tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62098492288191009782024-03-21T00:38:39.784-07:00COMM 'N SENSEAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.comBlogger408125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-12493507844535989872018-05-24T10:47:00.000-07:002018-05-24T10:47:06.793-07:00Choosing the Right Wireless Intercom System: Rentability (Part 9 of 9)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When trying to decide what Clear-Com wireless is right for you, you may have a need to add additional beltpacks or systems. If you can't afford to purchase, you may have the option to rent what you need. Here, we discuss this section of the Choosing the Right Wireless Infographic and whether the ability to rent additional units matters to you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Download the full Infographic <a href="http://www2.clearcom.com/choosewireless">HERE</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While owning an intercom system is ideal, many productions have found that renting such systems is better suited to their bottom line. For AV rental and staging companies, as well as live event communications companies working corporate industrial events, political events, special events, sports events, televised events, and even hotel convention centers, buying a system, or several, in order to rent to a wide variety of clients brings in recurring revenue that isn't easy to ignore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dependable internal communications for the staff of an event is a necessity. A quality presentation can only be achieved when personnel involved in the production can communicate quickly and reliably. When a variety of different manufacturers' technologies are involved, achieving this can be challenging.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is particularly true in fixed installations, like theaters, opera houses, symphony halls, and houses of worship. In all of these locations, increasingly complex productions require the intercom system to be flexible and capable of being expanded to support multi-floor, multi-site, or multi-venue operations. Integrating an outside participant, like a video production team or touring show, frequently adds to the need for expansion - especially when wireless intercoms are deployed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Similarly, in the broadcast world, the need for good multi-venue wireless intercom communications is vitally important during live events. These events include sports, award ceremonies, pageants, and other programs that are produced away from a controlled studio environment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All of Clear-Com's wireless systems (<a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx100">DX100</a>, <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx210">DX210</a>, <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/HME-DX300ES">DX300ES</a>, <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/dx410">DX410</a>, <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/FreespeakII-Beltpack-19">FSII 1.9 GHz</a>, <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/freespeak-II-beltpack-24">FSII 2.4 GHz</a>), all offer rock-solid reliability, the flexibility to scale as needed, and the support for other third-party communications equipment. That means that many different types of rental clients can use them in a myriad of ways. As a rental business, that's the kind of in-demand technology you should look for when building your rental inventory. Any technology you choose has to be favored by the industries you serve in order for you to quickly recoup your investment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rental clients require systems that can be set up and broken down quickly and easily. That's why the intercom products from Clear-Com are the perfect fit for any rental business. Short-term production use is also a great reason to rent equipment from a local source. In addition, if you need more equipment than originally estimated, then a local AV organization can provide you with extra last-minute equipment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is the reason why Clear-Com established the <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/rental-support">Global Rental Group</a> (GRG), a strategic alliance of top Rental Service Providers from across all market segments and geography. The Clear-Com <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/rental-support/rental-partner-directory">Global Rental Group Partners</a> are based all over the world and provide communication equipment, including wireless intercoms and support services for events of any size. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When rental clients consider renting intercom systems, they often look at price, value, service, experience, and other equipment a rental company carries. Clear-Com has become the defacto standard for crew communications. Everyone knows the name and the reputation Clear-Com has built over the decades of serving production business. When that client comes calling, your rental business should have plenty of them on hand.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-58809222367503926412018-05-23T10:05:00.000-07:002018-05-23T10:05:01.622-07:00Choosing the Right Wireless Intercom System: Budget (Part 8 of 9)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When trying to decide what Clear-Com wireless is right for you, knowing how to fit the features and functionality into you budget may be a concern. Today, we will discuss the budget section of the Choosing the Right Wireless Infographic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Download the full Infographic <a href="http://www2.clearcom.com/choosewireless">HERE</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Configuring a wireless communications system to meet the needs of a specific production takes careful planning regarding features and functionality, but it also includes how that system fits into your budget. Everyone wants all of the latest features, but the price tag can often limit what you can afford. Finding a supplier that offers budget-friendly options might be critical to your project's success. The need for a communications system that is both easy-to-use, yet powered by the most up-to-date technology is clear, but cost can be a hurdle to overcome, so research is vital.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A house of worship or college AV department might not be able to allocate the same kinds of funds towards a system as a television network production team working the NFL Super Bowl. So, there is a wide variety of wireless product offerings that Clear-Com offers that meet the wide array of applications. Each can be expanded, but why pay for expandability when you don't need it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course, as you need more complexity and advanced features, the price goes up, but so do the capabilities that are included. Entry-level wireless products, like the <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx100">DX100</a>, cannot be connected to wired or other wireless systems. Put simply, it is wireless beltpacks talking to wireless beltpacks. We see these systems used heavily in reality TV and the movie film industry for camera and dolly communications. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taking one step further, the <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/HME-DX300ES">DX300ES</a> system supports two-channel, hands-free, full-duplex, digital conversation with 4-wire interfacing for intercom communications. Its compact design makes it highly portable and very quick to set-up and operate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As your requirements increase, you'll need to spend money, but again, the features and functionality increase as well. The <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx210">DX210</a> and <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/dx410">DX410</a> systems, for example, offer more capabilities at a higher price than the DX100 and DX300ES, but you are getting comprehensive two-channel digital wireless systems that deliver an overall better experience in performance and range. The DX410 system features the 7KHz wideband audio,while both systems feature 2- and 4-wire interfacing, 2-wire auto-nulling for fast integration with Clear-Com or other wired partyline systems.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the higher end are the <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/FreespeakII-Beltpack-19">FreeSpeak II 1.9 GHz</a> and <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/freespeak-II-beltpack-24">FreeSpeak II 2.4GHz</a> systems, which both include the ability to operate in multiple frequency bands. These high performance wireless intercom systems are designed for extensive communication in large-scale operations. Their ability to maintain a strong and continuous wireless connection across an expansive coverage area while providing crystal-clear digital audio makes the FSII systems the ideal wireless roaming solution for live events, broadcast, sport production, industrial, military and government applications, to name a few. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/freespeak-ii-base-ii">FSII wireless stand-alone systems</a> can deploy up to 25 beltpacks and up to 10 transceivers from one base station. That's a lot of capacity and totally necessary if you have a large crew dispersed over a wide production area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some systems are more expensive than others, but you get a lot more for your money. That's how you have to look at it when you are considering which system to buy. You might also have to consider buying a system that can be used for many different types of projects, whereas the lower cost systems are limited in their scope of applications. So, if you consider your communication system options wisely, using the number of factors that might impact your budget, you can choose the right system that gives you what you need. Remember - you get what you pay for!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-3892782021998222982018-05-22T11:29:00.000-07:002018-05-22T11:29:09.362-07:00Choosing the Right Wireless Intercom System: System Coverage (Part 7 of 9)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When trying to decide what Clear-Com wireless is right for you, knowing the coverage areas of your wireless system's antennas may effect which wireless is right for you. Today, we will discuss the system coverage section of the Choosing the Right Wireless Infographic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Download the full Infographic <a href="http://www2.clearcom.com/choosewireless">HERE</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just as with any other product communicating via radio waves, the effective distance between the beltpack and the antenna will differ depending on the environment in which it is being used. Radio waves can be attenuated by walls, floors, ceilings, trees, the human body (such as the audience), and numerous other objects. They can be reflected and/or stopped by metallic objects, such as structural beams, safety doors, lighting equipment and truss, bodies of water and so on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Under ideal conditions, the maximum range between a <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII">FreeSpeak II</a> beltpack and the antenna is 500 m (1640 ft). Typical distances are between approximately 50 m (160 ft) and 150 m (485 ft), depending on the environment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the antenna requirements for an installation are being determined, keep in mind both the number of beltpack users who will be working in an area (based on the beltpack capacity of the antenna), and the layout and potential RF attenuating and reflecting items in the location. Be conservative in distance estimates to make sure that enough antennas are included to provide the necessary coverage for the installation. Remember that additional antennas may be added. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Keep antennas high and in line-of-sight (lower placements away from interfering objects can, at times, be beneficial. It depends on the environment)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Keep antennas away from larger metallic objects and surfaces</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Antenna coverage is circular, so put the antennas in the center of the area in which the coverage is required</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When overlapping the coverage zones in order to create a larger continuous coverage area, test the inbetween areas with a beltpack for potential areas of low RF signal and adjust the positioning of the antennas as needed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because of potential body shielding during movement, it is useful to place two antennas in different locations within larger working areas to minimize low-level signals and potential signal dropouts</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The common antenna type used in the <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/dx410">DX Series</a> systems is an external Dual Diversity 1/2 ave dipole omni-directional antenna. The DX Series base stations use two of these antennas. The base electronics switch between these antennas to obtain the best signal quality. Both antennas act as a transmit and receive, so one antenna could be removed and the system would still operate. The purpose of having two antennas is to overcome multipath dropouts. If one antenna is remoted, the base will still select the antenna that gives the best signal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some installations require that the antennas be removed from the base station chassis and placed in another location to ensure better line-of-sight operation. Antennas can be placed outside of equipment racks and microphone stands, wall brackets, or any other suitable mounting device. To do this, the DX Series has an optional remote antenna kit, consisting of a bracket, coax cable and screws. Adding addition coax cable to the antenna connection will reduce the range to that antenna because of signal loss, but it will fill in a bad coverage spot. Therefore, it is best to keep antenna cabling down to a minimum whenever possible.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The base station should be located so that you maximize the line-of-sight operation - even if this requires operating through a glass window</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Metal equipment racks will block RF from reaching the antennas mounted to the base station inside - rear-mounted antennas may not work inside a metal rack</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Minimize the number of walls between the base station and area where the beltpacks will be operating</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If necessary, the base station can always be moved closer to the area of highest beltpack usage for more thorough coverage</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Always do a walk test before making the decision of where to place the base station</span></li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-46094632352155243172018-05-21T10:45:00.000-07:002018-05-21T10:45:06.517-07:00Choosing the Right Wireless Intercom System: Regional Approvals (Part 6 of 9)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When trying to decide what Clear-Com wireless is right for you, the frequency band regulations may effect which wireless you are allowed to use. Today, we will discuss the regional approvals section of the Choosing the Right Wireless Infographic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Download the full Infographic <a href="http://www2.clearcom.com/choosewireless">HERE</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the first things you need to know about frequency bands is that the use of radio equipment is subject to regulations in each country. A given device may not be allowed to cause harmful interference to other authorized users. The device must accept any interference caused by other users. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RF equipment must be installed by qualified professional personnel. It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that only approved equipment and/or systems are deployed and that effective radiated power does not exceed permissible limits established by the country's regulatory agency in which it is used. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wireless partyline systems have been analog for many years and can still be found, although use of the radio spectrum they occupy is in a state of change. These analog wireless systems use the UHF frequencies of 470 - 698 MHz, part of which has been selected by the FCC in the US, to be auctioned off, banning the use of wireless microphones, transmitters, intercom systems or other wireless devices on a licensed and unlicensed basis. Despite the efficiency of the lower UHF band, long-term use may be in decline because of these regulation changes. But not all is lost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the biggest innovations incorporated in wireless intercom is the all-digital radio. A significant feature of some digital wireless systems operating in 1.9 GHz and 2.4 GHz is that they use transceivers that require no end user licenses for operation in some countries. These systems never need frequency coordination and do not suffer from the interference that analog radio signals incur regularly. In addition, the wireless systems allow for many more simultaneous users than ever possible in the lower UHF systems.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A common transmission scheme used for digital wireless intercom is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency-hopping_spread_spectrum">frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS)</a>, a technology originally developed for military guidance systems to make them insensitive to frequency jamming. FHSS-based wireless intercom systems transmit digitized audio samples for all intercom channels and beltpack return talk paths in a single transmission burst serially on a narrow band RF carrier. This is then repeated on carious frequencies in a defined pattern known by the base station and the beltpack. Depending on the implementation, FHSS may be used in conjunction with redundant transmission where a second transmission pattern is utilized in parallel, or redundant, transmission of the digitized audio on the same carrier after the primary transmission. the most recent versions also include a mechanism that validates the next frequency in the FHSS pattern before using it for transmission or moving onwards to the next frequency. Frequency bands that are commonly used for FHSS include 2400 - 2480 MHz range. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another common digital transmission scheme is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Enhanced_Cordless_Telecommunications">DECT</a> (digital enhanced cordless telecommunications) standard. Originally developed for cordless telephones, the DECT multi-carrier <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time-division_multiple_access">TDMA</a> (time-division multiple access) technology allows for very efficient spectrum utilization over 2 to 10 common carriers in the 1800 - 1930 MHz range, depending on regional allotments. The DECT protocol automatically assigns time slots and carriers to individual devices.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because of these differing transmission schemes and frequency band regulations per country, the <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/FreespeakII-Beltpack-19">FreeSpeak II 1.9 GHz</a> system is only allowed to be used within the United States, Canada, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Argentina, and Brazil. There are no current regulation restrictions for the <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/freespeak-II-beltpack-24">FSII 2.4 GHz</a>, <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/dx410">DX410</a>, <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/HME-DX300ES">DX300ES</a>, <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx210">DX210</a>, or <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx100">DX100</a> wireless systems. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-90128563840209362782018-05-18T10:45:00.000-07:002018-05-18T10:45:01.705-07:00Choosing the Right Wireless Intercom System: Number of Users (Part 5 of 9)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When trying to decide what Clear-Com wireless is right for you, the number of users you have and how they need to talk and listen to each other may be the determining factor of what system you need. Today, we will discuss the number of channels section of the Choosing the Right Wireless Infographic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Download the full Infographic <a href="http://www2.clearcom.com/choosewireless">HERE</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9BKk7eYloZ4/WphKYJIwv3I/AAAAAAAAD2s/zt8BnY5uLY0gZmezhEkhpV3BRBiZLUnRgCLcBGAs/s1600/Wireless-Sec4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="540" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9BKk7eYloZ4/WphKYJIwv3I/AAAAAAAAD2s/zt8BnY5uLY0gZmezhEkhpV3BRBiZLUnRgCLcBGAs/s1600/Wireless-Sec4.