BSS Audio® Introduces Full-Bandwidth Acoustic Echo Cancellation Algorithm for Soundweb London Conferencing Processors

BSS Audio®, a Harman International Company (NYSE-HAR), today introduced a new full-bandwidth Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) algorithm for its Soundwebâ„¢ London conferencing processors. The new full-bandwidth AEC algorithm is released with HiQnet London Architect v3.04 and can be used with existing Soundweb London AEC Input Cards and the recently-introduced Soundweb London BLU-101 and BLU-102 devices.

The existing 8kHz-bandwidth AEC algorithm is optimized for POTS, VoIP phone system and digital phone system applications. The new full-bandwidth AEC algorithm facilitates enhanced fidelity for specific applications, while also offering a reduced processing latency. A property within HiQnet London Architect v3.04 allows users to switch between the new full-bandwidth AEC algorithm and the existing 8kHz-bandwidth algorithm. Dedicated full-bandwidth ‘dry' signals for local sound reinforcement or recording are offered for both AEC algorithms.

Existing installations can be upgraded to accommodate full-bandwidth content, without the requirement for additional hardware. However, when upgrading systems to HiQnet London Architect v3.04, they will continue to use the 8kHz-bandwidth AEC algorithm unless manually switched to use the new full-bandwidth AEC algorithm. Therefore, changes will not be forced upon existing systems.

New Soundweb London designs will default to using the new full-bandwidth AEC algorithm, which also gives excellent performance with POTS and VoIP systems, in addition to the accommodation of full-bandwidth content.

Iain Gregory, market manager for installed sound at Harman Signal Processing stated, "BSS Audio is new to the conferencing market but our products and algorithms have already won favor with many experienced consultants and system integrators as a direct result of live demonstrations. The addition of a full-bandwidth AEC algorithm as a software upgrade for the AEC Input Cards and the BLU-101 and BLU-102 devices brings another important conferencing tool to applications large and small.”

The BLU-101 and BLU-102 along with the other members of the Soundweb London family provide the building blocks of the perfectly tailored system solution.

Harman HiQnetâ„¢ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman's Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.