Happy Holidays from Clear-Com!

The Emergence of Production Communications (Pt 1)

Larry Estrin, the Director of the Clear-Com Global Rental Group, shares his perspective on what led to the development of the intercom that we have today. Listen to this podcast which discusses how telephone companies use to provide communication for broadcasters, how intercoms were initially used for construction, and more. 

Stay tuned for the next podcast in this series!

Wireless Device Management and Frequency Coordination in Sports Venues

SVG Venue Initiative has created a white paper called "Recommendations for Sports Venues: Wireless Device Management and Frequency Coordination", with contributions from industry experts and Clear-Com Applications Engineer, Rom Rosenblum. 

The white paper provides peer-reviewed best-practice guidelines for venue operators and other interested parties in the day-to-day operational deployment and management of all wireless Radio Frequency (RF) technologies commonly used in sports/entertainment venues.

Make sure you read all about this!: Recommendations for Sports Venues: Wireless Device Management and Frequency Coordination

Application Diagram: Mobile Incident Command with Wireless

The following diagram provides a sample of a common application using Clear-Com products. To access the PDF download or to find out what Clear-Com products are shown in the diagram, click here.

Mobile Incident Command with Wireless:

Application Diagram: Responder Cross-patches Matrix

The following diagram provides a sample of a common application using Clear-Com products. To access the PDF download or to find out what Clear-Com products are shown in the diagram, click here. 

Responder Cross-patches Matrix:

Behind the Lens, with Pete D'Alonzo

Pete D'Alonzo
Source: www.petedalonzo.com

Emmy Award-winning Pete D'Alonzo, a 30-year veteran of TV Sports Cameraman work, brings his unique perspective and lively style to his Internet radio show, Behind the Lens, with Pete D'Alonzo. His show focuses on personal anecdotes and musings of a long and storied career in the last bastion of unscripted live TV. Guests include noted TV and sports icons, as well as callers that share their own questions, comments and stories. Behind the Lens, with Pete D'Alonzo is a must for anyone interested in sports, sports TV, or just plain fun. 

Tune into the show live on Tuesdays at 11:00am Pacific Standard Time. Pete always welcomes his listeners to call during the live shows the share their stories at 1-888-346-9144. 

Listen Live or catch up on archived shows by clicking the link below: 

BEHIND THE LENS, WITH PETE D'ALONZO

Pete - Behind the Lens
Source: www.petedalonzo.com

Beauty, Brains and "The Secret Communication System"

Hedy Lamarr
Source: www.hedylamarr.com

Known as “the most beautiful woman in Hollywood”, HedyLamarr was more than just a pretty face. Born Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler on November 9^th, 1914 in Vienna, Austria, Hedy aspired to be an actress. Her first husband, a much older Friedrich Mandl, was an armaments manufacturer. After her steamy role at age 18 in the German film Ecstasy and Me, Mandl became extremely possessive and reportedly forbade her from pursuing her film career. Instead, Lamarr would accompany Mandl to business meetings where his colleagues would discuss technological advances for the military. By 1937, Lamarr divorced Mandl and moved to Hollywood to follow her dreams in becoming a movie star. Once in Hollywood, she signed a contract with MGM and developed the title of “the most beautiful woman in Hollywood” with exotic seductress roles opposite the leading men of the era, such as Spencer Tracy, Clark Gable and James Stewart to name a few. But it was discussions about World War II with composer George Antheil, which put Hedy Lamarr’s name on the map for something other than her acting.

George Antheil was a composer, author and inventor known for mixing modern sounds, like musical, industrial and mechanical tones, which set him apart from other composers of that era. Antheil also authored several women’s interest columns in magazines, which is how he and Lamarr were introduced. During World War II, Antheil and Lamarr’s conversations turned away from glandular extracts and onto torpedoes. Attending business meetings with Lamarr's first husband gave her insight into torpedoes and other military armaments, creating a bond between the fiercely pro-American Antheil and the actress. It was then that the pair began discussing how a single radio-controlled torpedo could be easily detected and jammed by broadcasting interference at the control signal frequency level, causing the torpedo to veer off-course. 