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before we get into the details of what system will work for you, we need to explain the three different types of communication channels. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SIMPLEX COMMUNICATION</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A simplex communication channel only sends information in one direction - from the sending device to the receiving device. Simplex is used only when the sending device does not require a response from the receiving device. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For example, a radio station usually sends signals to the audience, but never receives signals from them; therefore, a radio station is a simplex channel. Another example is a microphone to a loudspeaker.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_WzINZ98w4/Wp26orcBNnI/AAAAAAAAD34/sL8Y41p-eXgbU0aPuDScG5p2lKzyEKv3wCLcBGAs/s1600/simplex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="237" data-original-width="569" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_WzINZ98w4/Wp26orcBNnI/AAAAAAAAD34/sL8Y41p-eXgbU0aPuDScG5p2lKzyEKv3wCLcBGAs/s320/simplex.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HALF-DUPLEX COMMUNICATION</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In half-duplex mode, data can be transmitted in both directions, just not at the same time. At a certain point, it is a simplex channel whose transmission direction can be switched. Two-way radios are typical half-duplex devices. It has a push-to-talk (PTT) button, which can be used to turn on the transmitter, but turn off the receiver. Therefore, once you push the button, you cannot hear the person you are talking to but your partner can hear you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A full-duplex communication channel transmits data in both directions at the same time. It is constructed as a pair of simplex links that allows bi-directional simultaneous transmission. Take the telephone as an example. People at both ends of a call can speak and be heard by each other at the same time because there are two communication paths between them. Thus, using the full-duplex mode can greatly increase the efficiency of communication.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ok, now that you understand what kind of communication you need to have, simplex, half-duplex or full-duplex, you're now ready to compare wireless systems based on this requirement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx100">DX100</a>: Supports up to 4 full-duplex users or 15 half-duplex users</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx210">DX210</a>: Supports up to 4 full-duplex users or 15 half-duplex users. Able to connect up to 4 base stations together for up to 16 full-duplex users or 44 half-duplex users.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/HME-DX300ES">DX300ES</a>: Supports up to 3 full-duplex users or 15 half-duplex users. Able to connect up to 4 base stations together for up to 12 full-duplex or 60 half-duplex users. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/dx410">DX410</a>: Supports up to 4 full-duplex users in single-channel mode or 15 half-duplex users. Able to connect up to 4 base stations together for up to 16 full-duplex users or 44 half-duplex users.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/FreespeakII-Beltpack-19">FSII 1.9 GHz</a>: Supports up to 5 full-duplex users per transceiver or a total of 25 full-duplex users with up to 10 transceivers. Able to connect base stations together for up to 65 full-duplex users when mixed with FSII 2.4 GHz transceivers on a system.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/freespeak-II-beltpack-24">FSII 2.4 GHz</a>: </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Supports up to 5 full-duplex users per transceiver or a total of 40 full-duplex users with up to 10 transceivers. Able to connect base stations together for up to 65 full-duplex users when mixed with FSII 1.9 GHz transceivers on a system.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-27888875420398184182018-05-17T10:44:00.000-07:002018-05-17T10:44:03.880-07:00Choosing the Right Wireless Intercom System: Audio Quality (Part 4 of 9)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When trying to decide what Clear-Com wireless is right for you, how clear the audio is may determine the difference between one system or another. Today, we will discuss the audio quality section of the Choosing the Right Wireless Infographic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Download the full Infographic <a href="http://www2.clearcom.com/choosewireless">HERE</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we talk about <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice_frequency">3KHz</a> or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wideband_audio">7KHz</a> audio, we are referring to the Frequency Range of the audio. This is a generic term used by all audio manufacturers, even in consumer products. An example of frequency range would be the often-noted human hearing range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz. With Clear-Com intercoms, including the wireless offerings, we refer to a frequency range that the listener on the system would experience. With wireless intercom, it is always a beltpack.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>NOTE: The specification of 3KHz or 7KHz audio has nothing to do with the RF characteristics of wireless systems.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This gets more complicated than just the listen side, because you have several elements that play into this. First, there is the microphone one speaks into. It has a frequency response or range of frequencies that is tailored for particular applications. Just like the infamous Sure SM58 has a certain frequency response, so do the microphones we and other communication companies use. Then, there is the earphone, or listen, part. The transducer in the headphone/headset has a certain frequency response - just like your earbuds or home music system or any loudspeaker. And then there is the electronics of the system itself. It has a frequency response from input to output - that individual specification can be found on the datasheet for each wireless system.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>A LITTLE HISTORY</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the beginning, telephone systems were developed for voice range frequencies so that today, you are experiencing the 3.5KHz bandwidth when you're speaking on a telephone. This was done for many reasons, particularly because they had to transport the telephone signal hundreds of miles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many communication companies who are building production intercoms specify a frequency response centered on voice grade communications, just like the telephone. After all, what we are primarily doing is talking and listening to voice on the intercom - not listening to music or watching movies. Intercoms are basically a means for directions, cues, and safety within a production.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As productions got bigger, we started to see audio as an element that is present in intercoms. Audio in the form of Program; i.e. announcers and natural sounds and more full bandwidth audio programming, originated from the audio console injected into the intercoms. As users wanted a wireless system that can reproduce a broader spectrum, then that is when 7KHz audio products came on the scene. And then people realized that wider bandwidth audio, like 7KHz, was much less fatiguing to listen to. When you are subjected to wearing a headset for 12 hour tech rehearsals, listening to lower quality audio can be tiring!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>3KHz vs 7KHz</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The difference between 3KHz and 7KHz doesn't mean that one is better than the other. What you have is a wider choice of products for what you need and how you are using your intercoms. The 3KHz systems are often at a lower price point and may have less interfacing features and functions, but they are ideal for all sorts of projects - from education and healthcare to small performance spaces. The 7KHz systems are typically needed for more detailed systems that are required for Broadway performances, live events and televised productions. So, the choice is really up to you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Clear-Com's 3KHz system options include the <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx100">DX100</a>, <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx210">DX210</a> and <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/HME-DX300ES">DX300ES</a> wireless systems. Clear-Com's 7KHz system options include the <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/dx410">DX410</a>, <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/FreespeakII-Beltpack-19">FreeSpeak II 1.9GHz</a> and <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/freespeak-II-beltpack-24">FreeSpeak II 2.4 GHz</a> wireless systems.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-37519777442519868772018-05-16T10:43:00.000-07:002018-05-16T10:43:08.942-07:00Choosing the Right Wireless Intercom System: Number of Channels (Part 3 of 9)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When trying to decide what Clear-Com wireless is right for you, the number of channels you need may determine the wireless system right away. Today, we will discuss the number of channels section of the Choosing the Right Wireless Infographic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Download the full Infographic <a href="http://www2.clearcom.com/choosewireless">HERE</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Partyline Intercom:</b> <i>A partyline is classically used when several users, such as beltpacks, are active in a common task and they much communicate with each other all the time in a full-duplex mode. A partyline is intended for use as a conference with a significant amount of back and forth communication between users. Each station must activate the listen key to the desired partyline to listen and talk key to talk. Stations are dynamically added and subtracted from a partyline as users activate talk and listen keys.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's start at the beginning: Wireless systems are, by design, partyline systems. So, what exactly is a wireless intercom channel? A channel is one individual circuit of communication. A good example would be a partyline channel, like for spotlight operators. It's possible for a user station (wireless beltpack) to select between more than one channel available in a system with a channel selector on their station. This allows for multiple conversations or information flows to occur independently as needed. For example, an assistant stage manager might assign the carpenters to Channel A, and the rest of the production would be on Channel B. Clear-Com offers various wireless intercom systems with single-channel operation and/or multi-channel operations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you have technicians whose workflow require them to communicate all together, then a single channel system is all you need. The <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx100">DX100</a> is a simple single-channel system that allows users to speak to each other in hands-free mode or have a private conversation on a secured channel - much like a walkie-talkie, but full-duplex. Even our 2-channel wireless systems can be operated as a single-channel systems, with the advantage of using the second channel when you are ready to expand your system. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's say you are a stage manager and you need to have separate conversations with your carpenters and production crew. The carpenters don't need to hear what you're saying to the production crew and the production crew doesn't need to hear what you're saying to the carpenters. This is a perfect situation where a two-channel system will be of use. The <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx210">DX210</a>, <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/HME-DX300ES">DX300ES</a> and <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/dx410">DX410</a> systems are all 2-channel wireless systems that allow you to configure two different group communications and switch between the two using Channel A and Channel B on the beltpacks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taking the two-channel concept a step further, there may be many situations when you need to communicate with more than just two channels. That's where more advanced systems, like our <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII">FreeSpeak II</a> systems, come into play. The FreeSpeak II <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/freespeak-ii-base-ii">base station</a> is a small audio matrix offering 12 virtual wireless partyline channels and 12 virtual groups. The base also includes freely assignable 2-wire and/or 4-wire ports to any or all virtual partyline channels or groups. Features per <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/freespeak-II-beltpack-24">beltpack</a> include four programmable pushbuttons, two rotary encoders and a relay button. Because the base is considered a matrix, the wireless beltpack controls cross-points, or groups of cross-points, on the base station's router according to the configuration of the system. The beltpack can be configured to access up to five communication routes by selecting among any of the 12 wireless partyline channels and/or 12 groups using these buttons and encoders. It is also possible to assign beltpack to beltpack (point-to-point) or direct connections. This is truly the top of the line multi-channel wireless production intercom.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-14171363322031572862018-05-15T10:43:00.000-07:002018-05-15T10:43:10.325-07:00Choosing the Right Wireless Intercom System: 2-wire & 4-wire Interfacing (Part 2 of 9)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When trying to decide what Clear-Com wireless is right for you, 2-wire and 4-wire interfacing may be an essential need. Here, we discuss this section of the Choosing the Right Wireless Infographic and why either of these interfacing capabilities is important. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Download the full Infographic <a href="http://www2.clearcom.com/choosewireless">HERE</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why is interfacing, in general, so important? It's one thing to have a stand-alone system. It doesn't need to communicate to anything else, no other technologies need to be included. It operates by itself. But what if you have a facility wired system your productions have outgrown the existing intercom? You and your staff need to discuss the workflow needs and the decision to expand is adding a wireless partyline intercom system. NOW interfacing becomes important and understanding those methods come first.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are two common techniques that make interfacing a wireless base intercom system possible: it's called 2-wire and 4-wire.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2-WIRE: </b><i>a communications system where the path is the same for both talk and listen. In intercom channels, there are two wires (one path). 2-wire systems can be 2-wire balanced or 2-wire unbalanced. Example: analog partyline is a 2-wire system.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>4-WIRE:</b> <i>a communications system where the path is different for talk and listen. In intercom channels, there are four wires (two paths). 4-wire systems can be 4-wire balanced or 4-wire unbalanced. The 4-wire circuit gets its name from the fact that a balanced pair of conductors was used in each of two directions for full-duplex operation. Example: digital matrix, cameras, 3rd-party systems, etc. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>CLEAR-COM WIRELESS AND INTERFACING</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Starting at an entry level, and within the most simplistic of group communications, you wouldn't need to interface to anything else, like a small group, in the same location, that only need to communicate among the crew. In this setting, a <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx100">DX100</a> system would do the job. It does not support connections to any other external communication of audio devices. This compact and portable single-channel digital wireless intercom system supports up to 15 <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx100/DX100-BP200">beltpacks</a> or <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx100/dx100-wh220">all-in-one headsets</a> per <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx100/DX100-MB100">base station</a>. DX100 employs Digital Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) and is approved for worldwide 2.4 GHz license-free operation. The DX100 is the most economical wireless full-duplex partyline production intercom available anywhere. Most Clear-Com wireless base systems offer interconnectivity by providing a 2-wire or 4-wire interface or both. With all instances of external interfacing, it will always be on a per wireless channel basis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/HME-DX300ES">DX300ES</a> is a digitial wireless communication system that enables hands-free full-duplex secure communication on two independent channels, or both channels at the same time. It can be operated with AC or battery power, like the DX100. Multiple <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/HME-DX300ES/DX300ES-MB300ES">base stations</a> can be interconnected for expanded capabilities. In addition to the standard communication among base station and wireless <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/HME-DX300ES/DX300ES-BP300">beltpack</a> operators, the system provides a 10-pin terminal strip connector for easy connection to 4-wire intercom systems. There is one analog 4-wire audio interface per channel with send and receive level trim controls to balance the audio. There are no 2-wire interfaces. To accommodate connecting analog 2-wire intercoms, it would be necessary to convert the 2-wire to 4-wire. Refer to a 2-wire to 4-wire external converter, such as a Clear-Com <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/partyline/interfaces/if4w4">IF4W4</a>, <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/partyline/interfaces/ef-701m">EF-701M</a> or <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/digital-matrix/HX-InterfaceModules/HX_CCI22">CCI-22</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The following models provide analog 2-wire interfacing, as well as analog 4-wire. In all cases of 2-wire interconnectivity, provision to select between a Clear-Com or RTS compatible system is provided with a selector button or switch. When connecting external intercom 2-wire connections, a Clear-Com or RTS power supply is required. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/hme-dx210">DX210</a> and <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/dx410">DX410</a> operate and perform with private, secure two-channel digital wireless intercom communication. The DX410 also features optional jumper settable 2-wire and 4-wire bridging circuitry. The bridging capability allows the option for combining the 2-wire and 4-wire ports together on either Channel A or B in such a way that the 2-wire and the 4-wire are capable of talk/listen capability along with the wireless users.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII">FreeSpeak II</a> is Clear-Com's flagship wireless intercom system that can operate in 1.9 GHz, 2.4 GHz, or a mix of both on the same system. The <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/freespeak-ii-base-ii">base station</a> offers 12 wireless partyline channels and 12 groups. The base includes four 2-wire analog partyline ports with call signal and four 4-wire audio ports with call signal. These 2-wire ports and 4-wire ports can then be configured to any or all of the 12 wireless channels or 12 groups. The base station can be used in main station mode with talk and call soft keys or as a headset station for communication and monitoring from the panel. The base station's digital displays allow easy system configuration directly from the base station or through the browser-based <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/ccm-for-freespeak-ii">Core Configuration Manager (CCM)</a> tool. The wireless <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/freespeak-II-beltpack-24">beltpack</a> features up to five communication routes per beltpack using four programmable pushbuttons, two rotary encoders and a reply button. All four 2-wire ports have software-enabled power function to supply 850mA DC on each pair of connectors for powering Clear-Com compatible or RTS analog wired devices.