My comment on innovation *could* apply to commercial, closed source vocoders - a "modular" codec setup applied at the repeater level would allow for open source *and* commercial vocoders to integrate. They would have to use the same data framework within the open DSTAR protocol. In essence, it would be a "zoo" of codecs that could be modularly added to a repeater, all using the same embedded data format.
The only addition would be a system to transcode voice from one vocoder to another. Although JARL "intended" for DSTAR to be ran with AMBE, "DSTAR+" or whatever its called would be a "fork" of the protocol, however allowing for multiple vocoder styles with the base rule that AMBE be one of them, assuming they could squeeze into the same bit rate. It would be a "playground" in which new vocoders, especially "ham" developed ones could be experimented with. Current ICOM DSTAR repeaters, unless an "elegant hack" was found would not be "DSTAR+" compatible. ever, there *are* third-party and even hobbiest attempts (and successes) at building DSTAR voice repeaters. It would take much work, but a "modular" system for these third-party repeaters could be developed, whereby vocoder algorithms that could sqeeze into the DSTAR framework such as Codec2 (and MELP?) would be transcoded. My previous posts on this issue show an "evolution of thought", so please treat them as such. -73, KE7HQY ________________________________ Ummm -- you don't think profit driven code/vocoder development isn't pushing for innovation? They are out there, in the current marketplace, but so far AMBE is the best implementation for low bit rate, over radio voice ... and don't forget D-STAR protocol is also about the embedded data bits, not just getting voice from point A to point B. The "open codec" argument is a religious one, not a pragmatic one. If a truly competitive/ better vocoder were to emerge, the commercial applications would outstrip any amateur use, and I doubt the "codec2" group would let millions of dollars in licensing fees just go out the door. John D. Hays Amateur Radio Station K7VE PO Box 1223 Edmonds, WA 98020-1223 VOIP/SIP: [email protected] Phone: 206-801-0820 801-790-0950 Email: [email protected] __._,_.