U.S. Patent Submission Figure
Source: www.inventors.about.com

Antheil and Lamarr developed the idea of frequency-hopping to encrypt torpedo signals. Using a piano roll to randomly change the signal, the short bursts were played within a range of 88 frequencies on the spectrum (there are 88 keys on a piano). The code, which became known as "The Secret Communication System", would encrypt the signal and make it impossible for the enemy to scan and then jam all 88 frequencies. Antheil developed a player-piano mechanism to control the frequency – much like the one he used to score his most famous film production, Ballet Mécanique. Antheil and Lamarr were awarded a U.S. Patent on August 11^th, 1942, but was not adopted by the US Military until the blockade of Cuba in 1962, after the patent expired.

Lamarr was honored with her contributions in discovering frequency-hopping in 1997, when the Electronic Frontier Foundation gave her a belated award. The following year, Canadian wireless technology developer, WiLAN, Inc., acquired 49% claim to Lamarr’s patent for an undisclosed stock amount. Today, Antheil’s and Lamarr’s frequency-hopping idea for autonomous control of torpedoes has now become the basis for modern spread-spectrum communication technology, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other wireless devices. Earlier this year, Lamarr and Antheil were inducted into the Inventor’s Hall of Fame.

Hedy Lamarr died in Casselberry, Florida on January 19^th, 2000 at age 85. On the 100 year anniversary of her birth, recognition of her accomplishments to modern technology seemed a fitting tribute. Thank you Hedy for your contribution - you will not be forgotten.

Hedy Lamarr
11/9/2014 - 1/19/2000

Musical Magic from Memphis

Video credit: london-theatreland.co.uk

Memphis recently opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London's West End, complete with sound design by Gareth Owen. A significant innovation for this production is the communications system, where the team is really pushing the boundaries with its first ever use of the Clear-Com HelixNet four-channel remote station, as well as integrating the Clear-Com FreeSpeak wireless intercom system.

Read the full story here: Musical Magic from Memphis

Application Diagram: EOC Dispatch Using Matrix

The following diagram provides a sample of a common application using Clear-Com products. To access the PDF download or to find out what Clear-Com products are shown in the diagram, click here.

EOC Dispatch Using Matrix:

Vote for Clear-Com's HelixNet Partyline!

Vote for Clear-Com's HelixNet Partyline to win the 2014 Sound & Video Contractor Most Innovative Product Award!

Vote here: 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZMLT9D9

 

Here's why we think HelixNet Partyline should win:

HelixNet® Partyline is a revolutionary digital network partyline system that delivers an unprecedented level of performance. The product family comprises the main station and user devices—including the digital beltpack—new remote station and new speaker station with S-mount. With the addition of these two new devices, users have greater flexibility to build an intercom infrastructure that fits their workflow. HelixNet also offers interface and linking modules to network main stations and connect it to two-wire and four-wire audio systems.   

HelixNet enhances collaboration by providing extended connectivity, many system users, and high channel density. Up to three HelixNet main stations can be networked for wide collaboration. Designed with award-winning I.V. Core™ technology, the systems can be intelligently linked over LAN infrastructure using an Ethernet module. This creates a decentralized, distributed intercom architecture. A fiber module is available as well to connect systems over long distances.

In addition, main stations can be networked to allow more users. When three systems are connected, up to 60 HelixNet devices can be used. It also integrates with analog partyline systems, matrix intercoms and other audio devices via two-wire and four-wire interface modules, extending communication even further.

Three linked main stations provide 12 shared intercom channels. Channels can be customized to make information more manageable. Each beltpack can be assigned any two of the 12 channels at once. From the main station, remote station, and speaker station, users can select any four of the shared channels. Channels can be changed instantly from the user device or main station without added cable runs.

Furthermore, HelixNet reduces cables, time, and labor spent on setup and configuration, enabling huge cost-savings. Each user device receives shared audio channels, program audio feeds, and power over a single shielded twisted-pair cable. Moreover, since microphone cables and CAT5 are ubiquitous, they are more economical and straightforward to use. HelixNet can also leverage an existing cable infrastructure.

System configuration, maintenance, and operation are as easy as setup. User devices can be powered in multipe ways: via Powerline modem, Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), or a universal AC wall adapter. After the system is powered, hardware auto-discovery permits connected HelixNet devices to be immediately recognized by the main station for rapid startup. The waterfall menu structure supports quick access to setting for effortless configuration. Channels are distinguished by labels on high-resolution, 10-character OLED displays. Buttons and volume knobs are also positioned to be quickly located and controlled.