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-75526098804038141312018-05-14T10:15:00.000-07:002018-05-14T10:15:14.185-07:00Choosing the Right Wireless Intercom System (Part 1 of 9)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You know you want a Clear-Com wireless intercom. But with so many options, how do you know which one will work best for you? We've created an easy to use Infographic that will help guide you in choosing the right wireless system based on your needs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not everyone's needs are the same. Interfacing may be more important than the number of users for one user, where as another user may need to meet budget requirements over audio quality. There is no finite way of determining what's right for you. This Infographic allows you to pick and choose what matters the most and you can drill down from there. Consider this the "Choose Your Own Adventure" in wireless intercom. Don't know where to start? Over the next series of posts, we'll be breaking down each section and educating you on how to choose the right wireless intercom system for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Download the Infographic <a href="http://www2.clearcom.com/choosewireless">HERE</a>.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-42995630430691190592018-02-23T11:07:00.002-08:002018-02-27T13:19:03.312-08:00Q&A: Clear-Com Intercoms for Venues<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>We had a chance to sit down with Vinnie Macri, Market Outreach Manager for Clear-Com, to talk about intercoms needs in venues, IP infrastructure, how integrators choose the right system, and who should be involved in the deployment of those systems. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Q: What are the main types of venues that use intercoms?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>A: </i></b>"Venues" is a broad topic, but when you think of them, one thinks of Performing Arts to House of Worship to Sporting facilities and anything in between. What they all have in common for intercom is that these venues are places where productions happen - shows! These could be for television or for live audiences or combination special events, like political conventions. These are all productions that require specialized communications to make them successful. For Clear-Com, we have an extensive network of rental partners servicing these facilities. Within the facilities themselves, you will find many permanent installations for broadcast and live shows costing sometimes millions of dollars. Right in the heart is a production intercom system like Clear-Com.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Q: Most venues now have an IP infrastructure onsite. How is this type of network used for intercom systems?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>A:</i></b> First of all, some, not all facilities have an IT infrastructure useable for production. If one refers to infrastructure simply as category cable, then yes - a lot of facilities have category cable run throughout. It is a decision for the production and how the facility has to operate from a tenant's or user's perspective that may or may not leverage the category infrastructure. IP protocols are the predominant transport methods used in networking. Clear-Com has designed communication solutions that use standardized IP protocols for over a decade and more recently with specialized products for remote-to-facility productions. These solutions are usable on any IT infrastructure. We find that most modern facilities, or older updated ones, have referred any IT work to a consultant. Within the facility, it is typically the IT department who will manage the network and they are the most helpful in accommodating any intercom devices that sit on the network, whether it's for in-house maintenance crews use or for a show. Within today's venues it is the IT department making most of the decisions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Q: What are the benefits?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>A:</i></b> Routing is the key benefit for network audio, including some intercom applications. Used in intercom workflows, routing primarily involves audio "program" feeds to users, typically talent. Certainly, having IP distributed around a venue makes the cabling and interconnection of devices much easier, and less time consuming for both set-up and tear down no matter if its copper or fiber based. Using an IP network within a venue for intercom deployment is not necessarily of value because these systems tend to be fixed. Where they do become interesting is when we turn to the use of tablets, smartphones and laptops running Clear-Com intercom applications, where users are not fixed and would like to operate with other devices on the network - fixed and remote.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Q: What are the disadvantages? How can they be overcome?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>A:</i></b> Being that the industry is working towards standardizations for low-latency audio transport over a network, it's with great anticipation that we hope to see more interoperability between manufacturer products and not simply audio network interfacing. The biggest discovery - we wouldn't say disadvantage - is the lack of understanding about networking and the realization that networking is not necessarily a cheaper solution and requires a lot of design consultation and cooperation between all interested departments. For venues with fixed or virtual intercom devices sitting on a network, there are no disadvantages other than the realization of living in an imperfect IP world with some latency. This of course is a matter of design.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Q: How can an integrator best choose a system that suits its client's needs?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>A:</i></b> Whenever a consultant is not present and when an integrator is asked to design communication systems for venues, we always suggest that they use our services. Sometimes we recommend a consultant! Clear-Com has worked hard in offering Partners web portal access, including a consultant specific portal, to design tools and system design reviews. Designing and selecting the correct pieces for a specific client use and workflow differs from venue to venue. There is no one size. Clear-Com has a distinct advantage that we offer more solutions than any other intercom manufacturer that includes: analog wired partyline, digital networked wired partyline, numerous wireless partyline, digital matrix, system interfaces, virtual communications and communication sub-systems, such as IFB and commentary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Q: In an area where staff using the system are often temporary or freelance, what is the best route to deploying a system that is understood and easy to use by people that are often operating in high-pressure environments?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>A: </i></b>There are some aspects of using intercom or deploying intercom that should not be left to chance. Besides the obvious, when you're over your head, stop digging and ask for help. Most freelance technicians coming into a venue specialize in intercom systems. If you look at some of the biggest shows, there are dozens of independent freelance comms engineers that understand the systems. As a manufacturer, we tend to develop user devices that are familiar and easy to use; however, depending on the complexity of the device and the overall system intention to meet a workflow, we find and recommend appointing an educated A1 to lead the communication team. A clear part that Clear-Com plays is education and we offer many avenues for understanding intercom including tutorials, videos, and accredited courses.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">Vinnie Macri </span></b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">is the Market Outreach Manager for Clear-Com. He has extensive experience in the theater, live performance and broadcast intercom, working with customers and consultants in all markets for intercom education.</span></i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-61402444965523579382017-07-27T14:08:00.001-07:002017-07-27T14:08:50.172-07:00Can You Hear Me Now?: A History of the Development of the Intercom (Part 3)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Comedian Bob Newhart's first record album, "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Button-Down_Mind_of_Bob_Newhart">The Button-down Mind of Bob Newhart</a>", has a hilarious routine called "The Khrushchev Landing Rehearsal". Newhart's routine centers on a television director in the TV control room, trying to direct the run-through of Khrushchev's airplane landing at Idlewild Airport. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soviet Premier <a href="http://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/nikita-sergeyevich-khrushchev">Nikita Khrushchev</a> visited the United States in September of 1959. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of Newhart's gag lines makes fun of then-<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600/presidents/dwightdeisenhower">President Eisenhower</a>'s love of playing golf.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As Khrushchev approaches Eisenhower to shake hands, Newhart says over the intercom in frustration, "Somebody take the putter from Ike!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course, there was no run-through of this event. News events aren't rehearsed. However, Newhart does a great job of portraying what you would hear on a typical partyline intercom in a broadcast environment. His routine also shows how im</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">portant to the entertainment industry a functional intercom system is. Television, live shows and motion picture production could not be done without intercom systems. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After telephones had become common, telephone-type intercom systems started to be used in live theater. There were standard handset-based phone instruments located backstage, in offices, out front in the prompt booth, as well as other areas. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But there was still a need for stage managers to be able to talk to their technical crews, especially the spotlight operators. Many theater companies had technical people who built specialized voice communication systems on their own. A one-way talk system was all that most live venues had to use. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vVkZ7YkaFk/WXpRl8a_n8I/AAAAAAAADzM/ARVPYRSajxQPqgrhPHVGT1GnkdkysejdwCEwYBhgL/s1600/a49f3ee6c7f2c1091cdcb198a4a2d702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="1100" height="183" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vVkZ7YkaFk/WXpRl8a_n8I/AAAAAAAADzM/ARVPYRSajxQPqgrhPHVGT1GnkdkysejdwCEwYBhgL/s320/a49f3ee6c7f2c1091cdcb198a4a2d702.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Crew members wore headphones to hear the manager. They could not hold a handset and still perform their duties so they weren't able to talk to the stage manager, or each other. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of the early headset products used by telephone operators and other users were pretty clunky. Many of them consisted of a pair of headphones and a large, round, black curved tube that sat on the users chest. At the bottom of this tube was a microphone. It was secured by a leather strap that went around the user's neck. </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KCRz3PafNQU/WXpRmuLDdZI/AAAAAAAADzQ/lkAWT7dxc0ApTHW-LcUrgsmc3x0rVud1wCEwYBhgL/s1600/b80cb655e234cc22c377af163cca0400--photographs-of-women-long-distance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="640" height="253" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KCRz3PafNQU/WXpRmuLDdZI/AAAAAAAADzQ/lkAWT7dxc0ApTHW-LcUrgsmc3x0rVud1wCEwYBhgL/s320/b80cb655e234cc22c377af163cca0400--photographs-of-women-long-distance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As time passed, telephone equipment became more sophisticated and cheaper to purchase and creating a partyline system became easier to do. Headsets had become smaller and lighter, most likely due to the demand on part of the telephone company operators. Wearing one of the early headphone/speaking tube microphones for eight hours at a stretch was exhausting and uncomfortable. When television broadcasting began in the late 1940's, the need for an intercom system to connect <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_director">directors</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operator_(profession)">floor people</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camera_operator">camera operators</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_production">video switchers</a>, and sound board operators became a necessity instead of a luxury. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some TV pioneers tell stories of the pre-intercom days when crew members tried to communicate exclusively with hand signals, much like baseball players do. For a baseball team, this method works well, but in a production environment, it's much too slow and doesn't allow for sudden changes that take place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like early theater, most television station's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadcast_engineering">engineering departments</a> built the intercoms used within their facilities themselves. These were typically based on existing telephone technology - by using a power supply that would source the considerable current, multiple users could connect to the same line without lowering the voice level too far to be heard clearly. And the early <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_line_(telephony)">partyline</a> system was born.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By this time, headsets had evolved into smaller and lighter versions. Wearing a headset now didn't weigh down the user and left their hands free to run a camera, video switcher, or perform whatever duties that person needed to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When entertainment production became increasingly complex, intercoms had to also be more complex in their functionality. Large productions needed more than one communication circuit and users frequently needed the ability to switch themselves from one circuit to another. Many venues and stations used one intercom system that covered the entire facility. Local user panels were installed in areas like editing rooms, offices of programmers, and even places like the General Manager's office or the commercial traffic office. For systems of this size, matrix-type switching and local station re-routing were necessary to satisfy all of the requirements. Having the staff engineering people construct and deploy the intercom system just wasn't an option. The operational needs of the system became too complex. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was, and still is, true in large-market TV stations that cover many floors. For example, I once worked in a station that had the newsroom on one floor, the studios and engineering department on another, and the sales, traffic and accounting departments on a third floor. One intercom system connected the entire facility and many of the rooms and offices on each floor had an intercom panel. All of the studios were equipped with multiple beltpacks because there were always numerous live productions underway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today, sophisticated intercom systems have become so common that much of the modern technology available is taken for granted. The ability to reconfigure systems on the fly, having instant reliable access, high-quality audio, and features such as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interruptible_foldback">interruptable foldback (IFB)</a> for cueing and orders from the director, make the modern intercom systems the backbone of any production. Without this capability, producing everything from sporting events to live plays to opera to television shows would not be possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In case you missed Part 1 and 2 of this series:</span><br />
<a href="http://comm-n-sense.blogspot.com/2017/06/totally-tubular-history-of-development.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Part 1: Totally Tubular: A History of the Development of the Intercom</a><br />
<a href="http://comm-n-sense.blogspot.com/2017/07/mr-watson-come-here-history-of.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Part 2: Mr. Watson, Come Here: A History of the Development of the Intercom</a><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">Paul Black </span></b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">is a freelance writer and broadcast engineer in Northern California. He holds a Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer certification from the Society of Broadcast Engineers and an FCC Lifetime General Class Operator License. He is a licensed amateur radio operator (call sign N6BBZ) and has worked for several broadcast companies, including Bonneville Broadcasting, RKO General Broadcasting, and CBS Television. Visit his website at </span><a href="http://www.paulblackcopy.com/"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">www.paulblackcopy.com</span></a></i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><i>. </i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-30884625842678546422017-07-05T11:28:00.002-07:002017-07-05T11:28:43.712-07:00Mr. Watson, Come Here: A History of the Development of the Intercom (Part 2)<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://comm-n-sense.blogspot.com/2017/06/totally-tubular-history-of-development.html">In the first part of this series</a>, we discussed how the words "Internal Communication" led to the now common term, Intercom. We also talked about how the first intercom systems were known as voice tubes; tubes that carried voices acoustically. Although these were very crude systems compared to later electrical products, they did actually work. Some types of voice tubes are still in use today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like many other technologies, electrification changed intercom products radically. Before the electrical intercom could exist, one invention had to proceed it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The telephone.</span><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vQwu8XPOgHM/WV0rlzJprKI/AAAAAAAADyk/N6UQgm8_Ee83VafcRT3k2d6A0QNcv_VjgCLcBGAs/s1600/96fdc356b7c3cd4119c7f6ccde9dfc53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="245" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vQwu8XPOgHM/WV0rlzJprKI/AAAAAAAADyk/N6UQgm8_Ee83VafcRT3k2d6A0QNcv_VjgCLcBGAs/s1600/96fdc356b7c3cd4119c7f6ccde9dfc53.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When <a href="https://www.biography.com/people/alexander-graham-bell-9205497">Alexander Graham Bell</a> sat in one room in his Boston home, raised a transmitter tube to his mouth and then said, "Mr. Watson, come here. I want to see you", he was talking from that room down to his assistant in the basement, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Augustus-Watson">Thomas Watson</a>. Watson, an engineer and employee of Bell's, once claimed that Bell had spilled battery acid on his leg and was genuinely calling for help. However, Watson later said that he could not be certain if this took place during the first test or in subsequent research. In any case, Bell documented the event in his journal on March 10th, 1876, making the first words spoken over what would later become the telephone, revolutionizing communications around the world.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lCIW3EtVv4/WV0rlzEqZ6I/AAAAAAAADys/rdFHFoPGUEUUYxX8DiCWLI5AdEDtL5rwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Kellogg%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="192" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lCIW3EtVv4/WV0rlzEqZ6I/AAAAAAAADys/rdFHFoPGUEUUYxX8DiCWLI5AdEDtL5rwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Kellogg%2BLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the first systems ever patented was built by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kellogg_Switchboard_%26_Supply_Company">Kellogg Switchboard and Supply Company</a> in 1894. It's main purpose was for use in apartment buildings. Some early apartment buildings had a pull-wire, then later electrical, signaling system. A prospective visitor would pull a handle, or push a button on a panel, which would then signal the tenant that someone wanted inside. However, because they couldn't see or talk to who was signaling them, they ran the risk of letting in someone they didn't know, like a burglar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As is true today, the more upscale apartment buildings in major cities had doormen to guard the building. Prior to the intercoms being available, these men would have to lock out the person asking for entry and go up to the tenant's apartment to ask if the tenant wanted to see the visitor or not. As apartment buildings became larger, this process became frustrating to both the tenants and the visitors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Kellogg system added a telephone-type circuit to the signal panels. An earpiece and mouthpiece resembling the old-fashioned candlestick telephones allowed the tenant to talk to the visitor directly, instead of having the doorman run up and down to ask the tenant in person.