In recent years, clock synchronization over Ethernet networks is quickly gaining ground. More and more industries discover the undisputable advantages of using existing IP-based networks for transporting precise time information rather than having to revert to dedicated for this matter. Only recently, the broadcasting industry intensified its efforts to replace traditional synchronization techniques like black burst or tri-level-sync with IP-based clock synchronization relying on the IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol. However, a new and quite unique requirement arises when using PTP for broadcasting applications: short lock times (in the range of a few seconds), i.e. the time it takes until a timing Slave (camera, microphone, etc.) is synchronized to the network’s Master clock to less than 1 microsecond. Especially in combination with moderate to high network utilization this requirement has not received much attention until, recently since most PTP related application prefer long term stability over the ability to react quickly on changes in the PTP clock hierarchy which generally occur very seldom.

Therefore, the Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers (SMPTE) is currently defining a new standard for time transfer based on PTP within the scope of the SMPTE 32NF group. Oregano Systems, a member of the Standards group, is proud to announce a syn1588^® PTP Stack version meeting the requirements requested by the broadcasting industry. The new version focuses on the 5 seconds locking demand required for every-day use of PTP in broadcasting applications.

If you are interested in gaining access to a preliminary version of the syn1588^® PTP Stack supporting the broadcasting requirements (also referred to as ”SMTPE profile”) please contact Oregano Systems (contact@oregano.at).