expanded administration and signal analysis tools.
In terms of overall signal capacity, the ruggedized unit can currently be loaded with enough processing power to capture, monitor, and playback 40 channels of communications.
This new hardware makes digital audio and data recorded in AudioSoft’s unique legally admissible format rapidly available to analysts in its raw form without transcription or network transfers beforehand. In terms of software, unlike .wav or other PC media files, AudioSoft’s coding ensures that the stored files are ‘locked down’, tamperproof, and legally admissible – this is why it is the preferred covert recorder for UK Police Forces in both fixed and mobile situations.
AudioPC as a standalone unit, remote playback overcomes the extraneous background noises of other equipment in use at the operational location.
Compared with existing recording systems, AudioPC enables a greater degree of flexibility in signal processing during a complete incident analysis. For example, if there is a lot of background noise which masks the speech it can be processed out. Relevant frequency bands can be selected to search for evidence of system failures. If two people are talking simultaneously the machine’s replay can be slowed down to separate them. If a further investigation needs to take place to decide what was said, the before and after analysis facility is extremely useful. By contrast, with analog systems only speech volume levels are adjustable. AudioPC currently samples signal at rates of up to 14Khz / 16bits per second.
Given the physically demanding military requirements for the Reproducer unit, AudioSoft chose to integrate AudioPC with the market leading Dolch Flex Pac™ FXPAC6 P42 & 43G (shown below).
Dolch FlexPAC™
Designed for use in hostile environments, and ruggedized beyond other products in its class, the FlexPac has distinguished itself in military operations, demonstrating reliability and seamless expandability. This preserves the full range of AudioPC functions (user interface shown below) within an application-specific unit consisting of a polycarbonate and aluminum ‘chassis-within-a-chassis’ case. This case measures only 10.18–inches high, by 6.72–inches deep, by 15.78–inches wide, and weighing 18 pounds, with an operating shock of 10G over 11ms and up to 150W of tri–circuit heat dissipation. It also features a 14.1" TFT active matrix color display and 4 full length PCI slots, enabling up to 5 drives.
This solution differs from other AudioPC military equipment which (in common with AudioPC solutions for Air Traffic Control, Commercial, and police customers) archives the stored information to a full height DVD-RAM as well as transmit the data over networks. In common with it however is the use of true COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) PC hardware is used which enables rapid replacement and easy integration within larger surveillance systems, plus the assurance of falling unit replacement costs.
Simplifying matters further for researchers, audio replay is configured to be heard via industry standard Sound Blaster cards, two channels at a time, expanding the system’s capabilities further within both mobile and Command and Control environments.
About Ultra Elecronics AudioSoft
Ultra Electronics AudioSoft, one of the leading software systems integration companies for speech and telephony applications in the UK, is at the forefront of the development of digital voice and data recording technology. Markets include Air Traffic Control, Courtroom, Defence, Emergency Services, Law Enforcement and National Security.
AudioSoft’s range of PC based recording, audio analytics and visualise products include AudioPC, Medirva™, AudioPC-CR, AudioPC-IR, AudioPC-LE, AudioPC-HS and SonarPC.
Typical applications include, digital data recorders, conference recorders, interview recorders and surveillance recording.
Satisfied customers include HM Government, The Bank of England, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Dutch Navy, Local Government, Public Authorities, International Airports and Commercial organisations.
Based in Cirencester, AudioSoft was recently named (for the third year) as one of the Top 10 fastest growing technology companies in the South West and Wales by Deloitte and Touche.