Viewpoint Production Services Transformed by Clear-Com's Tailored Communications

Eclipse-Median Intercom System’s High Channel Count and Ease of Configuration Ideal for Outside Broadcast Vehicles

Clear-Com®, a global leader in critical voice communication systems, is providing Viewpoint Production Services, a preeminent supplier of top-of-the-line production equipment and services to the Pittsburgh production community, with a flexible communications infrastructure for its latest outside broadcast vehicle. By utilizing Clear-Com’s Eclipse-Median matrix intercom in its VPS 36HD production truck, Viewpoint has gained an impressive number of enabling functionalities for a more efficient workflow.

Due to the complex nature of its productions, Viewpoint required an intercom system that was adaptable to each production’s demands. Because its current system, MicroMatrix intercom, which Viewpoint had acquired from Clear-Com many years ago, had served the company so well in the past, the crew turned to Clear-Com for an upgrade to its latest Eclipse-Median digital matrix system.

Viewpoint mounted the Clear-Com Eclipse-Median digital matrix system frame within the upper racks of the production truck’s audio room. This allows engineering staff and audio personnel to monitor activities and make any necessary adjustments to the optional interface cards that were installed.

The 112-port Eclipse-Median offers many more channels to enable multiple groups to converse on separate communication paths than their prior system. The director and producer use Clear-Com’s ICS-1016 push-button user keypanels. Those with limited communication needs employ Clear-Com’s ICS-92 panels, which have been configured for graphics, replay, and assistant director activities. In addition, Viewpoint relies on Clear-Com’s V-Series lever key panels for the audio operator and/or engineer in charge (EIC) positions where they need to talk to, or monitor, a large number of channels.

Moreover, the Viewpoint staff members use the Eclipse Configuration Software to make changes effortlessly to the entire Eclipse system, both before and during productions. These two key features of the Eclipse-Median greatly enhanced productivity because the crew was able to quickly adjust and scale the intercom system for each production.

“We found that the Eclipse-Median provided a greater number of available features at a much more reasonable price point,” says Ron Massung, Senior Director of Field Production Engineering, Viewpoint Production Services. “At the end of the day, Clear-Com brought the most value.”

In addition, Massung exclaims, “Our interaction with the Clear-Com staff has been nothing short of fantastic. The company’s service and support teams were there to assist us every step of the way. The manuals delivered along with the products are also amazingly detailed and accurate.”

“The Eclipse-Median is great for mobile productions like those of the Viewpoint production truck,” says James Schaller, Regional Sales Manager for Northeastern USA, Clear-Com.  “It was intentionally designed to fit into a compact 6RU rack while offering extensive capabilities and ease of configuration.”