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the late 1930's, an engineer named Allan C. Bernstein started a company called Adams Laboratories that took the apartment intercom idea into the workplace. Ultimately, Adams Laboratories became the manufacturing arm of <a href="http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/executone-information-systems-inc-history/">Executone Corporation</a>, with Bernstein as President. The first product was a simple two-station system, called the "boss-to-secretary" system. This migrated into further point-to-point wired systems, including one of the first "patient-to-nurse" hospital communication systems ever used. Over his lifetime, Bernstein developed and held many patents until his death in 1987.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7NPuRJlO6E/WV0rmVQSkxI/AAAAAAAADyw/F9mAG9657qwe_jqZe1PH2JyqndGGa05PQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Loudaphone_on_Queen_Mary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7NPuRJlO6E/WV0rmVQSkxI/AAAAAAAADyw/F9mAG9657qwe_jqZe1PH2JyqndGGa05PQCEwYBhgL/s320/Loudaphone_on_Queen_Mary.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One unique intercom system for use in noisy environments was made in England in the 1930's. Called the Loudaphone, it was installed in places with high background noise, such as trains or ship engine rooms. For example, the <i><a href="http://www.queenmary.com/history/our-story/">RMS Queen Mary</a></i> had a Loudaphone system in use in the engine room areas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the Bell System monopoly was established in the early 1920's, the local telephone companies owned by Bell, then later <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AT%26T_Corporation">American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T)</a>, were the only convenient source of equipment and services for regular land-line telephone systems. This gave them a perfect opportunity to also be the provider of intercom systems.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In old movies from the early part of the twentieth century, some of the scenes set in offices show a desk with two or three phones. Many times, one of the phone would be a part of an intercom system within the building. It wasn't until more sophisticated systems came along that the phones used for outside lines also had an intercom tied to them. However, not all businesses took advantage of this capability. Today, this is still the case.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As time passed, the needs of the marketplace caused manufacturers to make a lot of progress on new features. Speaker-based intercoms, such as those used in naval ships in WWII, became common in the commercial world. Since these operated like a speakerphone, they didn't require a handset. More than one person at a time could participate in the conversation. Noise-cancelling circuits for loud areas, public address capabilities, and other similar modern features made it easier for end users to find a system that suited their needs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One large cost factor in intercom installation was the wiring that had to be run inside the building. Pulling wire is extremely labor-intensive and it can be the most expensive part of an installation. To help with this, manufacturers came up with wireless systems that function like speakerphones, but use radio frequencies instead of wiring. Another unique solution that was developed became know as a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-line_communication">Powerline</a> system. A Powerline is when the intercom hardware uses the wiring that provides power to the outlets as a path for the signal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our next installment, we'll talk about the current state-of-the-art intercom technology and address two of the largest users of intercom products - the entertainment and broadcasting industries.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In case you missed Part 1 of this series:</span><br />
<a href="http://comm-n-sense.blogspot.com/2017/06/totally-tubular-history-of-development.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Part 1: Totally Tubular: A History of the Development of the Intercom</a><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">Paul Black </span></b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">is a freelance writer and broadcast engineer in Northern California. He holds a Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer certification from the Society of Broadcast Engineers and an FCC Lifetime General Class Operator License. He is a licensed amateur radio operator (call sign N6BBZ) and has worked for several broadcast companies, including Bonneville Broadcasting, RKO General Broadcasting, and CBS Television. Visit his website at </span><a href="http://www.paulblackcopy.com/"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">www.paulblackcopy.com</span></a></i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><i>. </i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-70023414517501882012017-06-27T10:56:00.003-07:002017-06-27T12:06:36.121-07:00Totally Tubular: A History of the Development of Intercom (Part 1)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People have always needed to communicate over long distances. From the smoke signal used by Native American tribes, to the telephone, to email via the Internet, the ability to communicate at a distance is a need that goes back through the millennia.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Equally so, communicating over smaller distances has also been important. Talking from one floor to another in a single building, or within any large area (such as inside a warehouse) requires some form of internal communication. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From "internal communication", we get the now common term of "Intercom". This term is generally used as the name of a device or system that allows people to speak to each other from one room to another, or across a large open area inside a structure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before electrical systems were common, the usual way to get someone's attention was by some form of signaling. As an example, communicating in a large mansion-style home from the parlor to the servant's quarters was done by pull ropes that were connected to bells that would ring - when the rope was pulled, the bells would ring, grabbing the attention of the servant. When electrical signaling devices became more commonplace, these pull ropes were replaced with wired pushbuttons that would trigger a buzzer that would sound in the servant's quarters. Whether with the pull ropes or the wired pushbuttons, the servants were only alerted that their services were needed; therefore they needed to walk from one area of the house to the other to find out what was needed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Being able to actually talk to a person in another part of a building would be more efficient. The result of this need of efficiency was the development of an acoustical communication system, or more simply, a voice tube. A voice tube is a hollow tube or pipe that was run from one place to another, allowing people to talk back and forth to each other from different ends of a building.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The idea for the original voice tube began back in the early nineteenth century by the French scientist, <a href="http://www.encyclopedia.com/people/science-and-technology/physics-biographies/jean-baptiste-biot">Jean-Baptiste Biot</a>. His unusual choice of laboratory in which to test his theory - the water pipes of his home city of Paris. From his experiments, Biot discovered that smaller pipes carried sounds over amazingly long distances. Larger pipes just didn't work as well for carrying sound.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 1849, <i><a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/acoustic-telegraphs/">Scientific American</a></i> magazine published an article describing what they called as an acoustic telegraph - a tube made of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gutta-percha">gutta percha</a> (a latex-like material that's produced from the sap of trees that grow in Malaysia). The article claimed that a tube made of this material and of the proper size could send voices for several miles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Later voice tube developments included work done by <a href="https://www.famousscientists.org/antonio-meucci/">Antonio Meucci</a>, an Italian immigrant scientist who built an acoustic speaking tube system in his home in New York. He later was attributed for his work on what eventually became known as the telephone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Early aircraft models were usually of the open-cockpit design and were extremely noisy. Instructors had to scream at their flying students in order to be heard above the sound of the engine and the slipstream noise. So, in 1917, at a flying school in Gosport, England, an instructor named <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-21321362">Robert Raymond Smith-Barry</a> sought to overcome this problem with some rubber tubes that had a funnel on one end, and a pair of primitive headphones made of cloth and rubber on the other end. The student wore the headphones and the instructor spoke into the funnel. Smith-Barry called his invention the <a href="http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196872/gosport-tube/">Gosport Tube</a>, after the town the school was in. This became a commonly used item for flight instruction until as late as the 1930's when closed cockpits and electrical intercoms became the standard in aircraft.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs3ICz4itco/WVKPqDQ-F4I/AAAAAAAADxw/x1C-MaFbInkEnOsgSNGLadyOjHY-XA8lQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Gosport-Tube-in%2Buse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="800" height="204" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs3ICz4itco/WVKPqDQ-F4I/AAAAAAAADxw/x1C-MaFbInkEnOsgSNGLadyOjHY-XA8lQCEwYBhgL/s320/Gosport-Tube-in%2Buse.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1aAJtG31B9A/WVKPqHAJN5I/AAAAAAAADxo/6XVjdH5o-AUHtHeHMTBfvNQ8iPVw7aI0QCEwYBhgL/s1600/GosportTubeHelmet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="283" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1aAJtG31B9A/WVKPqHAJN5I/AAAAAAAADxo/6XVjdH5o-AUHtHeHMTBfvNQ8iPVw7aI0QCEwYBhgL/s200/GosportTubeHelmet.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 1926, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Institute_of_Standards_and_Technology#Bureau_of_Standards">Bureau of Standards</a> of the United States Department of Commerce issued a paper that could be purchased by the US Government Printing Office for a pricey 15 cents, entitled <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Transmission-through-United-Standards-Technologic/dp/B000894O5K">"Transmission of Sound Through Voice Tubes"</a>. It is an exhaustive study of the physics of sending sound via hollow tubes, including photographs and mechanical drawings of the tubes used in the test procedures. The US Navy actually initiated the request to the Bureau of Standards for these tests to be done. The Navy is one of the prime users of acoustic voice tube technology, and that is true even to this day. Currently, modern Navy landing craft (or <a href="http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=1600&ct=4">LCU's</a>) use voice tubes to communicate from their upper deck to control centers below deck. Other naval vessels also use them, as well as merchant marine cargo ships.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The major advantage of a voice tube system over an electrical communication system is its simplicity and reliability. Voice tubes are impervious to the problems plaguing electronic systems, such as power failures, broken or shorted wiring, and invasion by moisture. So, despite the sophistication of modern electrical intercoms, acoustic speaking or voice tubes remain in use. Because of this, voice tubes make these a good choice for these applications.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In our next installment, we'll look at the rise of the electrical intercom systems, how they developed from the days of the invention of the telephone, and why some of the first applications of these products were for safety and security purposes.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">Paul Black </span></b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">is a freelance writer and broadcast engineer in Northern California. He holds a Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer certification from the Society of Broadcast Engineers and an FCC Lifetime General Class Operator License. He is a licensed amateur radio operator (call sign N6BBZ) and has worked for several broadcast companies, including Bonneville Broadcasting, RKO General Broadcasting, and CBS Television. Visit his website at </span><a href="http://www.paulblackcopy.com/"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">www.paulblackcopy.com</span></a></i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><i>. </i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-86507804138306746852017-06-20T11:22:00.000-07:002017-06-20T11:24:20.621-07:00Do You Need a LAN or a WAN?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When designing an IT network topology, you might want to consider a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campus_network">Campus Area Network (CAN)</a>, a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_area_network">Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)</a> or a <a href="http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/T/TAN.html">Tiny Area Network (TAN)</a>, but most certainly a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_area_network">Local Area Network (LAN)</a> or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wide_area_network">Wide Area Network (WAN)</a> will do the job. All of these networking schemes utilize the same switches and file transfer technologies and are used to connect computers and devices, allowing them to communicate in a specific geographical area or region.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You might be most familiar with the computer networking terms like LAN or WAN, which are thrown around a lot in conversations about setting up IT networks and collaborative environments, but what do they really mean to your organization? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>LOCAL AREA NETWORK</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computers and network devices that are connected together, usually within the same building. Examples could be a small office or production facility, a single building or multiple buildings located on campus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>WIDE AREA NETWORK</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A Wide Area Network (WAN), as its name implies, connects several LANs together (whether nearby or in different parts of the world) and is typically used by an enterprise-level installation (a corporation or organization) or local governments that make civic information easily accessible to the public.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>CONNECTIVITY</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The technology employed - routers, servers, cabling, desktop clients for users - is high speed and relatively expensive. LANs tend to use high-speed connectivity technologies like <a href="https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-an-ethernet-cable-817548">Ethernet</a> (CAT5/6 cabling) or <a href="https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-token-ring-817952">Token Ring</a> (all computers are connected in a ring or star topology). WANs most often use technologies like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiprotocol_Label_Switching">MPLS</a>, <a href="https://www.lifewire.com/asynchronous-transfer-mode-817942">ATM</a>, <a href="https://www.lifewire.com/definition-of-frame-relay-817947">Frame Relay</a> and <a href="https://www.lifewire.com/x-25-816286">X.25</a> for connectivity over long distances.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">LANs use <a href="http://www.istudynetwork.com/2010/04/layer-123-devices-and-their-function.html">Layer 1 devices</a>, like hubs and repeaters, and <a href="http://www.istudynetwork.com/2010/04/layer-123-devices-and-their-function.html">Layer 2 devices</a>, like network switches and bridges. WANs use <a href="http://www.istudynetwork.com/2010/04/layer-123-devices-and-their-function.html">Layer 3 devices</a>, such as routers, multi-layer switches and specific devices like ATM or Frame Relay switches.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One LAN can be connected to other LANs over any distance via telephone lines and radio waves, while computers or other networked devices connected to a WAN are often connected through public networks, such as the telephone system. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The major advantage of a LAN is the speed it can reach. With a LAN, it isn't uncommon to see technology that supports 1Gbps file transfers. Most agree that a LAN can operate up to 30x faster than a WAN. The further the distance, the slower the network. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, the major disadvantage with a LAN is that it is only good as far as you can reach an Ethernet cable or WiFi signal. Simply put, you cannot buy an Ethernet cable that will reach throughout an entire building, and a WiFi connection rapidly deteriorates as you get further than a few dozen miles away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A WAN connection is generally harder to setup, but there are many creative ways to do so. One very common way is renting a line from an Internet service provider and using their network (that's already connected to the entire world) and connecting Point A to Point B. Another way to do a WAN is connecting the devices with various wireless technologies, like cellphone towers or satellites. As you can imagine, all of these are much harder to create than setting up a LAN, and almost always demands high level professional setup and maintenance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>RELIABILITY</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">LANs are generally more secure than WANs, but, of course, WANs enable more widespread connectivity. And, while LANs tend to be owned, controlled and managed in-house by the organization where they are deployed, WANs typically require two or more of their constituent LANs to be connected over the public Internet or via a private connection established by a third-party telecommunications provider. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As for actual reliability, LANs tend to have fewer problems because there are less systems to deal with. A WAN tends to be less fault tolerant as they consist of a large number of disparately located systems that have to be reliably connected.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>COST-EFFECTIVENESS</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the big disadvantages to implementing a WAN is the cost. Having a private WAN can be expensive because of the technology required to connect two remote places together. However, WANs using public networks can be setup very cost-effectively using <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_network">Virtual Private Network (VPN)</a> hardware and software, which allows a desktop computer to transparently connect to a remote network as if you were physically attached to that network. For security, the communication link between your computer and the remote VPN hardware is encrypted while using the VPN.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The maintenance costs are often lower with a LAN because it covers a relatively small geographical area, while maintaining a WAN is difficult because of its wider geographical area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the end, it's clear that those implementing a network - whether a LAN or a WAN - should take a hard look at how they plan to use that network and who will use it. Each topology has its advantages and disadvantages that can affect an organization's productivity significantly. Which one you choose ultimately depends on costs and your business model.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-35488025138535469522017-06-01T11:33:00.002-07:002017-06-20T11:24:11.781-07:00The Origin of TCP/IP<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These days virtually everyone is talking about <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Protocol" target="_blank">Internet Protocol </a>(IP), the standard encoding scheme for sending audio and video files (as IP packets), either over the Internet directly or over an Ethernet-based <a href="https://www.firefold.com/blog/2015/10/30/difference-between-cat5-vs-cat6-cables/" target="_blank">CAT5/6</a> cabling network. The cable itself is favored because it is much smaller and lighter and therefore much easier to work with when building new A/V facilities. But where did the IP scheme as we know it today come from?