Comrex supports Leighton's transition to multi-platform broadcasting
Leighton Media Embraces Comrex's Audio-over-IP Technology for Streamlined Multi-Platform Operations
Leighton Media, a broadcaster owning around three dozen radio stations in Minnesota and North Dakota, has made a significant leap in modernising its operations by adopting Comrex products as a key component of its transition to audio-over-IP (AoIP) technology. This shift, in line with industry trends, aims to enhance audio transport and infrastructure modernization [1][2].
Tony Abfalter, the director of engineering and IT at Leighton Media, spearheads this transformation. He has installed Access MultiRack, a multi-channel IP audio codec capable of managing five simultaneous stereo connections, as part of this overhaul.
Abfalter praises the remote management of the Switchboard Traversal Server, particularly its ability to assign a codec out in the field. He also relies on Comrex BRIC-Links for Leighton's Studio-to-Transmitter Links (STLs), appreciating the addition of front-panel controls to the latest BRIC-Link III.
Comrex's Switchboard Traversal Server serves as an address book for easier connections between IP codecs over the internet, while CrossLock VPN technology is paired with the Access Portable models for multi-network usage and real-time management in the field.
Abfalter has deployed various Comrex Access Portable models, including Opals and BRIC-Links, for remote broadcasts. The latest Access NX model is among the units Leighton Media deploys for such purposes.
The bulk of Leighton Media's remote broadcasts involve high school athletics. In one of its markets, it's not uncommon for all four of its stations to be covering sports on the same night. Abfalter emphasises his current reliance on Comrex products at Leighton Media.
Moreover, Leighton Media has expanded into multimedia marketing. This transition to AoIP technology, facilitated by Comrex, supports their multi-platform broadcasting strategy, enabling efficient, high-quality remote audio contribution—from sports broadcasts to marketing content—through modern IP infrastructure [1][2].
Abfalter has had positive experiences with Comrex equipment in the past, stating that their products have saved his career on multiple occasions. He has installed Access MultiRack on all of Leighton's AoIP systems, ensuring a seamless integration with AoIP workflows and providing reliable remote broadcasting over IP networks.
Based in St. Cloud, Minn., Leighton Media's adoption of Comrex's AoIP solutions underscores its commitment to staying at the forefront of broadcasting technology, delivering high-quality content to its audience across various platforms.
[1] [Source] [2] [Source]
- Leighton Media, in pursuit of industry trends, is enhancing audio transport and infrastructure modernization by embracing Comrex's Audio-over-IP (AoIP) technology.
- Tony Abfalter, the director of engineering and IT at Leighton Media, is utilizing Comrex's Access MultiRack, a multi-channel IP audio codec, in his multi-platform operations overhaul.
- Abfalter has incorporated Comrex's Switchboard Traversal Server, which serves as an address book for easier connections between IP codecs over the internet, into Leighton Media's operations.
- Leighton Media, having adopted various Comrex Access Portable models for remote broadcasts, is leveraging Comrex technology to support their multimedia marketing efforts and deliver high-quality content across multiple platforms.
