Xilica has announced the launch of Gio, a range of three networked endpoints for bridging personal devices to installed AV systems. The initial units offer three Dante interface products for USB, Bluetooth and XLR connectivity within collaborative and reconfigurable AV environments.
The Gio USB and Gio Bluetooth are focused specifically on the needs of modern corporate and education customers and are designed to bridge the gap between communications peripherals such as laptops, tablets and smartphones, and the networked AV system. Both offer a single cable installation for both power and data, helping to remove complexity in integrating personal devices with AV and UC applications, and extend Dante audio signals across installed IT networks.
Xilica Gio USB extends USB audio from in-room PCs, laptops, or UC peripherals within a meeting space or classroom. Installed underneath a table or behind the display, Gio USB transports two-way USB audio over Ethernet using Dante technology, allowing presenters and lectures to build entire BYOM experiences around a laptop. Further, within hybrid UC environments, Gio USB will bridge the entire local installed audio system into the UC meeting room experience. In addition, Gio USB supports centralized processing applications by enabling USB transport over network infrastructure from meeting rooms and classrooms to the Xilica Solaro FR1-D processor located in remote IDF closets.
Xilica Gio Bluetooth provides a similar wireless, networked AV experience for a more diverse range of uses. In addition to simplifying collaborative and BYOM experiences from smartphones and mobile devices, Xilica Gio Bluetooth can provide added flexibility to streaming media applications, supporting background music (BGM) and media playback through installed AV systems. Using Bluetooth 5.0 Class 2 technology, Gio Bluetooth can fully support nearly any BYOD scenario with extended range, reliable connectivity and high-fidelity audio.
The Xilica Gio Bluetooth module fits into standard US single-gang Decora wall-plates to match existing décor, with a separate variant available for UK and EU wall boxes. Xilica has added advanced security features to address Bluetooth security concerns, including configurable PIN codes, automatic and selectable pairing modes, custom device naming, and protection against accidental connections.
Xilica Gio XLR brings the same Dante-enabled connectivity to accommodate larger spaces and special events. Users can easily extend installed AV systems over IP across multiple rooms and event spaces (divisible ballrooms, lecture halls, auditoriums) to support all-hands meetings, trainings and staged events. Providing two-in, two-out Neutrik XLR connections, the Gio XLR interface bridges microphones, loudspeakers and other installed components with the facility’s networked audio system while centralizing Xilica Solaro DSP processing for all networked spaces.
“We’ve realized AV/IT convergence as an industry, and must now adapt to IT industry standards,” says Shaun Robinson, Vice President, Product Management, Xilica. “The Xilica Gio series represents our next-generation of AV/IT products that can be treated like any other network device, and live on traditional network and switch infrastructure using a single Category cable without requiring special attention. Our customers can now deploy an entire meeting space or classroom solution without the heavy lifting of traditional AV systems.”