</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7rz6LNTFRE/WTBaOdTCjoI/AAAAAAAADwU/OXauVAXH44wrK-oVmLvcTx4KVqZTgq4oACLcB/s1600/amber-blog-images-1_r2png.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="229" data-original-width="540" height="168" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7rz6LNTFRE/WTBaOdTCjoI/AAAAAAAADwU/OXauVAXH44wrK-oVmLvcTx4KVqZTgq4oACLcB/s400/amber-blog-images-1_r2png.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>WHAT IS TCP/IP?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First, we have to look at Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), which basically describes a protocol that will work on any sort of computer and operating system for transportation of packets of data across the internet or studio network between different systems.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyZAfJwB4TM/WTBdgJesb5I/AAAAAAAADws/vFPfACTnS14nggSjsFE7UHCpfGmmb9gngCLcB/s1600/amber-blog-images-2_r3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="540" height="197" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyZAfJwB4TM/WTBdgJesb5I/AAAAAAAADws/vFPfACTnS14nggSjsFE7UHCpfGmmb9gngCLcB/s400/amber-blog-images-2_r3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Early concepts of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_packet" target="_blank">packet networking</a> were developed at several different research labs in the US and overseas, initially for military use. In the late 1970's, a set of networking protocols that allowed two or more computers to communicate, known as TCP/IP, were developed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Data_Network" target="_blank">The Defense Data Network</a>, part of the <a href="https://www.defense.gov/" target="_blank">Department of Defense</a>, for widespread industry use across its <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ARPANET">Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANet)</a>. ARPANet was an early packet switching network and the first network to implement the protocol suite known as TCP/IP. Soon, several other TCP/IP prototypes were developed at multiple research centers between 1978 and 1983. However, the migration in the US of the ARPANet to TCP/IP was officially completed on January 1, 1983, when the new protocols were permanently activated across what has since become the World Wide Web.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unnqE-0zlDI/WS32B01y2GI/AAAAAAAADwE/r0FIrM-BN3gVHSiPV3T-1Jx13AAtlBDwACLcB/s1600/Arpanet_logical_map%252C_march_1977.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1000" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unnqE-0zlDI/WS32B01y2GI/AAAAAAAADwE/r0FIrM-BN3gVHSiPV3T-1Jx13AAtlBDwACLcB/s400/Arpanet_logical_map%252C_march_1977.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Source: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ARPANET#/media/File:Arpanet_logical_map,_march_1977.png">wikipedia.org</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For production professionals, TCP/IP has become very important to audio file delivery and networking because it allows the flexibility to route resources to any part of a facility (or remote location) from a centralized position. It also facilitates the development of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_over_IP">Audio-over-IP (AoIP)</a> networks that allow convenient control and monitoring of equipment and systems, and the rapid transfer of audio and firmware files between components.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>INFORMATION OVERLOAD</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the use of TCP/IP, the amount of information a single cable can carry has increased from a few thousand bits per second in the 1960's to a few billion bits per second today. Regular affordable connections in every day information systems now carry one or more <a href="https://www.atlantic.net/blog/do-you-know-the-difference-between-a-gigabit-and-a-gigabyte/">gigabits</a> of information in a single fiber cable over distances spanning many miles. This bandwidth is enough to transport hundreds of high quality audio channels, replacing hundreds of pounds of cabling in conventional systems. More importantly, the functional connections in a networked audio system can be designed separately from the physical connections in the network, due to the flexibility of the IP scheme.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-McJSWSCFCqk/WTBaOiIfh8I/AAAAAAAADwc/gTKOuY0vtjo1UVCJW5GjpbjrJB50DyHugCEw/s1600/amber-blog-images3_r2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="229" data-original-width="540" height="167" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-McJSWSCFCqk/WTBaOiIfh8I/AAAAAAAADwc/gTKOuY0vtjo1UVCJW5GjpbjrJB50DyHugCEw/s400/amber-blog-images3_r2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The functionality opens up a wide array of exciting possibilities for the audio industry: any number of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Input/output">I/O</a> locations can connect to the network anywhere in the system without the limitations of bulky cables, leaving the actual connections to be managed with easy-to-use software. Control signals can be included in the network without additional cabling. Computers can use the network to control and monitor audio devices, such as digital mixers and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_signal_processing">DSP</a> engines. Video connections can also be included using affordable IP-controlled cameras. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">IP is allowing users to send high-quality audio feeds over long distances. This is also known as <a href="https://tech.ebu.ch/groups/nacip">Audio Contribution over IP (ACIP)</a>, which enables programming contributions from outside members of the team as if they were in the next room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>CHANGING THE WAY YOU COMMUNICATE</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Clearly, the Internet and IP have changed the way audio production is performed across a wide variety of applications. Time and space limitations are no longer valid. Professional productions now benefit from the ability to bring in all types of sources from a variety of disparate locations to support and control an array of devices.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The inevitable merging of computer networking technology and audio distribution has arrived. It's time to re-examine the assumptions and concerns (eg, latency, security, etc.) that are holding some professionals back from choosing Audio-over-IP solutions and just get on with it. IP packets can be easily sent and received in a variety of ways that help streamline workflows of all types. It also potentially enables more productivity with less people.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sxf1oAiDlBA/WTBaOoC3NtI/AAAAAAAADwg/FFmSexJBA9IWjXYZHe_tqz9T9q6OXB5zgCEw/s1600/amber-blog-images4_r2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="229" data-original-width="540" height="168" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sxf1oAiDlBA/WTBaOoC3NtI/AAAAAAAADwg/FFmSexJBA9IWjXYZHe_tqz9T9q6OXB5zgCEw/s400/amber-blog-images4_r2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Early AoIP networks were plagued with dropouts, pops and clicks, with most devices limited to a paltry 10 Mbps bandwidth. Some thought that IP packets were never going to be fast enough to deliver real-time audio. With modern advances in networking connectivity, now we know you can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Network speed is no longer a practical limiting factor. Gigabit speeds and modern switching technology ensure virtually zero packet loss under real life conditions in copper or fiber optic networks, while providing ample bandwidth for hundreds of channels of audio and other data at each node. Switched networks isolate traffic at each port, permitting thousands of channels to exist without conflict on a single network without dropouts or errors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>MOVING FORWARD</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The effect that the Internet Protocol has had on today's audio professional cannot be overstated. TCP/IP ensures that data will get to the correct destination and received in the correct order. We're living in a time of massive online growth. IP has helped make sense of it all and, really, saved the day by making our lives a whole lot easier. And the best part: an IP network will be relevant and easily upgradable for years to come.</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-50713878104486778702017-05-19T09:35:00.000-07:002017-05-19T09:35:01.890-07:00Communication Types: Simplex vs Duplex<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many different ways of communicating, but what exactly do the terms Simplex and Duplex mean? Here's a brief rundown of what these terms mean.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Simplex Transmission</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Simplex Transmission, data flows only in one direction - from the sending device to the receiving device. Simplex Transmission is used only when the sending device does not require a response from the receiving device. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Example: A microphone to a loudspeaker</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf4Deyzz800/WRtIZuf7myI/AAAAAAAADvM/_4iOPv15KWoU6Xo1Xo5P6Tj5K3XD5E-eACLcB/s1600/TPSimplexComm.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="25" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf4Deyzz800/WRtIZuf7myI/AAAAAAAADvM/_4iOPv15KWoU6Xo1Xo5P6Tj5K3XD5E-eACLcB/s320/TPSimplexComm.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Half-Duplex Communication</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Half-duplex communication allows two-way conversations, one-way at a time, such that one person cannot interrupt the other. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Example: A walkie-talkie</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2uElQGUc47M/WRtJoLQRk2I/AAAAAAAADvU/nJvpvUt4LQg0GjQ6H8LOiS-n9KqZN7uyACLcB/s1600/TPHalfDuplexComm.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2uElQGUc47M/WRtJoLQRk2I/AAAAAAAADvU/nJvpvUt4LQg0GjQ6H8LOiS-n9KqZN7uyACLcB/s320/TPHalfDuplexComm.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Full-Duplex Communication</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Full-duplex describes bi-directional communications all the time. Regular communications between individuals conversing face to face is full-duplex. In other words, you can talk and listen simultaneously. Full-duplex communication allows simultaneous two-way conversations where one person can interrupt the other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Example: Two people having a conversation.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-23323190973279115922017-05-17T15:44:00.001-07:002017-06-01T11:25:49.901-07:00Audio-over-IP Networking Takes Many Forms<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While everyone agrees that networking audio products to create flexible workflow infrastructures is indeed the best way to distribute and leverage the multiple signals used for a video production or broadcast facility going forward, there's a bit of a debate about the most efficient way to do it. We see and hear a lot of acronyms and fancy names thrown around when it comes to networking, that is, sending audio signals over an Internet Protocol network (AoIP), but what's it all mean?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The two major competing formats - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dante_(networking)" target="_blank">Dante</a> (Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet, a proprietary but widely accepted protocol from Australia-based <a href="https://www.audinate.com/" target="_blank">Audinate</a>) and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AES67" target="_blank">AES67</a> (a more open industry initiative) - similarly convert audio signals to IP and enable complete flexibility in where audio equipment can be located and how signals travel around a facility or live production. Yet, they also have their differences. Choosing the right one has led to a bit of confusion among customers seeking to set up networks that allow individual pieces of audio equipment (microphones, mixing consoles, routers, audio processors, etc.) to communicate with each other in new and innovative ways that have not been possible before.</span><br />
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Both the AES67 and Dante AoIP protocols convert audio signals to IP </div>
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and enable complete flexibility in where audio equipment can be</div>
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located and how signals travel around a facility or live production.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many applications and proprietary networking benefit from both protocols and, interestingly, both are supported by each other in many systems cases - such as audio mixing consoles from companies like <a href="http://solidstatelogic.com/" target="_blank">Solid State Logic</a> and <a href="http://www.wheatstone.com/" target="_blank">Wheatstone</a>. And the benefits for users are potentially huge, allowing broadcasters, production studios, houses of worship and other venues to combine studios and resources as a result of IP audio networking. The flexibility of these systems makes it possible for them to change the studio from one network affiliate to another in a matter of minutes. That includes reconfiguring everything, from remote venue to mix-minus and talent mics. No longer do users have to keep dedicated studios for each show or affiliate. One, very flexible studio can serve multiple purposes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On a practical level, IP audio is much easier to deal with and far more scalable for doing the fast-paced productions that go on in production environments these days. Mic sharing, studio swapping, and setting up IFBs are straightforward and quick, which means a good return on investment because you're able to streamline production and reduce hardware costs in many cases. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>DANTE</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dante consists of software, hardware, and network protocols that deliver uncompressed, multi-channel, low-latency digital audio over a standard Ethernet network using <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_layer" target="_blank">Layer 3 IP packets</a>. It consists of a suite of technologies: an easy to integrate Audio-over-IP networking implementation, along with well-defined developer tools and software applications. This provides manufacturers with a complete toolkit from which to build networked products, plus it gives end users everything they need to easily design, use and manage systems with audio networking.This is very different from only having a published standard, which still requires additional building blocks, which may result in very inconsistent implementations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dante has been licensed by approximately 350 companies, which have in turn produced more than 1,000 products incorporating the AoIP technology. Audinate produces Dante modules, chipsets and reference designs to fit virtually any type of audio product, from tiny, cost-effective single-channel devices to massive consoles with hundreds of channels. And they all work the same way, with the same tools. Dante offers, by far, the widest uptake and the most defined advanced feature-set of the current technology options. It represents a reliable, high-capacity, ultra-low latency audio network with plug-and-play discoverability, full redundancy, advanced API, and excellent value for the customer, according to the company.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dante is also designed to work with standard network switches, allowing it to be easily integrated with existing IP infrastructure in a facility without the need for special network hardware. Interestingly, Dante also incorporates support for AES67, allowing users to connect to other audio networks without disturbing the routing or performance of the Dante network in any way. Finally, <a href="https://www.audinate.com/products/software/dante-controller" target="_blank">Dante Controller software</a> provides users with audio-specific network management tools that allow them to monitor clock health and latency in real-time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">AES67</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many new products are now being introduced that natively support AES67. It is an AoIP interoperability standard, developed by the <a href="http://www.aes.org/" target="_blank">Audio Engineering Society</a> and published in September 2013, which is intended to provide the audio transport and clocking requirements for different AoIP technologies to interchange audio. It does not strictly define how to control and manage these connections. The details of the configuring of these connections are then determined by each underlying technology, manufacturer implementation or a control system deployed that manages multiple technologies.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Demonstrations of the AES67 networking format have been held at several audio industry <br />
conventions to show how the open standard helps manufacturers, integrators and end users alike.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The AES67 standard is what's called a "Layer 3" protocol software suite based on existing standards that is designed to allow interoperability between various IP-based audio networking topologies, like Ravenna and yes, Dante. It also identifies commonalities with Audio Video Bridge (AVB) and specifies real world AVB interoperability scenarios. AES67 is designed to ensure interoperability between previously competing AoIP systems and long-term network interoperation between systems. Since its publication, AES67 has been implemented independently by dozens of manufacturers and adopted by many broadcast and production facilities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>RAVENNA</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravenna_(networking)" target="_blank">Ravenna</a> is yet another audio networking technology for real-time transport of audio and other media data in IP-based networked environments. It was first introduced in September of 2010 at the <a href="https://www.ibc.org/" target="_blank">IBC</a> convention in Amsterdam and is compatible with AES67, since all relevant mechanisms, protocols and formats used for synchronization, transport and payload mandated by AES67 are fully supported. Ravenna is based on protocol levels at or above the Layer 3 protocol. All protocols and mechanisms used within Ravenna are based on widely deployed and established standards. Ravenna can operate on most existing network infrastructures using standard networking technology. Performance and capacity scale with network performance. Ravenna is designed to meet requirements for low latency, full signal transparency and high reliability.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE CHOICE IS YOURS</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, does the audio industry have to standardize on one format? Not necessarily, according to those with experience in audio networking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"There is space for different technologies and standards within the audio industry and it is important to recognize the difference between the two," said Tom Knowles, Product Manager of Broadcast Systems at Solid State Logic. The company's System T broadcast audio production environment is based around Audinate's Dante AoIP technology and also incorporates the AES67 standard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Different AoIP technologies have their own benefits and compromises. The value of a standard, such as AES67, is interoperability between the different AoIP technologies," said Knowles. "Those technologies still exist to provide added feature sets, while standards provide a level of interoperability for the user when a single technology is not used."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today's standard industrial IT infrastructure has already overtaken the technology of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AES3" target="_blank">AES/EBU</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MADI" target="_blank">MADI</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time-division_multiplexing" target="_blank">TDM</a> routers in terms of performance, cost and flexibility. Networked systems deliver huge improvements in infrastructure flexibility, better scalability, and significantly lower costs. Broadcasters and systems integrators can expect more choices in selecting interoperable equipment and solutions from a range of suppliers and will have more scope to manage and control these systems.