COMM 'n Sense

Options In Production Communication Systems

2012-02-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

http://www.clearcom.com/product/partyline

"Though the standard analog party-line beltpack-and-headset intercom is alive and well in thousands of venues worldwide, technology has continued to advance with the availability of faster processors, robust VOIP algorithms, DSP, networking, and other computer and telecommunications techniques.

http://www.clearcom.com/product/digital-matrix

Going beyond the large digital matrix intercom card frames and stations used almost exclusively in television broadcast applications just a few years ago, multi-channel digital matrix intercoms in 1 RU and 2 RU chassis are now readily available and can be found at the core of some live show and touring communications networks.

http://www.clearcom.com/product/wireless

The transition to digital is now underway in wireless intercoms - allowing more flexible point-to-point as well as party-line communications on more than one channel without being tied to a cable. Digital wired party-line systems are now offered, with two or more channels per user and the ability for each user to choose and switch among various party-line or point-to-point conversations at the beltpack.

http://www.clearcom.com/product/ip-communications

Virtual intercoms have also become a reality, where a laptop or desktop computer can become a fully functional multi-channel intercom station, with party-lines, point-to-point links, and program monitoring at the click of a mouse - plus the ability via IP connectivity to bring remote individuals and teams into the same production communications in real time.

All of these devices can be interfaced together, so a matrix or virtual intercom core can seamlessly add digital party-line and wireless for a flexible communications network that meet the needs of director through stage tech. Let’s have a look at available intercom technologies," says Gary Parks in the ProSoundWeb article, Current Options In Production Communication Systems.

Learn more about these various options in the full article >> Current Options In Production Communication Systems

Friday Fun: Happy Birthday Mr. Hertz!

2012-02-24T14:44:00.000-08:00

Did you notice this neat Google Doodle this past Wednesday?

Photo Source: www.thehuffingtonpost.com

Well, it was in honor of the 155th birthday of German physicist Heinrich Rudolf Hertz. You know, that guy that proved that electromagnetic waves exist, otherwise known as Hertz. A very pivotal discovery for us living in audio-land.

The Huffington Post wrote a brief article about Hertz and Google's homage to the man. Here's some excerpts:

"Heinrich Rudolf Hertz, born in Hamburg on February 22, 1857, was the first person to prove electromagnetic waves exist...and that electricity can be carried through them."

"While this Google doodle is pretty simple, it's not without its hidden features.....The wavelength's repeating pattern outlines the shape of Google's usual logo."

"Great as has been the influence of his work in the short period which has elapsed since its promulgation, the importance of its ultimate results can scarcely be overestimated. [from the physicist's obituary]"

Read the entire Huffington Post article here.

Hope Community Church Reviews Tempest2400

2012-02-21T15:47:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: prosoundweb.com

"Clear-Com has been a leader in the theatrical intercom market for decades, and many churches that have a need for intercom systems have turned to the company for a solution. As the live video director at Raleigh, N.C.’s Hope Community Church, who uses intercoms every week, I jumped at the chance to give Clear-Com’s latest entry in the wireless intercom arena, the Tempest, a try," says Mark Hanna, who reviewed the Tempest system.

Find out why the system is so incredible and why his church is now budgeting for the Clear-Com Tempest2400 wireless intercom system in the Church Production article, Audio Review: Clear-Com Tempest2400 Wireless Intercom System.

Friday Fun: Fun Facts About Sound

2012-02-17T15:48:00.000-08:00

Not all facts are boring. Here's an interesting list of actual information that has to do with sound. So....listen up!

Photo source: www.warrelatedillness.gov

The word "noise" comes from the Latin word "nausea" meaning sickness.
Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys is deaf in one ear from when his dad hit him on the head with a surfboard at an early age.
Cicadas' hearing organs are in their stomachs.
The entire area of the middle ear is no bigger than an M&M.
At 115dB, a baby's cry is louder than a car horn.
The song of a whale can travel a distance of nearly 500 miles.
If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days straight, you would have produced enough sound energy to heat up one cup of coffee.
The musical piece "4 minutes 33 seconds" by John Cage has no sound at all.
Flies are deaf.
There are 20,000 hair cells in the Corti (organ in the inner ear).