HelixNet is the optimal intercom for all types of applications because of its durability, superb sound, and reliability. Fabricated from lightweight cast aluminum, the rugged system is tough enough for demanding indoor and outdoor use.  Designed with high quality “Clear-Com Sound”, the system enables clear communcation. In addition, program volume levels are adjustable to aid concentration in the noisy areas.  Another differentiator is that the system is unaffected by electromagnetic interference and ground loops, eliminating hums and buzzes.

All in all, users that have taken advantage of HelixNet have been able to improve collaboration, reduce costs, and boost efficiency.

Vote for Clear-Com's FreeSpeak II!

Vote for Clear-Com's FreeSpeak II Wireless Intercom to win the 2014 Sound & Video Contractor Most Innovative Product Award! 

Vote here:  
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZMLT9D9

Here's why we think FreeSpeak II should win: 


FreeSpeak II™‘s ground-breaking design and technology makes it the highest performing wireless intercom option. It can be tailored for applications of any magnitude and complexity, and within varying environments. The wireless solution also delivers unmatched quality audio, innovative features and beneficial capabilities that increase productivity.

FreeSpeak II enables users to collaborate effectively despite challenging work conditions, such as RF interference and poor weather. In spaces saturated with 2.4 GHz consumer devices, many wireless intercoms suffer from audio fading and connection loss since they are competing for the same frequency spectrum. FreeSpeak II operates in multiple license-free DECT bands from 1.897-1.933GHz. Thus, it enables continuous, clear communication even in RF hostile settings and eliminates the need for frequency coordination.

FreeSpeak II’s new active antennas and wireless beltpacks are built with state-of-the-art technology that enhances reliable wireless connections. Active antennas utilize separate data and audio channels in DECT6 to create a dependable link between beltpacks and the base station or Eclipse HX matrices. Beltpacks possess cellular auto-roaming technology as well, allowing them to constantly scan and automatically select the optimal wireless signal.

The system can also withstand frequent usage in harsh weather conditions and environments. The beltpack is IP-65 rated, which means that it is water and dust resistance for demanding outdoor and indoor use. The beltpack’s rugged, exterior housing is also constructed with polycarbonate plastic and thermoplastic elastomer overmold, making it highly durable.

In addition, FreeSpeak II is scalable for applications of different sizes and sophistication. With FreeSpeak II, people can easily add more beltpack users as their team and workload grows. They can also extend communication across large work spaces. As a standalone base station, the system can support 20 full-duplex wireless beltpacks. This is the preferred option for smaller applications requiring a few mobile users. It can also be scaled for mid-to-large installations. By implementing it as an integrated wireless solution within Eclipse HX matrices, known as FreeSpeak II Integra, up to 50 full-duplex wireless beltpack can be used simultaneously.

Moreover, the system’s wireless coverage can be expanded with locally-powered active antennas. Antennas can be positioned up to 3,200 ft away, or 800 ft away when centrally powered from the base station. Five way antenna splitters and up to 10 antennas can be installed to create an exceptionally wide coverage zone for beltpack users to roam.

Users are also able to benefit from FreeSpeak II’s high quality audio, ease-of-use and advanced features. The system delivers superior digital ‘Clear-Com Sound’ for clear intelligibility and ultimate audio comfort. The intuitive design of the beltpack makes it incredibly simple for users to navigate the interface and customize their own settings. Beltpacks offer five intercom channels to enable efficient management of workflows. And innovations such as “Listen Again” message replay as well as battery health, RF status and antenna link monitoring add to the convenience of the system. By providing flexibility, simplicity and high performance, FreeSpeak II gives users a remarkable communication experience and empowers them to accomplish more.

Creative Force Installs Clear-Com at GEMS Schools

Dubai-based audio designers, Creative Force, has installed Clear-Com analogue Encore Partyline intercom systems into a number of GEMS international schools in Dubai. The units were sold through local distributor NMK Electronics Ent. - See more at: http://www.proaudio-central.com/articles/middle-east/Creative-Force-installs-Clear-Com-at-GEMS-schools#sthash.udefpjC3.dpuf

Photo Credit: proaudio-central.com

Dubai-based audio designers, Creative Force, has installed Clear-Com's Encore analogue partyline intercom systems into a number of GEMS international schools in Dubai. The units were sold through the local distributor, NMK Electronics Ent. 