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the end, improved flexibility, interoperability, and features like discoverability will mean the broadcasters can adapt their systems as their own needs evolve and demands change. Freedom from expensive central routing hardware means that budgetary and inflexible infrastructure obstructions to improvements, change, and renewal are removed. Networked control allows multiple operators to share core processing power, opening up many possibilities for collaborative and multi-role production.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-42875337238301102092017-01-26T15:37:00.004-08:002017-07-25T11:32:04.236-07:00Exit, Stage Left<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you've ever worked on a stage, read or wrote a script, or have ever watched the Hanna-Barbera cartoon featuring the wanna-be stage actor, </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3-a4qWCtIg" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Snagglepuss</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, you've most likely have heard the phrase, "Exit, Stage Left". But what exactly does that term mean?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's a quick glossary of stage terms that describe the locations and directions in a theater. Many of these terms actually come from the descriptions of stage actions in a play script.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HOUSE LEFT: </b>the left side of the auditorium from the spectator's viewpoint facing the stage; toward or at the left side of the auditorium from the spectator's viewpoint facing the stage. Also known as Front House Left or Rear House Left.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HOUSE RIGHT: </b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the right side of the auditorium from the spectator's viewpoint facing the stage; toward or at the right side of the auditorium from the spectator's viewpoint facing the stage. Also known as Front House Right or Rear House Right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>STAGE LEFT: </b>the left side of the stage from the actor's viewpoint facing the audience; toward or at the left side of the stage from the actor's viewpoint facing the audience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>STAGE RIGHT:</b> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the left side of the stage from the actor's viewpoint facing the audience; toward or at the left side of the stage from the actor's viewpoint facing the audience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>DOWNSTAGE:</b> the part of the stage nearest the audience; toward or at the front part of the stage, nearest the audience. Often used in conjunction with Left or Right: Downstage Left, Downstage Right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>UPSTAGE: </b>the part of the stage farthest from the audience; toward or at the rear part of the stage, farthest from the audience. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Often used in conjunction with Left or Right: Upstage Left, Upstage Right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>OFFSTAGE:</b> away from the stage center; toward or at the part of the stage that is out of view of the audience. Often used in conjunction with Left or Right: Offstage Left, Offstage Right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>ONSTAGE: </b>toward the stage center; toward or in the part of the stage that is in view of the audience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>OUT: </b>away from the stage floor and toward the gridiron, referring to vertical movement of scenery, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>IN:</b> toward the stage floor, referring to vertical movement of scenery, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Source: <a href="http://theatreprojects.com/en/" target="_blank">Theatre Projects Consultants</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-29456645651863784592016-12-15T11:59:00.000-08:002017-06-01T11:26:13.370-07:00WiFi Data Systems: What to Watch Out For (Part 5 of 5)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Using wireless modems is an appealing way to build a data network because it's convenient. Long cable runs aren't necessary, which tends to keep the labor costs down. Modems are inexpensive and can be obtained easily. Expansion of the network can be as simple as buying another modem box and locating it where it's needed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, despite all the advantages, there are a few land mines that one can hit when deploying a wireless network. In fairness, it should be noted that the problems listed below are rare and very few networks will have these issues. But, such problems have been known to arise and it's worthwhile to keep them in mind. Especially, if a network develops a problem that needs troubleshooting after it's been deployed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">LICENSED AND UNLICENSED USAGE</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First, I should clarify something about the legal aspects of anything that uses radio waves. In a broad sense, radio (or wireless) devices fall into two classes; those that require the user to obtain a license from the <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/" target="_blank">Federal Communication Commission (FCC)</a>, and those that </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">don't.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The FCC issues licenses to users for their radio communications equipment. This includes everyone from police and fire departments to radio and television stations. Without a license, those organizations can't use their radio equipment. However, when WiFi and wireless computer networks began to be deployed in increasing numbers, it became obvious that trying to issue licenses to everyone who wanted a local network just wouldn't be practical. There were just too many users.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, the Commission set up various bands that users could access with unlicensed devices. They also put the burden on manufacturers to insure that the equipment they were making for use in these bands met the certain technical specifications. All products that are made to be used in these bands must comply with <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-00-1407A1.pdf" target="_blank">Part 15</a> of the FCC rules.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The good news here is that when you purchase a new wireless modem for your computer network, you don't have to worry about getting a license to use it. All you have to do is plug it in and let it work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Except there is one downside to this: the possibility of interference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>INTERFERENCE FROM <u>OUTSIDE</u> SOURCES</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The bands used for wireless data communications for unlicensed users are the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands. Because of the proliferating usage of radio frequency based systems today, it is possible for some non-WiFi devices, such as cordless phones, to create a problem for a wireless network.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In essence, there are two main criteria that Part 15 of the FCC rules lays down. First, any unlicensed device used in these bands must not cause interference with a licensed device. Second, any unlicensed device must accept interference that is caused to it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the first instance, if your wireless network is causing interference to a licensed users, then you have no choice but to correct the problem immediately or, worst case, shut down your network. The user with the license has the priority and the right to the usage of the band in question.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the second case, if a user has a device that is causing you trouble and that user has a valid FCC license, then, bluntly put, you are probably out of luck. You can't force a licensed user to stop using their devices or equipment. Again, this is because the user with the license has the priority.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are other technical issues that also need to be taken into account when one of these situations arise, but those are generally ones that you may hit with outside interference. That is, when something other than a wireless LAN interferes with another wireless LAN.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>INTERFERENCE FROM <u>INSIDE</u> SOURCES</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Under certain conditions, it is possible for a data network to interfere with another data network. This is extremely rare, but as anyone who has worked with radio equipment will testify, almost anything is possible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you have an existing wireless network deployed and you want to add another network, you might experience this issue. Even with all of the modern software and sophisticated modulation techniques, it can still happen. Many times the instruction books provided with wireless modems will discuss this and will suggest some ways to keep the two networks from colliding with each other. Difficult cases may require you to obtain the help of a competent radio engineer to overcome the problem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A more difficult challenge is when your network is interfering with another user in your area, say a next-door business or neighbor. You'll have to then work with them to fix the problem. However, because of the low power levels used in wireless networks, it's unlikely you'll ever have to deal with this issue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some users, in an effort to cover more area, will attach a different antenna to the wireless modem than the one that came with it. Some cordless phone system users will try this too. But, the FCC publication "<a href="https://transition.fcc.gov/bureaus/oet/info/documents/bulletins/oet63/oet63rev.pdf" target="_blank">OET Bulletin No. 63</a>" explains the need of using the proper antenna as follows:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>"...Part 15 transmitters must have permanently attached antennas, or detachable antennas with unique connectors. A "unique connector" is one that is not of a standard type found in electronic supply stores. </i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>It is recognized that suppliers of Part 15 transmitters often want their customers to be able to replace an antenna if it should break. With this in mind, Part 15 allows transmitters to be designed so that the user can replace a broken antenna. When this is done, the replacement antenna must be electrically identical to the antenna that was used to obtain FCC authorization for the transmitter."</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, if you want to try to make your system cover more territory, it's better to use a "booster" or get another modem. Changing an antenna could create more problems for you than you want.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>PROBLEMS WITH THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://comm-n-sense.blogspot.com/2016/12/wifi-rf-and-data-security-issues-part-4.html" target="_blank">Part 4 of this series</a> discussed the problems that can happen due to the building that you're in. Things like large steel beams used in the framework or large quantities of concrete in walls or slabs dividing sections of a building can block signals from covering all the areas that need to be served. Again, a good radio engineer is the best person to help solve problems caused by the structure that the network is deployed into.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HACKERS, INVADERS AND SPOOFERS</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also in <a href="http://comm-n-sense.blogspot.com/2016/12/wifi-rf-and-data-security-issues-part-4.html" target="_blank">Part 4 of this series</a>, we discussed the security issues involved in over-the-air networks as opposed to wired networks. This is a real problem and needs to be considered if you're going to go wireless. Don't assume you'll be alright and that you won't need to protect the network. Use the proper recommended security techniques.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>FINAL THOUGHTS</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope that this Wi-Fi Series have been helpful in understanding radio, wireless, radio frequency information and the use of over-the-air data transmissions. The main goal of this series was to make it clear that the hardware and software requirements are very complex. Sometimes it may seem like magic, but it's really not. It takes a lot of work on part of both the hardware and software engineers to make our data modems work as well as they do. Even so, future developments will probably be even more astounding than what we have today. That's the beauty of living in a high technology world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Click here to revisit any of the the posts you may have missed in this series:</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://comm-n-sense.blogspot.com/2016/08/wi-fi-what-does-name-mean-and-how-does.html" target="_blank">Part 1 - WiFi: What Does the Name Mean and How Does it Work?</a></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://comm-n-sense.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-history-of-wireless-technology.html" target="_blank">Part 2 - The History of Wireless Technology: Wireless or Radio?</a></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://comm-n-sense.blogspot.com/2016/10/wifi-radios-and-modulation-techniques.html" target="_blank">Part 3 - WiFi Radios and Modulation Techniques</a></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://comm-n-sense.blogspot.com/2016/12/wifi-rf-and-data-security-issues-part-4.html" target="_blank">Part 4 - WiFi RF and Data Security Issues</a></span></blockquote>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">Paul Black </span></b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">is a freelance writer and broadcast engineer in Northern California. He holds a Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer certification from the Society of Broadcast Engineers and an FCC Lifetime General Class Operator License. He is a licensed amateur radio operator (call sign N6BBZ) and has worked for several broadcast companies, including Bonneville Broadcasting, RKO General Broadcasting, and CBS Television. Visit his website at </span><a href="http://www.paulblackcopy.com/"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">www.paulblackcopy.com</span></a></i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><i>. </i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-35822669747675552532016-12-01T11:43:00.000-08:002016-12-01T11:43:19.944-08:00WiFi RF and Data Security Issues (Part 4 of 5)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The use of radio-frequency (RF) devices for wireless transmission of data is an appealing way to set up local networks (LAN). RF-based routers have become relatively inexpensive, easily available from many suppliers, and simple to implement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In places like private homes, small business locations and even larger areas, such as malls and hotels, wireless networks have become about as common as telephones. Retailers, especially those that operate large brick-and-mortar stores (ie supermarkets or department stores) frequently set up these networks. Consumers who walk into a store are urged to sign-on and thereby get special prices or get help navigating through the store. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the last decade or so, many businesses that exist in an office environment, like insurance companies, have implemented wireless LANs, both for their employees and also for use by visitors. However, there are some potential problems for both the operator of the network and the users of the network.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>RF SIGNAL BLOCKAGE ISSUES</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately, radio waves can't go through all materials. Metallic items used in most commercial construction, like metal wall studs, window frames and HVAC ducts, can act as signal shields. These items can also deflect signals around in ways that make I hard for mobile devices, like laptops and smartphones, to receive the signals. This can result in some areas being inaccessible to any over-the-air connection.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-xnjlK9WOE/WD33l6JutkI/AAAAAAAADsA/TozxmmusIUMtSTbe740yusxwM07x1PqQQCLcB/s1600/brick_blocking_network.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-xnjlK9WOE/WD33l6JutkI/AAAAAAAADsA/TozxmmusIUMtSTbe740yusxwM07x1PqQQCLcB/s320/brick_blocking_network.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not only does this make it hard for the mobile devices to receive the signal from the LAN, it can make it equally hard for the LAN to "hear" the mobile device. Data sent from the mobile device, either doesn't get through or it requires so many retries due to dropped packets that the response time is slowed down dramatically. The result is frustration on the part of the users.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SCRAMBLED DATA / INTERFERENCE</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Two of the more frustrating experiences users suffer are problems with data being scrambled and other services that use the wireless bands creating interference (almost always unintentionally).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As previously mentioned, it can take many retries to send or receive the information. Besides slowing down response time, the data can get badly corrupted. This can result in problems like missing or garbled text, images and graphics not loading, and other unwanted effects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Interference to a LAN signal these days is rare, thanks to modern modulation methods and encoding/encryption techniques. But it does happen occasionally. Wireless LANs typically use the unlicensed sections of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISM_band" target="_blank">Industrial, Scientific and Medical bands</a> (also called ISM bands for short). Many other services use these bands also.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because the Federal Communication Commission does not issue licenses to users to operate in these bands, there is no protection to any individual user against invasion from unwanted signals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HACK ATTACKS</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By far the largest drawback, and the most dangerous one, is the ability of "wide open" networks to be invaded by hackers. Attacks of this type are very common. Criminal hackers can extract everything from documents to credit card and banking information stored on mobiles. The rise of identity theft is due in part to this kind of activity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SOLUTIONS</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wireless data LANs that operate in the ISM bands must use a fixed power level. It's not possible to increase the actual transmitted power. <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/" target="_blank">Federal Communications Commission (FCC)</a> rules prohibit changing this. Increasing the power to improve coverage is not an option.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, much work and research has been done by the hardware manufacturers in the area of antenna technology. If you look at a modern router, you'll probably see at least two, or as many as eight, antennas attached to it. This helps a great deal with coverage. Routers from the major makers, such as <a href="http://www.linksys.com/us/" target="_blank">Linksys </a>or <a href="https://www.netgear.com/" target="_blank">Netgear</a>, now have much longer ranges and larger areas of coverage than those of just a few years ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In some environments, areas to be covered and materials used in the construction mean that one single router can't cover the entire area. It is possible to deploy another router, but many times a wireless range extender device will provide signal where it's needed.These devices are simple to install and relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of a router. They are used extensively in both commercial and residential locations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Proper placement of both the router and any range extenders can help a lot in improving coverage. Avoiding putting these devices near large metallic objects, or anywhere a large number of electrical cables are installed, can help to insure that signal quality is the best it can be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By creating proper hardware placement, the number of dropouts and the need for continuous retries to get data delivered successfully can be reduced to a much more tolerable level. This can also help alleviate interference from other users in the band. