BRANSON, Mo.—Link Electronics has unveiled the Voyavox automated real-time speech-to-text captioning solution for streaming religious services or fast-paced broadcasting environments and will show it at the 2026 National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) International Christian Media Convention, Feb. 17-20, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

With advanced speech recognition capabilities and an average latency under 5 seconds, Voyavox transforms the spoken word into clear, accurate text almost instantly, enabling fast and accurate captioning for streamed religious programming.

Voyavox efficiently handles a variety of speaking styles, accents and pacing with ease, making it well-suited for religious services of all types and denominations. Delivering 95% accuracy, Voyavox ensures there are fewer errors, better viewer comprehension of sermons and messaging and a more polished broadcast experience. Besides broadcasting religious services, it is well-suited for live sports, news, political coverage, fast-paced commentary and regular programming.

Voyavox helps broadcasters meet FCC captioning requirements while also expanding their audience reach to include viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Real-time, on-device speech-to-text ensures that content remains accessible during live segments without requiring cloud based captioning services or post-production editing. By embedding accessibility directly into the broadcast workflow, Voyavox makes it easier to consistently deliver inclusive content for any format or setting.

The solution receives audio through a USB connection to the Orion encoder or via a 3.5mm audio jack. With a Graphical User Interface (GUI), users can remote into the system from anywhere on their network. While the Voyavox is typically located in the control room, it can be accessed from virtually anywhere. An easy-to-use user interface allows users to start and stop captioning with the push of a button or have the system set on a continuous loop, providing captioning 24/7 without interference.

The unit comes preset with standard audio and caption data outputs for Link Electronics encoders, making setup for the device quick and efficient. Voyavox is made in the USA and backed by one-year warranty and free 24/7 customer support.

See Link Electronics at NRB booth 422.

More information is available on the company’s website.

BRANSON, Mo.—Link Electronics has partnered with Aberdeen Broadcast Services to provide a real-time, dual-stream translation and captioning service.

Using advanced Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), Automated Machine Translation (AMT), and AI, the low-latency service is fast and efficient. Aberdeen measures contextual accuracy, not simply word-for-word transcription, Link Electronics said.

Drawing on years of testing and refinement with human editors, Aberdeen’s ASR delivers greater than 98% contextual accuracy. A wide range of languages are available.

The service is accomplished over IP connections for ease and economy. In addition to embedding captions and translations, the cloud-based service can simultaneously send out real-time translations with authentic voice dubs and captions to personal devices for in-person audiences, it said.

The process is simple and effective. A broadcast stream is sent through an SDI connection to a Link Orion caption encoder, which then relays the audio via an IP connection to the Aberdeen ASR cloud server.

Using advanced AI with ASR and AMT technology, Aberdeen’s cloud server processes the audio to generate synchronized captions and translations in the primary and secondary languages, returning them to the Orion encoder over the same IP connection. The Orion then embeds the caption data back into the SDI stream with either open (burned-in) captions or closed (encoded) captions.

The combination of Aberdeen’s capability to push out a primary and secondary translation and captioning, combined with Orion’s ability to receive them and encode them on CC1 and CC3, makes the process seamless, the company said.

Aberdeen can also send real-time captions and translations to personal devices for in-person audiences.

Using the same workflow as using a live writer, ASR delivers high accuracy and contextual awareness with significant savings. Routing the audio stream through AMT produces real-time subtitles in multiple languages, natural-sounding audio dubs with voice options for gender and tone, and synchronized playback that matches the tempo of the original speaker.

More information is available on the Link Electronics website.

BRANSON, Mo.—Link Electronics has unveiled the Gemini Dual Caption Encoder, a next-generation captioning solution for broadcasters and institutions.

By enabling two caption encoders to connect through a single Ethernet port, the Gemini reduces rack space, streamlines network connections and offers a cost-effective means to manage multiple streams.

The Gemini is a 3G/HD/SD-SDI closed caption encoder equipped with six versatile communication ports (two each of Ethernet, RS232 and USB) and the ability to deliver captions over IP. It accepts two simultaneous 3G/HD/SD-SDI data streams, providing each input with two caption-encoded outputs of the same format, one of which can be decoded, the company said.

With reclocked SDI outputs that surpass the performance of many distribution amplifiers, the Gemini ensures signal quality that exceeds industry standards while preserving ANC data, including audio, it said.

The Gemini was engineered to serve a wide variety of environments, including broadcast studios, educational institutions, houses of worship, postproduction facilities and government organizations.

It allows two captioners to send data independently to separate SDI streams or a single captioner to feed both, ensuring maximum workflow efficiency. The system also allows the audio from the primary SDI stream to function as a USB microphone, creating opportunities for seamless integration with platforms like Zoom or speech-recognition software, Link said.