Read the full story here: Creative Force Installs Clear-Com at GEMS Schools

Formula E Gets Off To Electric Start

Photo Credit: parkya.com

Formula E is a new FIA single-seater championship and the world's first fully-electric racing series. Commencing in September 2014 through June 2015, the championship will compete in the heart of 10 of the world's leading cities, including London, Beijing and Miami. Clear-Com's intercom systems have been selected for its broadcast productions and are also used for race coordination.

Read the full story on Formula E's production systems: Formula E Gets Off To Electric Start

HelixNet Partyline for Houses of Worship

One America News Network Installs Clear-Com Communication System

Photo Credit: nevescreative.com

Based on a 40,000 square foot state-of-the-art production facility in San Diego, California, One America News Network (OANN) was launched in 2013 by Herring Networks as 24/7 source for credible news. To ensure that OANN's studio production goes without a hitch, Herring Networks selected Clear-Com’s Eclipse HX-PiCo digital matrix intercom as its communication system.

Read the full story on how Clear-Com has made a difference for OANN: One America News Network Installs Clear-Com Communication System

Product Review: RS-701 Analog Partyline Beltpack

"Clear-Com is on the short list of world-class coms manufacturers, and there’s a reason for it. They offer sturdy products that deliver quality audio, and the RS-701 beltpack is no exception. It’s worth a look if you’re in the market," says John McJunkin, the Principal of Avalon Podcasting.

Want to find out more about the RS-701 analog partyline beltpack? Read John McJunkin's full product review here: RS-701 Analog Partyline Beltpack
 

Boosting Broadcast Audio at the Chinese Grammy's

Photo Credit: encn.blouinartinfo.com

Organizers of the 25th Golden Melody Awards enlisted the expertise of Larry Estrin, the Director of the Clear-Com Global Rental Group, to make the Chinese Grammy Awards as engaging as its American equivalent. Mr. Estrin helped improve the audio by reconfiguring the way the sound and communication systems were installed and used. 

Read the full story here: Boosting Broadcast Audio at the Chinese Grammy's

Designing Government for the People

Photo Credit: trinitydps.com

The Wylie Civic Center in Dallas is a 45,000-square-foot city hall and city council meeting chamber  augmented with a 44,000-square-foot recreation center and a 47,000-square-foot library. Inside, newly fit and well-read constituents can listen to and interact with their city council and mayor via AV systems. 

Read the full story on the installation of its new systems, which include Clear-Com: Designing Government for the People

Art Deco Theater’s Digital Makeover

Photo Credit: media.timesreview.com

The 350- to 900-seat Suffolk Theater is a unique art deco movie theater located on Main Street in historic downtown Riverhead. The landmark movie house has transformed itself from celluloid film on reels to digital projection, as well as adding live stage events to the multi-use venue.

Read the full story on its audiovisual and lighting updates, including the installation of Clear-Com: Art Deco Theater’s Digital Makeover

Hub Of The High School

Photo Credit: soundandcommunications.com

The expansive Richardson Independent School District (RISD) in metropolitan Dallas comprises 55 campuses serving more than 38,000 students. Lake Highlands High School and Richardson High School, two of the district’s four campuses serving upper classmen, recently modernized their facilities to include the latest AV technologies and Clear-Com intercoms in their auditoriums.

Read the full story in Sound and Communications here: Hub Of The High School

Vegas Church Goes ‘All In’

Photo Credit: CDFOnline.org

The Crossing, a 1800-seat church in Las Vegas’ upscale southwest neighborhood, was shooting for the stars when it opened up its worship center in February. The third and largest sanctuary on the decade-old church’s campus, the new church building doubles the capacity of the prior one. But it’s not about size so much as it is about quality AVL.

Read the full story in Sound and Communications on the Crossing's installation, which included Clear-Com's SB-704 intercom: Vegas Church Goes ‘All In’

Clear-Com at the Business of Live Television Summit

Will you be at the Business of Live Television Summit in New York, NY on September 30th? If so, make sure to check out the Technology Trends in Live Production Environments panel from 2:55 p.m.-3:40 p.m. and listen to what Larry Estrin, Director of the Clear-Com Global Rental Group, has to say!