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The problem of hackers invading a LAN, particularly one that is open and not secured, will always be with us. In an employee-usage environment, like in an office, or in a home where the LAN is used by only one family, proper security methods typically eliminate attempts by hackers to compromise the network. If visitors need access, they can be given a temporary password that will allow use of the wireless LAN for a limited time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the user standpoint, another way to insure that a mobile device can communicate securely in an open-network environment is to set up a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_network" target="_blank">Virtual Private Network (VPN)</a>. This creates a tunnel from the user to the website or server that is being accessed and is encrypted to keep data from being interrupted. There are many companies that offer this service for a monthly fee.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now the concern is; what are the pros and cons of deploying a wireless network in any given environment? Our next, and final post in this series, will define some of these and point out the good, the bad and the ugly sides of wireless LANs.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">Paul Black </span></b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">is a freelance writer and broadcast engineer in Northern California. He holds a Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer certification from the Society of Broadcast Engineers and an FCC Lifetime General Class Operator License. He is a licensed amateur radio operator (call sign N6BBZ) and has worked for several broadcast companies, including Bonneville Broadcasting, RKO General Broadcasting, and CBS Television. Visit his website at </span><a href="http://www.paulblackcopy.com/"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">www.paulblackcopy.com</span></a></i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><i>. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-86693419478934324912016-10-21T12:32:00.000-07:002016-10-21T12:33:24.895-07:00WiFi Radios and Modulation Techniques (Part 3 of 5)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As mentioned in our <a href="http://comm-n-sense.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-history-of-wireless-technology.html" target="_blank">History of Wireless Technology</a> post, getting data sent over the air without wires isn't as easy as it is when you have a wired, or cabled, connection system. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Think about a standard two-way radio. The correct name for this kind of radio is a "transceiver". It both <i>transmits</i> and <i>receives</i>, therefore it's called a "transceiver". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's probably safe to say that most people know at least something about how a radio like this works. If you've ever watched a television show that feature police, fire, or other people that use two-way radios, like airline pilots, you've seen these radios in use. When you want to talk, you pick up the microphone and push the button on the microphone. When you're done talking, you let up on the button. The person you're talking to will then reply to you and you can hear them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately, for data communications, trying to use radios in this manner won't work. This doesn't begin to allow data to be sent and received with the speed, accuracy and reliability that is needed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SPEED AND BANDWIDTH NEEDS</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Radios used for data have to be fast, with lots of bandwidth, and be reasonably immune to natural and man-made noise and interference. They also have to be able to accept data streams in various protocols and translate the digital data (the ones and zeros, if you will) into something that can be impressed upon a radio signal. Following that, the signal has to be of a high enough quality that it can be received and turned back into the original data (again, the ones and zeros).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The proper word for putting any information onto a radio wave is called "modulation". We don't have time here to delve deeply into all the math and theory involved to explain the way digital data is modulated into a radio wave. However, we will look at the main method used for LANs, WANs, mobile cellular phones and data communication in general.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The modulation technique that's almost always used is a method called "spread spectrum". It's got an interesting history. Spread spectrum was developed for use in military communications. The idea was to keep the enemy from being able to intercept and decode secret communications, yet also make it hard for the enemy to jam radio signals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The original spreading technique was called "frequency hopper", or it's more modern term, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency-hopping_spread_spectrum" target="_blank">Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)</a>. It worked by actually changing the frequencies as it was transmitting the signals. Every few milliseconds, the transmitter would hop to a new frequency. So, even if you could tune into one of the frequencies in use, it wasn't long before it was gone. Then, on the other end, the receiver had to be able to follow the transmitter when it changed. This took a lot of careful timing and delicate control, but it did work. It kept the enemy from being able to intercept the communications.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first patent for this type of modulation was issued in 1942 to music composer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Antheil" target="_blank">George Antheil </a>and Hollywood actress <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedy_Lamarr" target="_blank">Hedy Lamarr</a>. The two were introduced at a party where they originally bonded over the women's magazine articles Antheil wrote about endocrinology and ways to increase Lamarr's bust size to make her more attractive in Hollywood. But it was during these scientific discussions that they turned their conversations over to the war and how the Germans were struggling with their torpedoes missing their targets. This is rather a fascinating story as told in a previous blog post, <a href="http://comm-n-sense.blogspot.com/2014/11/beauty-brains-and-secret-communication.html" target="_blank">Beauty, Brains and Secret Communication</a>, or if you're a podcast listener, check out the <a href="http://podplayer.net/#/?id=17487363" target="_blank">You Must Remember This episode featuring Hedy Lamarr</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For many years, the frequency hopping communication system was classified as "SECRET" by the United States government. The Army Signal Corps was the only organization that used it or knew all of the details on how it worked. As time passed, however, researchers in the private sector began discovering how spread spectrum functioned. When the scientists and engineers outside of the military figured out the secret, it wasn't really a secret anymore. Finally, after the patent expired in 1962, it was declassified and available for use by the civilian sector.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>MORE THAN ONE WAY TO HIDE THE SIGNAL</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In addition to the original Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS), the other spread spectrum system is the Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum, or DSSS for short. This works differently, as it doesn't "hop". DSSS takes the digital signal and combines it with the radio signal in such a way that the signal is spread out over a large number of adjacent frequencies, at the same time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are several ways to do this, but one of the more common spreading methods is called Code Division Multiple Access, or CDMA. Almost all mobile phones used in the United States operate using this method. Among its many advantages, it allows a high level of security for phone calls to help eliminate eavesdropping on phone conversations. It also allows several mobile cell phone calls to exist in the same general frequency band at the same time. By allowing that, more mobiles can be used by more people without the problem of running out of available channels, which was a common issue in the early days of mobile cell phones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It also helps in allowing what is called "duplex" communications. This means that you don't have to push a button to talk, like you do with the two-way radios as described in those previously mentioned tv shows about police and firemen. This makes a mobile cell phone call sound and function almost the same as a regular landline telephone call.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE NEW AGE OF DATA COMMUNICATIONS</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the development of the capabilities described above, mobile phones and data communications entered a new era. Now, there are ways to create radio-based systems that emulate a cabled system. The age of the wireless router came about as a result of these advancements in radio-frequency systems. However, despite all of the wonderful capabilities we now have, there are still some pitfalls, land mines and other difficulties that a radio/wireless data communication system is subject to. In our next installment, we'll explore some of the what-not-to-do's.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you'd like to read more on all of this, plus more that we didn't cover here, I recommend reading <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Communication-Networks-Systems-Beard/dp/0133594173/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476106322&sr=8-1&keywords=wireless+communications+and+networks+william+stallings" target="_blank">"Wireless Communications and Networks"</a>, by Dr. William Stallings. It's very easy to read and makes all of the theories very understandable.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">Paul Black </span></b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">is a freelance writer and broadcast engineer in Northern California. He holds a Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer certification from the Society of Broadcast Engineers and an FCC Lifetime General Class Operator License. He is a licensed amateur radio operator (call sign N6BBZ) and has worked for several broadcast companies, including Bonneville Broadcasting, RKO General Broadcasting, and CBS Television. Visit his website at </span><a href="http://www.paulblackcopy.com/"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">www.paulblackcopy.com</span></a></i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><i>. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-22865165789353887292016-09-20T15:47:00.000-07:002016-09-20T15:49:49.048-07:00The History of Wireless Technology: Wireless or Radio? (Part 2 of 5)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back in the latter half of the nineteenth century, uses for electricity were just being discovered. By 1880, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Edison" target="_blank">Thomas Edison</a> had improved his original light bulb to the point that it was a viable product, and early wiring of cities for power had begun. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But scientists were discovering that there was a lot more to this new source of energy than first appeared.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 1888, at the University of Karlsruhe in Germany, a young professor named <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinrich_Hertz" target="_blank">Heinrich Hertz</a>, proved what other scientists had only suspected; you could send electric "waves" through the air.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, there hadn't been much work on the practical use of these waves at that point. So, the scientific and technical community just called them "Hertzian waves", since Hertz was the first to prove their existence. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But it wasn't long before experimenters were looking at ways of using these new "waves" to do some useful work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The wired telegraph had been around for a long time. In the United States, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Morse" target="_blank">Samuel Morse</a> created the first useful wired telegraph as early as 1844. Of course, to make it work, you had to string wires. That was time-consuming and expensive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of the early pioneers of electrical science got the idea that maybe they could get rid of the wires by using these "waves" Hertz had already proven existed to send telegraph code instead. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The scientific term that describes the sending of the waves is "radiation". You are "radiating" electricity when you create and send the waves. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once you do that, you have to have a way to "hear" them. The human ear can't hear these waves, so it was necessary to build something to do this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 1890, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89douard_Branly" target="_blank">Edouard Branly</a>, a French physicist, developed a device that would do just that. He called it a "radio-conductuer", since it could receive waves that were being "radiated". However, not everyone used "radiation" or "radio" when discussing this new form of communication.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guglielmo_Marconi" target="_blank">Gugelielmo Marconi</a>, working in England between 1896 and 1898, showed that you could send signals through the air at considerable distances, and you could send Morse code on these signals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Marconi called the company that he founded "The Wireless Telegraph and Signal Company" to make sure everyone knew that you didn't need any wires to send Morse code by this method. So, "wireless" became a common term for this new form of communication in England.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, some technical people began to gravitate more towards using the term "radio" in place of the term "wireless". In the January 21, 1898 issue of <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Electrician" target="_blank">The Electrician (London)</a></i>, a letter from a reader suggested that the term "radio-telegraphy" might be preferable to "wireless-telegraphy". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 1904, the British Post Office, which was the branch of the government that sent telegrams, specified that any telegram sent by an over-the-air method had to insure that "...the word "Radio"... is send in the Service Instructions". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Meanwhile, in 1906, in Berlin, Germany, the <a href="https://archive.org/details/internationalrad00inte" target="_blank">Berlin Radiotelegraph Convention</a> included a Service Regulation specifying that "Radiotelegrams shall show in the preamble that the service is 'Radio'", again to distinguish it from the use of wired telegraphs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There were some holdouts on this, however. Electrical engineer William Maver, Jr., who, in the preface to his 1910 book "<a href="https://archive.org/details/maverswirelesst00mavegoog" target="_blank">Wireless Telegraphy and Telephony</a>", said that he intended to stay with the older term "wireless". Apparently, he was a traditionalist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Between 1907 and 1920, "radio" and "wireless" were used to describe the new communication method interchangeably. In the United States, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_de_Forest" target="_blank">Lee de Forest</a>, an early researcher who is credited with developing some of the first tubes used in receivers, called it "radio". This led to a general migration to the term "radio" in the United States. However, in England and Europe, "wireless" was still widely used.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It wasn't until the early years of broadcasting, around 1920, that the term "radio" began to become the more common term used everywhere. In 1923, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC" target="_blank">British Broadcasting Company</a> (BBC) launched it's magazine devoted to broadcasting, called "Radio Times" (still in publication today). </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The BBC's decision to use "radio" pretty much put "wireless" aside. In most places around the world, "radios" became an understood term for over-the-air broadcasting and communications.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That is, until the rise of computer networks in the latter half of the 20th century.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just like the early telegraph signals that were sent in the nineteenth century, early computer networking was done using wires, or, more properly, cables. Many times, the choice of cabling was either a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coaxial_cable" target="_blank">coaxial cable</a> or a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twisted_pair" target="_blank">twisted-pair cable</a>. (Today, the bulk of the wired networking is done with twisted-pair cables.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As computer networking evolved, it was easy to see that the need for over-the-air, un-cabled networks would provide a lot of convenience and solve a lot of problems. Just like what happened in the early 1900's with Morse code communications, scientists and technologists knew that, somehow, a way would be found to get rid of the cables.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some early over-the-air computer communications with microwave systems was successful, due to the wide-band capability of these systems. Because of the bandwidth available at the higher microwave frequencies, these systems could transmit a large amount of data at a fast rate. Satellites, too, had this advantage due to the frequencies at which they operate. Uplinks and downlinks could replace terrestrial cable systems, including those that ran under oceans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally, regulatory agencies created radio bands which were originally intended for use in "Industrial, Scientific and Medical" research, appropriately called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISM_band" target="_blank">ISM bands</a>. Hardware designed to operate in these bands did not require users to obtain licenses. This opened the door to allow unwired computer networking systems to be implanted without users having to comply with complex regulatory filings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And so, as these systems became more common, the term "wireless" arose again, due mainly to the fact that the use of these bands allowed elimination of the wires (or again, more properly, cables) needed to tie computer systems together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, now we're back to defining these systems as "wireless", just like in the early part of the last century. To quote baseball's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yogi_Berra" target="_blank">Yogi Berra</a>, "It's déjà vu, all over again".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Interestingly enough, today one major technical group defines wireless networking as: "Using <u><i><b>radio</b></i></u>, microwaves, etc. as opposed to cables to transmit computer networking signals". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Wireless" or "radio", the term used is less important than the ability to perform the work needed to get data across given distances. Call it what you will, it has revolutionized our ability to connect computers into a network and contributed greatly to the rise of the world-wide web.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_ebVNqTKAI/V-G72oPsJKI/AAAAAAAADqs/Vjz7u64tnMEskZFU6FeUXKGaEU1KDaiWQCLcB/s1600/amber-timeline-graphic-vertical-1%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_ebVNqTKAI/V-G72oPsJKI/AAAAAAAADqs/Vjz7u64tnMEskZFU6FeUXKGaEU1KDaiWQCLcB/s1600/amber-timeline-graphic-vertical-1%2B%25281%2529.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Timeline: Radio vs Wireless</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In part 3 of our series, we'll look at some of the requirements necessary to make radio/wireless systems capable of sending and receiving data without interfering with each other, as well as touch on the software systems that create these results.