About Cat-5

2012-02-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: wikipedia.org

All about Cat-5

Cat-5 is short for Category 5 cable
Also called an Ethernet cable
Four pairs of 24-gauge twisted copper pairs
Ecah pair has precise number of twists per metre to minimize crosstalk
Has an RJ-45 jack
Outside color is bright blue
Inside, the twisted pairs are green, orange, brown and blue
Intercom stations can be connected using Cat-5
Carries signals, including telephony and video

Read more about Cat-5 in What is Cat-5 Cable?

There are three different configurations for the wiring of the RJ-45 connections. They are straight-through, crossover, and roll-over. Learn more about Straight-through, Crossover, and Rollover Wiring.

Photo Credit: computercablestore.com

Intercom-Over-IP (IoIP) Communications

2012-02-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

Clear-Com brings to market the industry’s first native IP Communications solutions based on the ground-breaking I.V.Core technology.

What is I.V. Core technology?
Instant Voice Core (I.V.Core) is a suite of Internet Protocol (IP) technologies.
I.V. Core delivers:
• Low latency
• Superb audio quality
• Encryption, noise-reduction, and error-recovery

Why is Intercom-Over-IP better than Voice-Over-IP solutions?
Voice-Over-IP mix and encode audio at the server, consuming valuable IT network resources, reducing audio quality, and adding latency. In contrast, the I.V.Core routes only packets that contain actual voice data, mixing and encoding them just once at the client, thereby delivering a higher quality voice communications.

I.V.Core Technology Features•    Intelligent audio-routing decision engine
•    High quality voice with low latency
•    Voice data redundancy packet loss reconstruction and recovery algorithms
•    Secure and private with AES 128-bit encryption
•    Runs on standard IT networks
•    Low bandwidth: as low as 6kbps to 44 kbps per connection
•    Highly scalable for high volume participants and multi-session conferences

To learn more about how I.V. Core technology is the defining technology for Intercom-Over-IP (IoIP) Communications, read this white paper: I.V.Core Technology White Paper.

Friday Fun: Create Your Own Intercom

2012-02-10T15:57:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered if you could build your own intercom system? Guess what....YOU CAN!!

Here's what you need:

2 analog telephones
1 100-foot phone cord
1 9-volt battery
1 300 Ohm resistor

Here's what you do:

The intercom system connection consists of two copper wires. Typically, the wires are colored red and green. The green wire is common, while the red wire supplies your phone with 6 to 12 DC volts at about 30 miliamps.

The easiest way to wire a private intercom is to start with the 100-foot phone cord. Cut it, strip the wires, and hook in the battery and resistor (as shown below). When two people pick up their phone receiver, they can talk to each other! This configuration will work at distanced of up to several miles apart.

However, there is one thing this little intercom system can't do: It cannot ring the phone to tell the person at the other end that they have a call. The "ring" signal in the US is a 90-volt AV wave at 20Hz; Europe's is a 60 - 90-volt AC at 25Hz.

Photo Source: Clear-Com Intercom Expert

What do these letters mean? FHSS, TDMA, FSK, and 2xTX?

2012-02-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Credit: tempestwireless.com

To read more on our Clear-Com Tempest system, check out the Tempest RF Guide.

Wrap-Up of January Tradeshows

2012-01-31T13:50:00.000-08:00

Featured Event:

West 2012 (January 24^th -26^th)

The West 2012 show is co-sponsored by AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute. It is the largest event on the west coast for communications, intelligence, military weapon systems, aviation, shipbuilding, and more. West was held at the San Diego Convention Center and brought in speakers including VADM William E. Gortney and ADM Mike Mullens. It was well attended by military, government, industry and academic professionals from aviation, IT, public safety, communications, command and control and more.

