LONDON, UK—Clear-Com® Communication Systems, a brand of The Vitec Group, is bringing to PLASA 2008 (Stand L38) its new Clear-Com Concertâ„¢ Version 2.0, the latest incarnation of its popular software-based intercom solution. The upgraded standalone system includes a new client user interface optimised for quick, simple navigation of common communication functions, ideal for the fast-paced environment of live production. Also new is connectivity with Clear-Com's Eclipse Digital Matrix intercom system, establishing a single communication environment for all users within a facility.
Designed with the tight time frames and rapid pace typical of live performances in mind, Clear-Com's Concert Version 2.0 user interface offers easy access to the most frequently used button keys, including talk, end-call, chat and sound adjustment. The “My Calls” pane provides push-to-talk or chat button access for quickly accepting or rejecting a call from incoming callers, while user availability can be determined by a brief glance at the “presence awareness” feature, now including colour-coded buttons to specify availability. Also new to the panel is a quick-list view of all active communication sessions.
“Clear-Com recognizes that extraordinary time pressures and fast turnaround times are the norm in live performance production, and that this demands a voice communication system that is simple and intuitive for users,” says Craig Frederickson, IP Product Manager at Clear-Com. “The advancements we have made to the user interface of Concert Version 2.0 empowers users to access and communicate with others with unprecedented levels of ease, taking a great deal of stress out of the entire process and making the entire production experience vastly more efficient.”
The user interface also plays a crucial role in another major advancement to the Concert system, the connection with the Eclipse Digital Matrix system. The interface features an Eclipse panel view, enabling users to participate in Matrix communications from any windows PC with a network connection, including over the Internet. This facilitates
ad-hoc communications, allowing the user to participate in traditional Matrix communications, as well as build new work groups and audio conferences, with easy drag-and-drop functionality and simple point-and-click controls.
Users of Concert can communicate with those on Clear-Com's V-Series user panels and/or integrated wireless beltpacks. Also, from a single panel view, those working remotely can join in on intercom discussions occurring in-house, offering a cost-effective way to connect both remote and adjunct production crews.
Like the original Concert, Version 2.0 is based on Novel IP routing algorithms over a standard IP network, providing secure, low-latency voice communication capabilities. Scalable to hundreds of users, Concert is designed with proprietary protocols and error recovery algorithms for mission-critical applications. The system is highly secure, using AES 128-bit encryption for protecting the privacy of transmissions. While Concert 2.0 is an enhanced version of its predecessor, it still offers the same popular features of the original model, including enhanced audio that delivers crystal-clear sound and non-blocking communications over a standard Local Area Network or Internet between local and remote users.
ABOUT CLEAR-COM
Clear-Com® 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® Digital 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 PLC
The Vitec Group plc is acknowledged as a global leader in the supply of equipment and services to the broadcasting, entertainment and photographic industries and has established a reputation for technical excellence and superior engineering along with an astute business strategy which has seen it grow by acquisition. Innovation is a cornerstone of the Group's activities and the organisation is committed to a policy of continuous product development. With revenues (2007) of $546m (£274m) and over 2200 employees world-wide, its products are distributed in almost 100 countries, through a strong, fully-resourced distribution network or direct to the end user or corporate customer. More information can be found at www.vitecgroup.com.