GIPS Extends Voice Codec to VoIP Equipment Market

By Johanne Torres

TMCnet Contributing Editor

 

Voice processing technology provider Global IP Sound (GIPS) recently announced the release of version 2.0 of its iSAC codec, an adaptive codec for developers of VoIP communications. iSAC's new version is now optimized for use in hardware devices. This system allows IP phone, gateway and chipset manufacturers to deliver products that offer higher quality voice products for PC-based Internet calling service users.

 

GIPS iSAC adaptive VoIP codec 2.0 is part of the GIPS SoundwareT voice processing software suite for the delivery of wideband quality in both low and high-bit rate applications. According to GIPS's announcement, "several IP-chipset manufacturers including Texas Instruments (News - Alert) will incorporate GIPS's iSAC 2.0 codec into their VoIP systems."

 

"The market has not only come to appreciate the benefits of wideband telephony, but prefer it over traditional PSTN" said GIPS' CTO Roar Hagen in a statement. "As manufacturers begin to deploy VoIP enabled hardware, users are going to expect the same full, robust sound they are accustomed to from their softphones. GIPS is proud to be able to deliver this high quality audio on all platforms and devices."

 

GIPS made iSAC available only available in floating point code for use in softphones and other applications running on PCs and less resource dependent platforms. With the new version, the company optimized iSAC to now run on chips embedded within VoIP phones and other hardware devices, guaranteeing high voice quality. This release will also be available in a low complexity version for an easier to integrate in resource intensive devices such as mobile phones. The new version is also interoperable with IP phones, gateways, and chipsets with the iSAC-enabled softphones and Internet-based voice services that are currently deployed through GIPS' major ISP customers such as Yahoo!, AOL and Skype (News - Alert).

 

On Skype's partnership, GIPS announced just last month that it extended its partnership with the VoIP service provider to enable hardware manufacturers to offer Skype-compatible IP phones. The new hardware systems will use GIPS' Voice Engine Embedded. Skype has licensed GIPS products in the past including VoiceEngine PC in the summer of 2003.

 

"Skype has clearly revolutionized global personal communications with its offering," said GIPS' president and CEO Gary Hermansen back then. "This latest step in our relationship helps to solidify this growing market by expanding the options for Skype-enabled hardware devices and the ability for consumers to have a consistent, high-quality user experience regardless of platform."

 

If you are looking to learn everything there is to know about IP-based services, the INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference & Expo, WEST is just the event you won't want to miss. The event is the number one VoIP conference in terms of attendance; the leading VoIP Expo for exhibitors in terms of lead generation; and the VoIP industry event which features special attractions for service providers and resellers. The event runs October 10-13, 2006 in San Diego.

 

Global IP Sound (News - Alert)

 

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Johanne Torres is contributing editor for TMCnet and INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine. To see more articles by Johanne Torres, please visit her columnist page.