Clear-Com demonstrated the Eclipse-Median and Pico digital matrix systems along with V-Series user control panels and the Tempest wireless intercoms at Booth 1349.

Other Events

MCI Open House (January 26^th)

Clear-Com exhibited in Booth 3.37/3 at the MCI Open House event in Hamburg, Germany.

Dynamic Events (January 30^th)

Dynamic Events is an international conference for the event production industry held at the RAI Exhibition Centre in Amsterdam, UK. The conference focused on ceremonies held at the summer and winter Olympics while drawing on experiences from the World Cups, Super Bowls, and more. Discussion was focused on technology and the utilization of equipment in those environments. Dynamic Events brought in professionals from lighting, sound, video technology, staging and the entertainment market. Clear-Com also participated in the event and showcased their systems as a well-known provider of intercoms for these types of international ceremonies.

Friday Fun: We're Going to 11

2012-01-27T09:20:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure everyone has seen or heard of the 1984 movie: This is Spinal Tap. The mockumentary of the great rock band Spinal Tap attempting an American comeback tour. It's a music movie classic. And if you haven't seen it, it's definitely a must-see.

Anyone that plays an instrument is probably familiar with amps maxing at level 10. In this clip, Nigel is showing off his gear and explains how his unique amp "goes to 11":

But have you seen this fantastic LEGO version?! Tell me....how awesome is this?

Partner Spotlight: Delta Sound

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Delta Sound, a Clear-Com distributor, offers unparalleled quality of service and support across its range of services, including sound design, equipment rental, equipment sales and communication systems.

Their designers and technical staff have extensive experience in the television, theatre, corporate and music markets. Moreover, Delta Sound has helped clients such as Metallica, Britain’s Got Talent, and the Royal Wedding turn their ambitious productions into a reality.

In the article, It's good to talk, in the Pro Audio Middle East's January-February 2012 issue, Andy Jackson, Director of Delta Sound in Dubai, discusses the importance of communication systems even though it is one of the most overlooked aspects of a show. (See article below.)

Although intercom systems are often unappreciated, especially when they operate well, people will realize that they are one of the most vital pieces to a production once they don't have them or if they stopped working. In fact, since Delta Sound recognizes its importance, the company has recently launched a separate communications department. They have also acquired more Clear-Com systems, such as the Eclipse digital matrix and Tempest, to offer a broader portfolio of products to meet their customer needs. (For more information: Delta Sound adds to Clear-Com inventory)

By having communications as a separate business line, another audio supplier can be working on event while Delta Sound can just address the communications side. Overall, Jackson sums it up when he says, "Comms may not be a business line with the fastest return on investment, but the need will always be there. The potential this area offers should make an attractive vertical market and provide several companies with the opportunity to take a share of the spend from large events."

The full article can be found in Pro Audio Middle East's January-February 2012 issue.

Credit: Pro Audio Middle East

Delta Sound

Unit C
Imber Court Trading Estate
Orchard Lane
East Molesey
Surrey/
KT8 0BY
Tel: +44 (0)20 8339 3800
Fax: +44 (0)20 8339 3801

Spectrum Consolidation Moves Solutions into WiFi Range

2012-01-19T11:20:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Tempestwireless.com

As a result of the radio spectrum reallocations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the amount of available spectrum for intercom systems has been significantly reduced.

With the disappearance of the UHF spectrum, wireless systems are now utilizing the WiFi range instead. However, the WiFi range is already heavily saturated by signals from consumer devices, causing drop outs and interference.

Dan Daily of Sports Video Group discusses the impact of this transition on sports broadcasting in Intercom Trends: Spectrum Consolidation Moves Solutions into WiFi Range.

In response to the FCC’s new regulations, Clear-Com has also developed 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz wireless intercom products such as the Tempest2400 and Tempest900. By operating in those frequency bands, they allocate more room for other UHF technologies to be used. Further, they are designed with unique technologies that resolve the issues presented by the saturated WiFi spectrum. For instance, with Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum technology, the Tempest systems utilize a narrow band signal that is continually changing frequencies to burn through RF noise and interference. Because of this, they also do not compete with WiFi signals, minimizing the need for frequency coordination and optimizing wireless performance.

