LONDON, UK, 10 September, 2009 ─ Clear-Com® Communication Systems, a Vitec Group brand, is bringing its latest innovations in digital wireless intercom technology to PLASA 2009 (Stand 1-J35). On tap at the show will be the newly released FreeSpeak® Version 2.0 and Tempest®2400, two groundbreaking wireless offerings aimed at ensuring that when it comes to communications for live performance and other mission-critical productions, users never have to compromise on intercom audio quality, reliability and accessibility.
FreeSpeak V2.0─1.9GHz Digital Wireless Intercom System
FreeSpeak V2.0 combines full-duplex beltpack communications, antenna-to-antenna roaming and low latency to give users immediate access to reliable, quality communications whenever they need it. In the fast-paced world of live production, an intercom audio delay of even one second or the inability of one staff person to relay an important directive to another can lead to missed cues, miscommunications between key staff and other major lapses. FreeSpeak's low audio latency and full-duplex, non-blocking system architecture, which allows any beltpack user to talk with any other user on the system at any time, guards against gaffes caused by poor communications.
Other features of the license-free FreeSpeak Version 2.0 include enhanced beltpack capacity, Interrupted Foldback (IFB) functionality and improved group operations between beltpacks, party-lines and other external inputs. The system supports the ability of up to 20 beltpacks to roam seamlessly between remote active antennas. The integrated IFB capability allows users to listen to audio feeds, while others can interrupt the feed at any point. Furthermore, wireless party-line groups make it possible to seamlessly mix party-line users, external inputs and beltpack users in the same group without having different output volume levels.
Tempest2400─2.4GHz Digital Wireless Intercom System
The Tempest2400, meanwhile, operates worldwide in the 2.4GHz license-free frequency band, where it is fundamentally immune to inference from other wireless devices, ensuring that communications go off without a hitch at concerts, theatrical productions and other crowded RF environments. Each Tempest base station supports up to five full-duplex, four audio-channel digital wireless beltpacks; by stacking up to 10 base stations together, 50 independent, full-duplex wireless beltpacks can operate together in a single system. The iSelect Roaming feature allows the beltpack user to move from one studio to the next and quickly switch to a different base station in the new studio. It also boasts one of the longest beltpack-to-base station distances currently available, and features microphone kill and stage announce capabilities. It can interoperate with other Clear-Com intercom systems through four-wire and two-wire connections, as well as those from other manufacturers.
Tempest incorporates advanced technologies such as patented Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum and proprietary Redundant Data Transmission to help maintain a robust, reliable RF link even in the presence of many other wireless devices utilizing the same frequency band. Its unique RF architecture allows the system to co-exist alongside Wi-Fi networks with little interference, while an extremely high audio dynamics range (>94dB) enables it to function exceptionally well in high-noise environments.
The T-Desk software, a powerful PC-based control and configuration application, offers the ability to monitor and manage the entire wireless system from a remote location via Ethernet connection to a LAN.
“At PLASA this year, our goal is to present practical solutions to the common communication issues faced by those working in live production and similar environments,” says Stephen Sandford, Product Manager, Clear-Com Communications. “The FreeSpeak Version 2.0 and Tempest2400 digital wireless intercom systems are ideal for this type of strategy, as they have been designed from the ground up to handle RF interference issues, accessibility concerns, outdoor performance challenges and other experiences typically encountered in the field. We're proud to be able to offer not just one, but two digital wireless intercom systems that truly help our customers maximize the value of their production workflow.”
ABOUT CLEAR-COM
Clear-Com®, a brand of the Vitec Group plc, is the global leader of professional communication solutions for broadcast, live performance, military, government and commercial markets. For more than 40 years, Clear-Com's signature products such as Encore Party-line, Eclipse Digital Matrix, CellCom®/FreeSpeak® Wireless and IP Communications systems have revolutionised broadcast stations, production trucks, houses of worship and performance venues. Recognising Clear-Com for its history of intercom innovation, production teams around the world achieve ubiquitous communication with products to promote easy interoperability and global connectivity. More information can be found at www.clearcom.com.
ABOUT THE VITEC GROUP
The Vitec Group plc is a global leader in the supply of equipment and services to the broadcast, electronic media, photographic and live events industries, and is rapidly extending its reach into related areas such as government, security and defence. Vitec's many industry-leading product brands have established a formidable reputation for innovation, technical excellence, and superior service and support. The diverse range of brands are united by a common Vitec Group commitment to delivering a world-class customer experience, and a visionary approach to the future. This befits an enterprise which has grown both organically and by acquisition to incorporate over 2000 employees worldwide and achieve a 2008 turnover of almost half a billion dollars. Vitec Group products are distributed in almost 100 countries, through both direct sales and by means of a strong, fully-resourced distribution network. The Vitec Group comprises:
The Broadcast Systems Division, which develops, manufactures and distributes high quality manual and robotic camera supports, location lighting, camera and equipment bags, portable power solutions, prompting products, wireless camera links and communication systems used principally by broadcast and live entertainment professionals. Brands include Anton/Bauer, Autoscript, Clear-Com, Litepanels, MSC, Nucomm, OConnor, Petrol, RF Central, Sachtler, TCS (The Camera Store), Vinten and Vinten Radamec. www.vitecgroupbroadcast.com
The Imaging & Staging Division, which designs, manufactures and distributes photographic and video-camera support; lighting, trusses and suspension systems for the professional photography, video, cinematography and live event markets. Brands include Manfrotto, Gitzo, Kata, Avenger, Litec, IFF, Bogen Imaging, Tomcat and Brilliant Stages. www.vitecgroup.it
The Broadcast Services Division, a leading provider of professional video and audio rental equipment, and engineering support for major event productions. Brands include ASG and Bexel. www.bexel.com.
More information can be found at www.vitecgroup.com