Trinnov AltitudeCI deep dive
David Meyerowitz, Technical Sales Manager - International - High End Audio at Trinnov Audio, provides a deep dive into the recently launched AltitudeCI.
What were the main motivations for producing the new product? What is it offering that previous products were not?
The development of AltitudeCI gave Trinnov Audio the opportunity to reassess the specific requirements of the residential AV market. While Audio-over-IP (AoIP) has been part of our professional product line since 2018, the way it is implemented for residential applications requires a different approach.
Many manufacturers in the residential space adopted AoIP early, but typically with support limited to AES67. This approach satisfies integration requirements with DCI as well as with compatible amplifiers, but it does not address the practical realities faced by system integrators. In contrast, Dante provides a far more robust discovery and configuration layer, enabling true plug-and-play operation and significantly reducing installation complexity.
Installers who have deployed AES67 solutions will be familiar with the challenges. Set-up often requires direct manufacturer involvement to achieve a functioning system. For this reason, we determined that the optimal solution for residential AV was to combine native hardware support for Dante with software-based AES67 interoperability, delivering both ease of deployment and broad standards compliance.
Tell us about the inclusion of Dante and Ravenna/AES67 technologies
During the conception of the AltitudeCI, Trinnov again asked the fundamental question: what does the residential AV market truly require from AoIP? Our conclusion was that no single protocol can adequately address all use cases.
On the input side, we developed a software-based Ravenna/AES67 implementation, primarily to accommodate DCI audio signals. While Dante offers an AES67 compatibility mode, it lacks universal interoperability and, for example, is currently unsupported by Dolby’s IMS300 or CP950a servers.
On the output side, system requirements often demand complex routing topologies that render traditional point-to-point wiring impractical. In these scenarios, Dante provides a clear advantage due to its mature device discovery, routing, and management framework.
As a result, the AltitudeCI integrates both: AES67 for standards-based input/output compatibility and native Dante for streamlined input/output configuration. This dual approach delivers easier installation workflows and broader integration flexibility than competing solutions.
Explain more about the modular licensing model, what options and results does this offer installers?
The AltitudeCI platform will be introduced with multiple configuration options. The base model, AltitudeCI-8, provides 8 output channels, with additional licensed Optimizer channels available in two-channel increments up to 32. This scalable ‘pay for what you need’ approach has been very well received, as it allows integrators to align system capability with project requirements.
In early 2026, Trinnov will introduce the AltitudeCI -34, a higher-capacity hardware platform designed to scale up to 64 output channels. Due to the increased processing and I/O requirements, this model will be manufactured to order.
With these options, AltitudeCI becomes the only AV processor capable of fully leveraging Dolby Atmos by supporting up to 35 discrete rendered channels for Dolby Atmos Home and the full 64 outputs for Dolby Atmos Pro.
What is availability looking like for the product?
Q4 2025.
Tell us about the input/output connectivity suite, what abilities and functionalities can we highlight here?
The AltitudeCI provides a comprehensive suite of digital inputs, including HDMI, AES/EBU and S/PDIF. For this model, the number of HDMI inputs has been reduced from eight to four, reflecting the expectation that most projects will employ an external AV matrix. This decision reinforces both the ‘pay only for what you need’ philosophy and the AltitudeCI positioning as an integration-focused product.
On the output side, the AltitudeCI supports 8 analogue outputs, up to 32 AES/EBU outputs, and Dante/AES67 outputs configurable up to either 32 or 64 channels depending on the model. Outputs can be flexibly combined; for example, an installation could route 16 channels via Dante to the Amplitude16 (equipped with its optional Dante input module) while simultaneously using up to 8 analogue outputs to drive active subwoofers for WaveForming. This architecture eliminates the need for external converters and enables straightforward channel bridging on the Amplitude16 through Dante routing.
How does the new streamlined set up work and what does it deliver?
AoIP delivers clear advantages over traditional point-to-point cabling by functioning as a virtual matrix, enabling flexible routing of audio streams to multiple endpoints, such as Dante-enabled amplifiers or active loudspeakers. In most cases this does not require a complex managed network; an unmanaged switch dedicated to AoIP traffic is sufficient to distribute audio from the AltitudeCI to connected devices.
The AltitudeCI incorporates a dedicated network interface for control, allowing it to span the local area network while simultaneously maintaining an isolated AoIP subnet. This architecture simplifies installation by separating control traffic from audio transport and, in many cases, eliminates the need for managed switches. For projects that do demand more advanced network topologies, successful deployment depends on the expertise of the integrator to design and configure the network accordingly.
Tell us about the partnership between the new product and the optional Dante input board for the Amplitude16
AoIP was originally developed for professional environments, such as recording studios, where content is produced and distributed at fixed sample rates. In contrast, residential systems must accommodate a wide variety of source material at 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz, 192 kHz, and beyond.
Like the Altitude16 and Altitude32, the AltitudeCI processes audio natively at up to 192 kHz when using analogue or AES/EBU outputs. Importantly, in an AoIP-based system, the ultimate signal quality is determined not by the processor but by the audio network and, critically, the digital-to-analogue conversion (DAC) stage at the amplifier. This step is often overlooked despite being essential to system performance.
To address this, Trinnov developed the optional Dante module for the Amplitude16 in-house, ensuring that its DAC performance and gain structure precisely match those of the Altitude processors. This guarantees consistent quality across the signal chain and maintains fidelity throughout the Trinnov ecosystem.
When will the AoIP design and pricing tool be available and what will it offer?
We are in the process of finalising all the assets which includes the pricing tool. We aim to make this available on My.Trinnov portal shortly.
How was the product received at the CEDIA Expo?
The AltitudeCI was very well received at CEDIA Expo. The ability to get into the Trinnov architecture at a lower price was definitely appealing. But once people started to understand the power of the platform that's when they got really excited about it. AltitudeCI opens up new opportunities for dealers than ever before.
Stand by for news on special open days at Pulse Cinemas where the product will be showcased and dealers can learn more.