The Lectrosonics Digital Secure Wireless system offers AES-256-CTR (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption technology for use in environments where privacy is a critical concern. Intended applications include corporate boardrooms, shareholder meetings, and government facilities, as well as theatres, filmmaking, touring and other applications.
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption technology employing a 256-bit key was approved in the US as a government standard encryption algorithm in 2001 [FIPS 197]. The CTR (Counter) Encryption mode as found in the Lectrosonics Digital Secure Wireless system maintains low latency (2.5ms overall) while keeping channel noise at a minimum. Key management is user selectable in one of two modes – Persistent, where the key is kept from session to session, and One-time, where the key must be generated for each session (most secure). The system uses a special chip for entropy generation in order to ensure the key is generated in a truly random manner – complying with another US government standard [FIPS 140-2]. The key transfer requires a simple cabled download, thus avoiding security issues with easily detected infrared key transfer systems.
The Digital Secure Wireless system comprises the DR digital wireless receiver frame, individual DRM digital receiver modules, and the DB digital wireless beltpack transmitter. Similar in form to Lectrosonics’ Venue receiver systems, the DR digital wireless receiver frame supports up to six channels/modules in 1U of rack space. Analogue and digital (AES/EBU) XLR outputs are selectable on the device menu. The frame supports wideband reception (470.100 to 691.175Mhz), 50Ω BNC antenna inputs, and outputs for cascading up to three additional frames (24 channels total) on one set of antennas, without an external multi-coupler. The clock input and output enables the DR to be the master clock in a digital audio system or to be the slave to an external master clock. A quarter-inch headphone output can be fed from a mixture of channel signals, or from isolated channels.
The DRM digital receiver module docks into the DR digital wireless receiver frame and up to six modules can be docked per a single DR frame. Each receiver module has a 25.5Mhz bandwidth. DRM digital receiver modules are available on all standard Lectrosonics frequency blocks.
The DB digital wireless beltpack transmitter features wideband tuning (470-698Mhz), a highly linear RF output stage for reduced intermodulation distortion offering high channel counts within a minimum RF spectrum. The transmitter provides 50mW RF transmission. The TA5M mic/line input found on the DB digital wireless beltpack transmitter accepts all lavaliere and headworn microphones wired for Lectrosonics transmitters.
‘The Digital Secure Wireless system is the ideal tool for those environments where privacy is crucial and is, for example, particularly well-suited to use at large corporations, banks and other financial institutions,’ says Karl Winkler, Lectrosonics’ Director of Business Development. ‘With the passage in 2002 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, information security and access control have been central themes with companies in compliance with the law. Closed sets, theatre and live productions can similarly benefit from secure wireless mic transmission. Our system provides the convenience of wireless freedom while protecting one’s sensitive information.’
Audio frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±1dB). Digital conversion: 24 bits, 48kHz sampling. System latency: 2.5ms. Distortion: 0.05% THD+N, 1kHz @ -10dBFS. Dynamic range: 108 dBA.
The Lectrosonics Digital Secure Wireless system is expected to become available Q3 2014. Pricing has not yet been determined.
More: www.lectrosonics.com