 
This panel will examine the latest trends in technology that help broadcasters and producers optimize the quality and reliability of their live productions. The panelists will also discuss several different markets for live production, including sports and entertainment and identify what distinguishes those markets from each other. The panel will be moderated by Tom Butts, Editor-in-Chief, TV Technology.

See the full agenda here.

Application Diagram: Dispatch Operation with IP Communication

The following diagram provides a sample of a common application using Clear-Com products. To access the PDF download or to find out what Clear-Com products are shown in the diagram, click here. 

Dispatch Operation with IP Communication:

See Clear-Com at the Media Technology Expo 2014!

Our Clear-Com Partner, Advanced Broadcast Solutions, is holding the Media Technology Expo 2014 for any professional that wants to keep up with the ever evolving technology field. 

It is a free one-day event featuring educational sessions, networking opportunities and an exhibit hall showcasing equipment from Clear-Com and other manufacturers. Come see our latest intercom, connectivity and signal transport solutions!

Registration is free, and includes lunch and refreshments throughout the show. Attendees also get a free entry into a raffle to win prizes.

Event details: www.mediatechexpo.com
September 30 -  Seattle, WA - Register here.
October 2 – Portland, OR - Register here.

Application Diagram: Emergency Responders Use Wireless Intercom

The following diagram provides a sample of a common application using Clear-Com products. To access the PDF download or to find out what Clear-Com products are shown in the diagram, click here.

Emergency Responders Use Wireless Intercom:

Application Diagram: Command and Control with Signal Transport Solution

The following diagram provides a sample of a common application using Clear-Com products. To access the PDF download or to find out what Clear-Com products are shown in the diagram, click here. 

Command and Control with Signal Transport Solution:

Application Diagram: Stand-up (News) with matrix and intercom-over-IP

The following diagram provides a sample of a common application using Clear-Com products. To access the PDF download or to find out what Clear-Com products are shown in the diagram, click here.  

Stand-up (News) with matrix and intercom-over-IP:

Application Diagram: OB Truck with Matrix and Signal Transport Solution

The following diagram provides a sample of a common application using Clear-Com products. To access the PDF download or to find out what Clear-Com products are shown in the diagram, click here.

OB Truck with Matrix and Signal Transport Solution:

Application Diagram: OB/Venue with Partyline and Signal Transport Solution

The following diagram provides a sample of a common application using Clear-Com products. To access the PDF download or to find out what Clear-Com products are shown in the diagram, click here.

OB application (venue) with digital partyline and signal transport solution:

Application Diagram: Stadia/Arena with Partyline and Signal Transport Solution

The following diagram provides a sample of a common application using Clear-Com products. To access the PDF download or to find out what Clear-Com products are shown in the diagram, click here.

Stadia/Arena with Partyline and Signal Transport Solution:

Application Diagram: Performing Arts Center with Matrix and Wireless

The following diagram provides a sample of a common application using Clear-Com products. To access the PDF download or to find out what Clear-Com products are shown in the diagram, click here.

Performing Arts Center with Matrix and Wireless:

Application Diagram: Church with Matrix, Partyline and Wireless

The following diagram provides a sample of a common application using Clear-Com products. To access the PDF download or to find out what Clear-Com products are shown in the diagram, click here. 

Church with Matrix, Digital Partyline and Wireless

KURIOS Relies on Clear-Com

Photo Credit: montrealgazette.com

Cirque du Soleil is known for its high-quality, artistic entertainment. Their newest show, KURIOS – Cabinet des Curiosités, is no exception. They describe the show as following "an ambitious inventor who defies the laws of time, space and dimension in order to reinvent everything around him." For this show, the designers incorporated equipment from RC4 Wireless and Clear-Com.

Source/Full Story: Cabinet of Wonders (Stage Directions, Eric Hart, August 4, 2014)

Application Diagram: Performing Arts Center with Digital Partyline

The following diagram provides a sample of a common application of Clear-Com products. To access the PDF download or to find out what Clear-Com products are shown in the diagram, click here.

