Hybrid TDM intercom/IP network helps broadcasters achieve new, highly efficient workflows
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, 10 AUGUST, 2009 - Clear-Com® Communication Systems, a Vitec Group brand, will exhibit its Hybrid Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) Matrix/IP Server Network at IBC 2009 (Stand 9.D28a). Already purchased by large broadcasters in France, Germany and Hungary, the Hybrid Network is a solution formed by combining the reliability of traditional TDM-based intercom systems with the flexibility and affordability of IP solutions. Designed to extend the reach of intercom capabilities to more users without the need for costly infrastructure, the Hybrid Network will be demonstrated live with several newly introduced Clear-Com products at the show.At the heart of the Hybrid Network is Clear-Com’s Eclipse Version 5.1 digital matrix intercom system, which powers all the user control panels and beltpacks. A new 32-channel high-density IP connection card, IVC-32, is slotted into the Eclipse Median and Omega system frames to link users of the IP-enabled V-Series control panels and Clear-Com Concert™ 2.0 with traditional control panel and wireless beltpack users.
With the Hybrid Network, broadcasters can now achieve new, highly efficient production workflows and implement cost-effective intercom expansion in their facilities. For example, remote crews producing sports events or breaking news no longer need to transport intercom hardware to the scene. Instead they can simply dial into the main studio intercom, powered by the Eclipse, using laptop computers with the Concert 2.0 software. At the same time, by utilizing the IP link between the V-Series and Eclipse, hardware panels can easily plug and play via Ethernet, making it possible to extend them to locations that previously were inaccessible for intercoms due to cost or geographic factors. This allows greater coordination among all staff members, leading to tighter, more smoothly run productions.
“Up until now, IP has held much promise for intercom communications, but wasn’t able to deliver the audio quality and reliability required by broadcast productions,” says Jake Dodson, Vice President, Product Management, Clear-Com Communications. “With our I.V.Core technology, a low-latency and highly intelligent audio routing engine makes it possible for broadcasters to take advantage of the cost advantages and flexibility of Intercom-over-IP solutions. Combine this with the inherent strengths of TDM, you have a Hybrid Intercom Network that truly defines the future of intercom.”
I.V.Core is Clear-Com’s revolutionary set of building blocks and engines enabling real-time, dynamic and non-blocking intercom capabilities over a standard IP network, making new and traditional intercom systems IP-compatible. I.V.Core’s intelligent decision engine routes only the audio actually needed, rather than all IP streams, optimizing the use of bandwidth. Allowing wideband codecs to be used where they would previously be limited by bandwidth constraints, I.V.Core enables a given Internet connection to support much higher quality audio. With the addition of noise reduction and proprietary error-recovery algorithms, the I.V.Core achieves breakthrough audio quality over standard IP networks, with all the flexibility inherent to IP.