Ferncast unveils latest aixtream software release

Ferncast has announced the release of aixtream version 3.9. The company says this latest update brings significant improvements in latency optimization and new features and enhancements to elevate the platform’s performance.

Version 3.9 introduces major advancements in latency management, offering users more control over delay parameters. Depending on packet size, the delay from audio encoding algorithms can be as low as 4ms. Still, other factors, such as the jitter buffer and network conditions, can significantly impact overall latency. These new features allow users to manage latency better.

The most notable update is the new “low delay” audio mode, which minimizes buffering and processing features that typically cause latency. This mode is ideal for use cases requiring the lowest possible delay when working with a stable network connection.

Additionally, existing latency-related features — like the jitter buffer, Forward Error Correction and redundant streaming — have been revamped to improve scalability and stability across a wide range of settings. For instance, the jitter buffer can now be set to any desired millisecond value.

The Smooth Delay Adaption feature, used for dynamic audio/video synchronization, has also been enhanced. This function adjusts delay at a defined rate, allowing gradual changes to avoid abrupt and noticeable delays during live broadcasts. As with the jitter buffer, the smooth delay can be adjusted to any millisecond value, ensuring seamless audio-video sync during live productions.

Additional features

Along with latency improvements, version 3.9 includes several new features and bug fixes:

AoIP Demux for multi-channel AoIP inputs (up to 128 channels), offering a resource-efficient way to process large multi-channel AES67 streams and individual channels within different workflows.
Alarms now include a “recovery period” to better manage recurring issues that trigger repeated alarms.
UECP parsing now supports DAB dynamic label options.

Commenting on the release, Ferncast CEO Detlef Wiese said, “With aixtream 3.9, we emphasize the critical topic of latency. In streaming applications, a few milliseconds may not matter, but in cases like studio-to-transmitter links or SIP communication, keeping latency low is crucial. This new suite of options optimizes aixtream’s flexibility to handle different use cases.”

Aixtream version 3.9 is now available to all current customers.