With eight GPI controls, four per stream, the Gemini makes it simple to stay compliant with Federal Communications Commission mandates and respond quickly to dynamic broadcast needs. Operators can switch between encode modes, bypass encoding remotely, manage decode services and use the Weather Lift function to ensure captions never block key on-screen content. Built-in caption data recovery and decoded output features provide reliable quality monitoring, and a GUI connection allows users to remotely access and control the unit, it said.

Supporting both line 21/22 CTA-608 waveform and SMPTE 334 Caption Data Packet (CDP), the Gemini handles SD and HD encoding. Its XDS packet capability includes Parental Guidance (V-chip) and Transmission Station Identification (TSID), making it a comprehensive and future-proof tool for captioning professionals.

More information is available on the company’s website.

JACKSON, MO.—Link Electronics has a new tool available for video professional in its AVS-816/SA audio and video switcher. This wide bandwidth video vertical interval switcher processes both video and audio in analog and digital domain.

This new Link Electronics switcher is capable of switching between 16 audio and video sources and features 16 channels of video and non-looping stereo audio, with an extra video output available for monitoring. Audio and video breakaway are selected by a single accessed front panel switch, with dual LEDs for source selection and follow switch indicates follow or breakaway.

Switching is accomplished during vertical interval by using the vertical sync derived from the video at the output stage. Up to 32 switchers can be controlled by the computer software for versatility and production value.

The AVS-816/SA may be controlled by a serial data feed of either RS-232 or RS-422/485 interface standards. A remote control panel with RJ-11 modular connector and the RS-485 interface standard is available. An optional GPI interface is available for automated system applications.

The serial communication protocol is compatible with existing Link video and audio switchers and remote control panels. The unit can be preset to respond to instructions for integration into existing systems.

JACKSON, MO.—A new captioning service is available from Link Electronics, as the company has launched the ACE-2000 Automated Captioning Engine for converting speech into captioning data that can be sent to a closed captioning encoder. The ACE-2000 is meant for applications involved in closed captioning in a studio or the field.

Designed for two through four-line roll-up captions, ACE-2000 uses a computational linguistics program to convert speech to text and then sends the text out with captioning data either by RS 232 or TCP/IP. Audio can be accepted by de-embedding the first two channels of audio from a SDI or a HDMI video input or through balanced AES or analog audio. In addition, the unit can accept audio using http, tcp, udp, mmsh and most types of rstp and rtmp.

The ACE-2000 can be remotely controlled through its web-based graphical user interface, which allows the user to use different audio inputs and caption outputs on demand, with selectable caption location. It also comes preset with standard audio and caption data outputs for Link Electronics encoders and is compatible with closed captioning encoders or devices.

The ACE-2000 is available in two bundles: The ACE-2000/492 that includes the SCE-492 superior caption encoder, and the ACE-2000/494 that has the AIP-494 caption encoder and audio over IP.

LAS VEGAS—At the 2017 NAB Show, Link Electronicswill feature a compact, 3G/HD/SD-SDI or ASI fiber optics transmission system, including the PFO-100T transmitter and PFO-100R receiver.

PFO-100R and PFO-100T

The transmitter and receiver pair are matched for specific wavelengths, either the standard 1310 nm or any requested wavelength between 1270-1610 nm, and capable of transmitting up to 24 miles, (48 miles upon request).

The PFO-100-T&R modules support a wide array of SMPTE standards and provide critical system diagnostic information at a glance, without the need for additional test equipment. The modules use their own power supply or any 5-volt DC supply, and offer simple set up and ease of operation, among other features.

This advanced, portable system is well-suited to a wide variety of applications, including cross-town fiber links, cross-campus production, remote camera links and pre-installed fiber venues.

The 2017 NAB Show takes place in Las Vegas, April 24-27. Link Electronicswill be in boothN5613. For more information, visit www.nabshow.com.

JACKSON, MO.—The new LEI-564 from Link Electronics is designed to ensure video is properly displayed despite aspect ratio changes by inserting Active Format Description (AFD) data into an HD/SD video signal. The system accepts either SD-SDI or HD-SDI input and transmits a re-clocked signal out through dual SDI outputs for adding AFD for the implementation of the up/down conversion process.

The AFD is operable with a 270 Mb/s SD or 1.5Gb/s HD video stream, with automatic detection of most SD and HD videos standards and the ability to display signal presence and format. AFD data is inserted as vertical ancillary data on video lines allowed per format, designated by the user. The unit is controlled by an eight-character display, with menu navigation by two buttons and a rotary encoder.