</span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">Paul Black </span></b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">is a freelance writer and broadcast engineer in Northern California. He holds a Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer certification from the Society of Broadcast Engineers and an FCC Lifetime General Class Operator License. He is a licensed amateur radio operator (call sign N6BBZ) and has worked for several broadcast companies, including Bonneville Broadcasting, RKO General Broadcasting, and CBS Television. Visit his website at </span><a href="http://www.paulblackcopy.com/"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">www.paulblackcopy.com</span></a></i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><i>. </i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-57557958863373430282016-09-16T14:25:00.004-07:002016-09-16T15:18:01.934-07:00ROAD REPORT: Space...the Wireless Frontier<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ok...time to get out your Star Trek communicator pin, your Mr. Spock ears and Klingon mask and sash. Clear-Com brings us to the edge of space exploration - or at least to the training centers.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5fE-90j7nxA/V9sm86ZJ84I/AAAAAAAADpo/SzswV9tVLq41adn3fGEfnoed1_VQnrXdgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160614_135944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5fE-90j7nxA/V9sm86ZJ84I/AAAAAAAADpo/SzswV9tVLq41adn3fGEfnoed1_VQnrXdgCLcB/s320/IMG_20160614_135944.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We start with a 6 million gallon pool that's bigger than a football field. A major space agency uses this pool to train astronauts from around the world, simulating the weightless conditions of working in low earth orbit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The astronaut trainees put on their space suits and, through an umbilical of tubes and cables to the poolside tender positions, get their air, medical telemetry and communication needs. They all connect via standard 4-wire connections (line-level inputs and outputs to a matrix port in the main control server room). There are controllers at poolside and controllers simulating Mission Control Center-like consoles that guide the trainees and the scuba diver assistants through the paces of their exercises. A beautiful techno-ballet in the slow motion world of the underwater, weightlessness of simulation training.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Why Do Astronauts Use Training Pools?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Imagine you are all suited up in your cool, high-tech space suit. HAL900 has opened the Pod Bay door. You stand on the step, taking in the unbelievable view and....you step off into the abyss to do your spacewalk in order to fix an antenna on the other side of the Space Station. In the weightlessness of space, you turn your wrench to tighten the bolt on the antenna. But, if you haven't practiced your task while weightless, just as you move your body to turn the bolt....it's quite possible you might also turn the whole Space Station! Didn't know your own strength, did you?</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pg6bjIcGdtk/V9sm9HOi7bI/AAAAAAAADp0/c8Nvw5dfcLQD-Ln0pCWme-2zy4sSDMGsQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160615_142538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pg6bjIcGdtk/V9sm9HOi7bI/AAAAAAAADp0/c8Nvw5dfcLQD-Ln0pCWme-2zy4sSDMGsQCLcB/s320/IMG_20160615_142538.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, this training is why the astronauts do simulation training at the pool. Using Clear-Com's </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII" target="_blank">FreeSpeak II wireles</a>s and </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/digital-matrix/sub/EclipseHX" target="_blank">Eclipse HX digital matrix</a> systems, the team is able to coordinate communications between the Control Room simulations, the Dive Boss' station, the medical team (who constantly monitor the astronauts' and assistant divers' vitals), and the technical coordinators, while maintaining clear and open lines of communications. This way, the task of learning how to work in weightless conditions can be run in a smooth, efficient and safe manner. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Wireless Work Flow</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wireless communication can be very persnickety, as we all know. In this decade, we are seeing the loss of wide swaths of the narrow UHF spectrum. As these bands are sold off to the highest bidder, we are all left looking for new places to use our small signals for mics, comms and IFB (interruptible fold back for talent and in-ear monitors). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Clear-Com's FreeSpeak II plays a big part in the workflow here. First off, the <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/FreespeakII-Beltpack-19" target="_blank">1.9 GHz model</a> keeps the comms well out of the way of other frequency traffic, both in the remaining UHF and the now very crowded 2.4 GHz spectrum. With that said, with the deployment of Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology and recent Clear-Com innovations, the use of <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/freespeak-II-beltpack-24" target="_blank">2.4 GHz wireless</a> systems are becoming more attractive. The FreeSpeak II 2.4 GHz has been chosen for some of these training facilities because of the redundancy transmission of the FHSS scheme, which helps with the immensity of the room and reflective nature of the architecture and the huge water surface reflectiveness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The FreeSpeak II solution uses a deployment of an array of <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/freespeakII/freespeak-II-active-tranceiver-antenna-24" target="_blank">Transceiver Antennas</a> that can service up to 5 beltpacks per transceiver. These are then spread out around the needed coverage area and the beltpacks hand-off from one antenna to another as the users move about the covered areas. Their seamless hand-off is clean and has a killer clear sound. The high quality spectrum of audio makes the FreeSpeak the best sounding multi-channel communication system around. And when using the matrix integration card option, as the large training pool area has, it makes it possible for any intercom panel in the facility to directly talk with any and every beltpack user, and vice versa. When programming the FreeSpeak II through the Eclipse HX's <a href="http://www.clearcom.com/product/digital-matrix/ehx-software/EHXConfigurationSoftware" target="_blank">EHX software</a>, it's just a simple drag and drop function. BINGO...you're all set to get to work. When using this integrated method, the beltpacks can do just about anything that the wired matrix user panels can do. If there's a telephone interface in the matrix, the FreeSpeak II beltpacks can be programmed to make a telephone call (including speed dial to the actual destination phone number) or trigger relays or GPI's with the touch of a button.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The award-winning audio clarity of the FreeSpeak II wireless system makes for crisp and clear communications, in an environment where it's most vital, like simulated training courses for astronauts going into space. These expert technicians need a system that can adapt to their unique workflow and one that they can trust will work in any environment. Perhaps, one day......even in space. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Rom Rosenblum </b>has always been a capable, yet rebellious audio-guy. Originally in the music recording business as an engineer, with a long Emmy Award winning career in live TV broadcasting, Rom worships at the altar of All Things Audio. As one of the Applications Engineers at Clear-Com, he works as a catch-all fixer for folks who need tech support, commissioning, systems design, product development, and sales support.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-39401500687290653662016-08-15T10:15:00.000-07:002016-08-15T10:15:00.699-07:00Wi-Fi: What Does the Name Mean and How Does it Work? (Part 1 of 5)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>WHAT IS Wi-Fi? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unless you've spent the last few years inhabiting a cave, you've probably heard the term "Wi-Fi" (or maybe "WiFi", which is an alternate spelling). It's become one of those common "buzzword" expressions, like "cellular", or "mobile", or "social media".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But just exactly how do we define Wi-Fi? We all know what its most basic use is; it allows us to connect to the Internet without having to plug a cable into whatever we're using to connect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What the name actually means, where it came from, and how the technology works are things that many people don't fully understand. What we hope to achieve in this series of posts is some enlightenment on these subjects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Wi-Fi IS NOT AN ACRONYM</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The original standard for all wireless capability was developed from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, or <a href="https://www.ieee.org/index.html" target="_blank">IEEE</a>, and was originally published in 1999. The full-blown name for the important part of this standard is "Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As time went by, it became obvious that there were certain products that wouldn't work with other products. Many times this was because the wireless modem in one device worked differently than the one in the device that it was trying to connect to. This was due to the face that the IEEE had no way to test different manufactures' equipment for compliance with the standards it had published.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, thus was created a non-profit organization called the <a href="http://www.wi-fi.org/" target="_blank">Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance</a>. It was formed to help ensure that wireless Internet products conform to certain interoperability standards. The idea was to make certain that one company's "box" could talk to another company's "box". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, after the Alliance had been in existence for a while, a non-technical issue arose. This was that the name of both the Alliance, and the standard, were considered too long and too clumsy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some thought was given to using the initials, WECA, a shortened version of the Alliance's name, but that was only part of the problem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The bigger problem was that the standard's name had become known as the "<a href="http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/wireless/wi-fi/ieee-802-11-standards-tutorial.php" target="_blank">IEEE 802.11b Direct Sequence</a>". As one founding member of the Alliance commented, "We needed something a little catchier than that". The name just didn't have that "ring" to it to make it memorable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, the Alliance hired a consulting company, called <a href="http://interbrand.com/" target="_blank">Interbrand</a>, to help them come up with something that was more memorable, and would still be descriptive enough to explain the standard, and the work that the committee was doing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The result was the term "<a href="http://interbrand.com/work/catchier-than-ieee-802-11b-welcome-wi-fi/" target="_blank">Wi-Fi</a>", and the new name for the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance became the Wi-Fi Alliance. Although some members of the Alliance were not sure that this was a good idea, since the name didn't have a specific literal explanation, the consensus was that this satisfied all the requirements. It was easy to spell, easy to remember, and had the potential to become one of the "buzzwords" that populate our conversations today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>NOW THAT WE'VE NAMED IT, HOW DOES IT WORK?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because of the speed, reliability, and usefulness of Wi-Fi, we sometimes forget there is a single most basic concept to it; a radio frequency signal. (If you're familiar with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OSI_model" target="_blank">OSI </a>computer networking model, this is the "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_layer" target="_blank">physical layer</a>")</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you get on the other side of all the software, the protocols, the modulation techniques and all the other stuff involved in Wi-Fi, you can boil the whole thing down to the fact that Wi-Fi consists of a series of computer-controlled two-way radios. That might sound almost too simple, but really, within the laws of physics, that's all there is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course, some people will balk at the term "radio" and insist that non-wired data communications should be referred to as "wireless". For right now, just keep in mind that radio waves being sent through the air from one device to another are what allows information to be transferred in a Wi-Fi environment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since the real purpose of Wi-Fi was to provide a way to transfer the same type of information that can be sent through a wired network, such as a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_Ethernet#100BASE-TX" target="_blank">100BASE-T Ethernet</a> network, some challenges faced the early developers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First off, all the protocols, control codes, and other metadata that a wired network uses had to be put onto the radio signals. Also, all this information had to flow in both directions, that is, to and from each network node. When you include the data itself, this means sending and receiving a lot of information.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In a wired environment, you don't have to constantly turn on and off the radio waves in the devices. With radio communications, this usually has to be done because two radio waves on the same frequency, at the same time, will interfere with each other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Trouble is, this can be very time-consuming. It can slow data transfer down significantly. In data communications, speed is of the essence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, how do you overcome this challenge? What can you do to a radio wave to make it work compatibly with other radio waves right next to it, all around it, or even on its very own frequency?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In Part 2 of our series, we'll explore some of the ways to overcome these issues, and take a look at the history and definitions of the words "wireless" and "radio".</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 115%;">Paul Black </span></b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 115%;">is
a freelance writer and broadcast engineer in Northern California. He holds a
Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer certification from the Society of
Broadcast Engineers and an FCC Lifetime General Class Operator License. He is a
licensed amateur radio operator (call sign N6BBZ) and has worked for several
broadcast companies, including Bonneville Broadcasting, RKO General
Broadcasting, and CBS Television. Visit his website at </span><a href="http://www.paulblackcopy.com/"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 115%;">www.paulblackcopy.com</span></a></i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><i>. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209849228819100978.post-19859951499126850682016-05-02T17:08:00.001-07:002016-05-11T07:41:25.308-07:00Emil Leon Matignon<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On April 8th, Clear-Com mourned the loss of a highly regarded audio engineer, musician, inventor, salesman, and friend - yesterday would have been his 61st birthday. In his 35 years with Clear-Com, he gained much respect from his customers and his colleagues. Here are just a few parting words from those of us at Clear-Com.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Emil Matignon – An Appreciation</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>By Bob Boster, Clear-Com President </b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>When I first came to Clear-Com in 2006 as a sales guy I was
assigned to sit next to Emil for the first week to learn the products from a
system design standpoint and get a feeling for how the business flow worked by
listening in on his phone calls. At that point Emil was doing a split of
technical support, sales support, and order entry. It was a great chance
for me to learn the Clear-Com way.</i></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a former user I had already known a decent amount about
how partyline worked overall, but there are some obscure elements that Emil was
an excellent teacher on and I felt gratified when he said I was his fastest
student to ever pick up on those things (IFB, two-radio interfacing, camera
CCU’s). Over the years he would remind me of that and I still feel proud
that he called that out.</i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emil was a great example of our dedication to customer
service and he embodied the Clear-Com focus on making sure we address our
customers’ needs personally, with passion, and deep knowledge of how the
product is used. Emil’s example in this regard was not unique, but it
certainly was a shining one – everyone who ever worked with him felt that and
will carry that example with them into the future.</i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He was gregarious, inquisitive, sensitive, and full of
energizing stories about his various adventures, both professional and
otherwise. Over the years Emil was challenged to keep up with
our innovations and one of his special qualities was he was as excited to learn
something new from his colleagues as he was about teaching them something they
might not know yet. With an eye to the past, Emil was still working on
making sure he could take care of business in the present and even looking into
the future.</i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I personally will miss the sound of his voice coming
over the cubicle walls saying ’how’s it going, bud?’ I also know we have done
an excellent job in allowing Emil’s example to impact our current support staff
and we will strive to make sure our customers are just as passionately
supported as they ever were. Please join me in honoring the passing of a
lion of the intercom world.</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By Peter Giddings, Clear-Com Vice President of Global Events</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Today I was saddened to hear of my dear friend -- in fact, everyone's
friend, Emil Matignon's passing. It seems like only yesterday (in fact, some 30 years ago) when our
new recruit, Emil, attended his very first NAB. How keen and excited he was to learn from me everything he could
about Clear-Com. As the years rolled by, Emil became Clear-Com's "go-to"
guy, particularly in so far as partyline was concerned. Came the day when Emil's heart condition became so challenging
that he was relegated to the home office, but whilst his heart occasionally
did, Emil himself never missed a beat. At our next NAB, we were literally inundated with Emil's global
friends, demanding to meet, and thank him for his support.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I have never, before or since, experienced anything like it.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>In all of the past decades, I cannot recollect a single day when
Emil was less than his always ebullient self. As our friendship grew, we also had music (at an earlier time I
played double bass) in common, it pained me that eventually Emil, having
initially dabbled at drumming, subsequently performed on his electric bass. A bear hug from Emil upon returning from my business travels, many
of these trips taking 5, or even 6, weeks in length, always heralded his desire
to vicariously live through me my adventures .... experiences that clearly he
would no longer be able to have himself.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I can now clearly see Emil in Eden.Healthy again, with that irresistible ear to ear grin, trading
riffs with admiring Charlie Mingus, Yaco Pastorius, John Entwhistle, Ray Brown,
and Jethro Tull .</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Rest in peace my friend, leavened with some solid grooving.</i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By Ed Fitzgerald, Clear-Com Director of Customer Satisfaction</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Emil was a loving member of our extended Clear-Com family. Customer service savvy, always ready with insightful answers, a smile in his voice and never too busy to help, Emil was the perfect example of how it's done. Never known to give up, he was the customer's best friend. Our family is richer for having known Emil and we will miss his infectious laughter and the gusto he brought to every conversation.</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379395553705653265noreply@blogger.com4