Clear-Com to take IBC2009 by storm with Tempest2400

Newly released digital wireless system operates license-free worldwide, indoors and outdoors

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, 17 AUGUST, 2009 - Clear-Com® Communication Systems, a Vitec Group brand, is pleased to announce the European debut of its Tempest®2400 wireless intercom system at IBC 2009 (Stand 9.D28a).  Tempest2400 operates worldwide in a license-free frequency band, where it is fundamentally immune to inference from other wireless devices, ensuring that communications go off without a hitch in even the most crowded RF environments.  Ideal for broadcast sports, remote news reporting and other live productions, Tempest2400 offers superior outdoor performance.

Crew members coordinating live broadcasts of sporting events, breaking news, political conventions and other scenarios requiring rugged, reliable wireless operation in close range of other wireless devices will appreciate the Tempest2400.  Its unique RF architecture allows the system to co-exist along side Wi-Fi networks with little interference, while an extremely high audio dynamics range (>94dB) enables it to function exceptionally well in high-noise environments.  Tempest2400 also has one of the longest beltpack-to-base station distances currently available, along with an RF range that holds steady as the user approaches its edge.

“Once registered to a base station, a Tempest2400 beltpack needs no further configuration and roams freely within a single zone, making it perfect for productions requiring quick setup and take down,” says Clear-Com Product Manager Chris Barry.  “This makes it a tremendous asset for broadcasters covering live events. It was designed from the ground up to function well in these types of 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.

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 studio to the next and quickly switch to a different base station in the new studio.   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.  T-Desk can also interface with a Tempest base station over a USB connection.

Additional benefits of Tempest include an optional remote transceiver that allows remote antenna placement up to 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; and 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.