BBC Selects Clear-Com Communication Systems for Northern Ireland Facilities

Eclipse HX digital matrix frame and the next generation FreeSpeak II™ wireless intercom system provide reliable communications across multiple sites

Clear-Com®, a global leader in professional voice communications systems, has announced that the BBC will install the Eclipse® HX digital matrix and the new FreeSpeak II™ wireless intercom systems across its sites in Belfast and Londonderry. This is one of the first worldwide installations of the new FreeSpeak II system, which will be unveiled for the first time in Europe at IBC next month. The equipment, supplied by Tyrell, will be installed by AVC at the end of September, and the system is scheduled to be commissioned by the end of October.

The existing communications system - which serviced Broadcasting House in Belfast and an adjacent building, Blackstaff House - had become full to capacity and was no longer able to meet the demands of modern broadcasting. The BBC went to public tender to seek provision of a replacement, and selected the state of the art Clear-Com solution. The fully interconnected system over fibre and IP will provide capacity for all radio and television communications across the two Belfast sites, as well as Radio Foyle’s premises in Derry.

The FreeSpeak II wireless intercom system allows large numbers of wireless beltpack users to simultaneously roam across an expansive production area without compromising on performance. With FreeSpeak II seamlessly integrated with the Eclipse HX via the E-Que card, wireless beltpack users effectively can key another Eclipse V-Series keypanel user directly from wherever they are. FreeSpeak II maintains the superior digital ‘Clear-Com Sound’ for clear intelligibility and audio comfort, and offers new innovative intercom features that make it a high performance wireless option.  The system is ideal for deployment across large-scale, multi-zone production areas typically required in broadcast and live events.

“We’re delighted that the BBC has selected Clear-Com systems to meet its growing communications requirements at its Northern Ireland facilities,” said Nicki Fisher, Director of EMEA Sales, Clear-Com. “This project was possible through the combination of the new FreeSpeak II wireless intercom system and Eclipse HX’s automated software control of fibre-linked or IP-trunked frames, as well as through the solid partnership and technical support capabilities of Clear-Com, its UK distributor Tyrell and International System Integrator, AVC.”