Clear-Com's Tempest2400 to Take a Bite of the Big Apple at AES 2009

NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 25, 2009 - Clear-Com Communication Systems, a Vitec Group brand, is pleased to announce the East Coast debut of its Tempest2400 wireless intercom system at AES 2009 (Booth 676). Tempest2400 operates in a license-free frequency band where it is fundamentally resistant to interference from other wireless devices, ensuring that communications go off without a hitch in even the most crowded RF environments. Ideal for the rental and staging market as well as live performance applications, it can be operated indoors and outdoors.

By utilizing the 2.4 GHz Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) in conjunction with TDMA technology, the Tempest2400 RF scheme avoids the need for licensing and frequency coordination. In addition, once registered to a base station, a beltpack needs no further configuration and roams freely within a single zone area, making it perfect for such highly coordinated productions as festivals and concerts.

Tempest2400 also appeals to those finding it difficult to operate wireless equipment in the 470-698 MHz portion of the UHF band due to an increasingly crowded spectrum. "As it operates in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band, it is unaffected by regulatory restrictions that inhibit the wireless communications in other frequency bands," says Chris Barry, Product Manager, Clear-Com. "Its simple set-up requirements and portability also make it a tremendous asset for those looking to use it for multiple types of applications."

Each 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.

Tempest2400 features state-of-the-art 2xTX Transmission Voice Data Redundancy, which sends each packet of audio data twice on different frequencies, and through different antennas, ensuring uninterrupted audio communications. It can interoperate with other Clear-Com intercom systems through four-wire and two-wire connections, as well as those from other manufacturers.

Other key features include the iSelect roaming feature, which allows the beltpack user to move from one zone area to the next and quickly switch to a different base station in the new zone area. 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. A PC running T-Desk can also interface with a base station via direct connection over CAT-5 cable.

Additional benefits of Tempest2400 include an optional remote transceiver that allows remote antenna placement up to 1,500 feet (450 meters) from the base station; data connection and power supplied over standard CAT5e/6 cable with lightweight, fast-charging Lithium Polymer (Li-Poly) battery technology in the beltpack; access to one of six relay closures from the beltpack and vibrating call alert. In addition, a flexible battery solution allows beltpacks to operate on standard AA batteries for emergency use; beltpack battery telemetry is displayed in real-time on the beltpack and base station LCDs, indicating how much power is left in each pack.

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 revolutionized broadcast stations, production trucks, houses of worship and performance venues. Recognizing 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 defense. 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.