TC Electronic has released UpCon, a combined upconversion and downmix processor in a single, high-density rack unit that is based on UnWrap HD and shares its ultra-low latency and overkill processing resolution.
UpCon continuously monitors the channel format of the incoming audio, and if the signal falls back from true 5.1 to stereo, seamlessly crossfades into a 5.1 surround upconversion without adding interruptions or artifacts.
The hardware is based on the TC Electronic DB6 platform and UpCon offers the same extended control possibilities. Ease of use is key and it can detect the incoming signal channel format automatically. In case the engineer wants more manual control, UpCon also offers extensive GPI control, or it can be set up to react to incoming metadata. UpCon also offers the same expandability as DB6 Multi – it comes equipped with one 3G SDI stream standard but can be expanded with one or two optional UpCon 3G cards for a maximum of three simultaneous SDI streams.
‘The upconverted audio is loudness transparent,’ the company says. ‘Many format converters will output a significantly different signal in terms of perceived loudness compared to the source, but this is not the case with UpCon. Broadcasters often need to stay within certain boundaries according to regulation or recommendation and by letting UpCon handle the conversion from stereo to 5.1, it is possible to stay compliant regardless of the signal’s channel format.’
Occupying a critical point in the audio signal path as an ‘always on’ unit, UpCon is required to provide consistent and reliable operation. Should the unit lose power, a Relay Bypass feature passes the stream directly from input to outpout. Further, if one of the power sources should fail, notification can be given using GPIO or SNMP traps.