Performing Arts Center with Digital Partyline:

Clear-Com’s Simon Browne on the Comms Giant’s Sports-packed Year

Photo Credit: glasgow2014.com

 With systems at every venue involved in the World Cup and extensive usage at the Commonwealth Games, 2014 is on course to be a landmark year for Clear-Com in sports. Director of Product Management, Simon Browne, spoke to SVG Europe about specific system deployments and the long-term benefits of such high-profile projects.

Read the full story here: Clear-Com’s Simon Browne on the Comms Giant’s Sports-packed Year

Melrose Massachusetts Televsion Upgrades with Clear-Com

Photo Credit: creativecow.net

Melrose Massachusetts Television (MMTV) is a nonprofit community organization dedicated to public broadcasting in the City of Melrose and it supports city government and educational channels. The station broadcasts programming on channels 3, 15, and 22 on Comcast and channels 37, 38, and 39 on the Verizon network.

Over the past decade, MMTV has been aggressively upgrading its production equipment. Access A/V of Concord, N.H., handled the integration for the upgrade project, which included the installation of Clear-Com intercom systems, the Broadcast Pix™ Granite™ 5000, a Behringer audio mixer, Blackmagic HyperDeck Studio disk recorder, Lectrosonics wireless IFB and more.

Source: HD Upgrades for Melrose Community Access Include Broadcast Pix Granite 5000 System

FDA Relies on Clear-Com Eclipse Matrix Intercoms

Photo Credit: governmentvideo.com

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) produces a range of network-quality informational programming at the FDA Television Studio in Gaithersburg, Md. To do its job properly, the FDA Television Studios has a full range of broadcast-quality equipment, including a Clear-Com Eclipse matrix intercom system. 

Read more on the FDA's positive experience with Clear-Com: FDA Relies on Clear-Com Eclipse Matrix Intercoms

ABS Installs Native HD Infrastructure for KHSL

Photo Credit: pipelinecomm.files.wordpress.com

Professional video and audio systems integration firm, Advanced Broadcast Solutions (ABS),  designed and installed a new HD-SDI infrastructure with embedded audio for KHSL, the CBS affiliate serving the Chico-Redding, Calif. market (DMA #132). The native HD upgrade included new master control and production control rooms, plus new studio and ENG cameras, NLE systems, and the adoption of a tapeless workflow. Clear-Com's intercom systems were also installed as part of this upgrade.

Read the full story here: ABS Installs Native HD Infrastructure for KHSL
See if you can spot our MS-704 Encore partyline main station in the photo!

Wireless Intercom Tip of the Week!

Question: Do the Tempest2400 and HME DX Series wireless intercom base stations support third party directional antennas (U.S. only)?
 
Answer: There a large number of 2.4 GHz directional antennas available in the marketplace.

Tempest2400 and HME DX Series wireless intercom base stations can be made to work with them as long as the antennas are fitted with the correct RF connectors. However, we often find that the correct placement of antennas is a major contributing factor to system performance. When using directional antennas, make sure to aim the antennas towards the specific spot that you want to cover. 

Do not run long cables from the base station to the directional antenna. Please check with an RF professional for more information.

The use of directional antennas is governed by local country regulations. It is legal to use most directional antennas in the U.S.*, and customers can purchase the directional antennas from Clear-Com:
http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless/tempest2400/tempest-directional-antenna

*It is illegal for Clear-Com to sell directional antennas in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Willow Creek Community Church: Clear-Communications with Clear-Com

Photo Credit: Willowcreek.org

In Technologies for Worship Magazine, Matthew Wentz, the Audio Systems Engineer for Willow Creek Community Church, writes about the importance of Clear-Com’s communication systems for his community.

Wentz states, “At Willow Creek, communication is key for our services to run smooth. At any given time, up to 40 stations could be used with both staff and volunteers operating these units. We use a combination of Clear-Com’s I-Series and V-Series, along with their CellCom beltpacks. We also have an analog partyline backbone that was moved over when our main auditorium was built in 2004. The backend of the system is an Eclipse-Median frame which allows us great flexibility. This flexibility comes with the availability of their interface cards and modules, which allows us to connect our I-Series panels, our v-station panels, and our analog partylines all into one unit.”

Read the full story on page 29-30 of TFWM – Willow Creek Community Church: Clear-Communications with Clear-Com