Clear-Com® Broadens IP Communication Capabilities with New Concert Version 2.0 at IBC

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, September 12, 2008 – Clear-Com® Communication Systems, a brand of The Vitec Group, is previewing its new version of Clear-Com Concert™ V2.0 at IBC2008 (Stand 9.C40a). Clear-Com’s upgraded Concert V2.0 system offers expanded features including, an industry’s first native IP connectivity between Concert and the Eclipse® Matrix System, establishing a single communication environment for traditional and IP intercom users.

Building on the recently-debuted standalone version, the new Concert V2.0 directly links to the Eclipse Matrix Frame (upgraded version 5.1) with an E-Que IP card over Ethernet. By linking both IP-based and traditional hardware intercom users onto a single communication system, more broadcast production members and remote users can connect over intercom than ever before. Additionally, Concert can provide back-up communication to the Eclipse Matrix by connection to an E-Que IP card.

“As a leading innovator in intercom communications, Clear-Com recognises that voice communication needs be more agile, cost-effective and enabling for broadcasters to do their jobs,” says Craig Frederickson, IP Product Manager at Clear-Com. “The advancements we have made to our IP offerings will extend communication access to a much broader set of users and broadcast locations, thereby facilitating new workflows in the broadcast environment. Concert V2.0 makes ubiquitous communication possible.”

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 privacy of transmissions. While Concert 2.0 is an enhanced version of its predecessor, it still offers the same popular features of its 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.

Concert 2.0 introduces a new user interface which includes an Eclipse panel view, offering users the ability to participate in Matrix communications from any windows PC with a network connection, including over the Internet. Its intuitive interface facilitates ad-hoc communications and allows 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. In addition, the “Presence Awareness” feature remains in place for monitoring participants’ availability, allowing users to communicate more efficiently in highly demanding and collaborative settings. With online chat capabilities that offer easy escalation to a voice session, users have increased control and flexibility.