The LEI-564 offers four modes of operation, including Detect, Insert, Delete and Auto. Customized settings can be saved in flash. The unit is housed in a 1 RU chassis and can mount three 500 or 700 series in the PRT rack tray.

JACKSON, MO.—Link Electronics is providing users with a standalone device that allows for true IP audio and IP captioning with its new LEI-592P IP processor. System functions include allowing a serial captioning encoder to become an IP captioning encoder, enabling the removal of the traditional two phone line set-up, connecting to an encoder via serial RS232, and sending audio over its Ethernet port, while receiving caption data into the Ethernet port.

LEI-592P includes a data LED to indicate that it is receiving or sending data through the Ethernet. An LED is also available to indicate audio presence and audio clipping. Additional features include a user selectable baud rates of 1200, 2400 and 9600, 8-N-1 or 7-0-1 type serial data, a standard 3.5 stereo headphone jack, and Ethernet port for broadband connection.

Audio is sampled at 16 kHz. Latency of the audio, which is less than 200ms plus the latency of the internet, can be adjusted through the system’s audio player. Serial and audio data is sent through two serial tunnels connected to the captioner.

Users can receive audio to their computer by using a LEI-592P player available through Link Electronics’ website. The audio output device can be selected by the user through the player software, as well as volume control. IP address, port numbers, encryption and password security can also be set up via the web.

JACKSON, MO.—Link Electronics has developed the LEI-590 closed caption generator and decoder for inserting open caption into live events. The system accepts standard 608 caption data or text data via an IP interface, then generates open captions from that caption data and outputs the video with open captions.

Users can recover data through IP interface with the LEI-590, as well as decode the input SDI video with embedded closed captioning from either VBI (line 21/21) or VAC (SMPTE 334Caption Data Packet). Captions are then burnt into outgoing HD/SD-SDI streams and appear as “open” captions during video. Decoded captions data can then be sent to the Ethernet port for “data recovery” for monitoring, to make a caption file, or decode another stream. There is also an “easy caption deletion” feature to delete VBI and 708VANC closed captions from the output video.

In addition, Link Electronics says the latency between the open and closed captions is minimalized, and the V-chip icon can be inserted by LEI-590 onto active video with insertion options that include continuous, timed display, or GPI controlled.

JACKSON, MO.—Link Electronics has introduced its CBE-493 3GB/HD/SD-SDI captioning bridge and encoder. The third unit in Link’s Chameleon series, and nicknamed “The Bridge,” CBE-493 is capable of taking captions from a SD input and encode them onto an HD input, or vice versa. It can also re-encode captions after they have been removed by another device.

CEA-608 captions from the bridge input are transcoded to CEA-708 captions; both 608 and 708 captions and then wrapped into a Caption Data Packet. The CDP is then embedded into the encoder output. CBE-493 outputs two closed caption encoded outputs of the same format as input with an option to decode one output.

The new system features four communication ports, including two serial RS-232 ports with adjustable baud rates and two ports that are tunneled to an Ethernet connector. This allows the CBE-493 to host two IP connections at one address. A menu is also available to allow users to resend or redirect data from the Ethernet port to the serial ports.

Additional features include re-clocked SDI outputs to perform re-clocking Distribution Amplifiers; field configuration from the front panel; XDS packet menus for V-chips and Transmission Station Identification; a GPI remote. The new unit also has the ability to raise the lower four lines up to the top four lines in order to comply with FCC mandates.

Dave Kendall

JACKSON, MO.—Following the retirement of its founder Bob Henson, Link Electronics has announced that Dave Kendall will take over the company's leadership role.

Link Electronics is a provider of accessibility technology for different forms of audio and video communications. The company works with the television and closed captioning industries. It is located in Jackson, Mo.

“I’m excited to join the Link team, and am eager to bring the new products in development to our customers and channel partners,” said Kendall.

JACKSON, MO.—Link Electronics has announced its new SCA-436 SDI Caption Data Packet (CDP) Analyzer. The product is designed to analyze all aspects of the CDP in the SDI stream and present data in an easy to read format; it also identifies CDP errors.

A dual-support system, SCA-436 indicates what CEA-608 (CC1-CC4) and CEA-708 (S1-S6) captions are present. When a CDP descriptor is present, the technology will indicate what services are in the CDP descriptor. The system also ensures compliance with FCC standards for closed-captioning.

Errors are displayed on the On-Screen Display panel, as well as one of its three outputs, while the other two allow for downstream use; the length an error message is present is customizable. Link Electronics says that most CDP errors can be corrected by running the error through a captioning legalizer.