Following the recent announcement of the ‘lightweight’ AES70 implementation, the OCA Alliance is unveiling the latest version of the device control standard – AES70-2021.

The release will be upwards-compatible from the current AES70-2018, and offers both new and improved features, along with documentation upgrades.

Among the new features, Datasets is a mechanism for devices to exchange data blocks (datasets) with controllers, with block size limited only by implementation. AES70-2021 will specifically define several types of datasets. Manufacturers will also be able to add their own datasets as required.

Thanks to the new Datasets feature, controllers can now manage device audio file recording, playback and storage. A new logging mechanism – also based in the Datasets feature – enables controllers to retrieve logs generated by a device, in any format and at any time.

Command sets is a new mechanism for storing predefined control command sequences in devices and executing them on request, at scheduled times, or at specified positions in media streams.

AES70-21 also includes significant enhancements to existing functionality, including streamlined media connection management – managing device media streaming connections is now more powerful and easier to program and implement. Additionally, flexible new support for connection negotiation is now on offer – the process by which controllers develop compatible transmitting and receiving settings for media stream connections.

A new mechanism for storing and recalling device presets that is capable of handling complex devices with tens of thousands of parameters has been implemented. It is easier for controllers and devices to program and supports much larger sets of stored parameters.

In total, the 2021 release brings around 40 new or enhanced features, and 15 documentation upgrades. AES70-2021 is scheduled for release during the second half of 2021, and will be downloadable from the OCA website.

‘As with any standard, the more widely it is adopted and used, the greater the benefit to all concerned and the industry at large,’ says OCA Chair, Jeff Berryman. ‘The 2021 release offers several enhancements and upgrades to make it more accessible, easier to implement and also improve performance. Combined with our recent lightweight implementation, we now have AES70 control solutions for every part of the spectrum, from the simplest to the most complex systems.’

More: www.ocaalliance.com