Although this shifting of voice communication devices to the WiFi range is generating complex challenges, it is also driving greater innovation by manufacturers and users.

Leading University Sector College Gains a Competitive Advantage

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Ravensbourne

Ravensbourne, a leading‐edge university sector college in London, United Kingdom, is internationally recognized for their high calibre of digital media and design as well as television and broadcasting.

Establishing differentiation from other educational institutions was a strategic priority for Ravensboune, prompting them to move and construct a £70 million campus at the Greenwich Peninsula.With their transition to Greenwich, they now had the opportunity to think bigger than ever before and choose future‐proof technologies that would deliver high performance.

Business Challenges

Prepare students for real‐life broadcasting
Create productions of the highest quality
Maximize investments
Lead as a future‐facing university

Intercom Solution

Eclipse-PiCo digital matrix
Eclipse Configuration Software (ECS)
7 V-Series 12 lever‐key panels
3 V-Series 24 pushbutton key panels
Tempest2400 wireless base station with 4 wireless beltpacks
25 Concert intercom-over-IP software licenses
Clear‐Com headsets and interfaces

Business Results

Students equipped for workforce
Value‐added systems yield higher productivity
Positive returns on investment
Ravensbourne drives forefront of broadcast

Read full case study here >> Leading University Sector College Gains a Competitive Advantage

Friday Fun: Happy Friggatriskaidekaphobia Day!

2012-01-13T15:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Friggatriskaidekaphobia Day!!

That's right, today is Friday the 13th. The day superstitious people fear the most. I'm sure you've heard of some of the most common superstitions: don't walk under ladders, don't let a black cat cross your path, if you spill salt you have to throw it over your left shoulder, etc. But what about other superstitions?

Because this blog focuses on audio and today is Friday the 13th, I thought it would be fun to see if there were some auditory rules to this superstition stuff.

Here's what I found:

the sound of a bell drives away demons because they don't like the loud noise. However, to coin that famous holiday movie, when a bell rings, an angel gets it's wings.
if you hear a dog howling in the night when someone in the house is sick, it's a bad omen.
if you sing before seven, you will cry before eleven
A dog that howls on New Year's Eve will go crazy before the end of the year.
Don't look back if you hear footsteps behind you. It could be death.

What are some of you favorite superstitions?

IATSE's Local 16 Training Seminar Featured Clear-Com

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), a union of professional stagehands, motion picture technicians, and allied crafts, hosted their Local 16 Training Seminar at Moscone West in San Francisco, CA from December 12-15, 2011. Over 108 classes were held during those four days, ranging from instruction on lighting and electrics to AV and multi-source. On December 14^th, Rom Rosenblum, Clear-Com’s application engineer, and Jay Wallace, one of Clear-Com’s regional sales managers, provided training for A1’s, A2’s and other audio professionals on the latest Clear-Com products, including the Tempest2400 and other state-of-the-art equipment.

The class was a big hit! In fact, here are some excerpts from a thank you letter that was written by the Local 16 team:

“I have one world to describe the Local 16 Training Seminar we held last week at Moscone West and for your assistance in making it happen –WOW!”

“Your help in providing your Clear-Com system and instruction was integral to our success. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your support. We continue to train our workers to maintain our reputation as one of the best locals in the IATSE, and to live up to our obligation to provide our employees with the best crews possible.”

In 2012, Clear-Com will continue to provide training sessions for IATSE as part of our commitment to educating and equipping users with the most innovative and powerful intercom solutions.

Friday Fun: Evolution of Audio

2012-01-06T15:44:00.000-08:00

History is a funny thing. It's made up of all these events that create innovations that become staples in our everyday, present life. Like light bulbs, automobiles, cell phones, iPods...... I mean, what would we DO without these things?

And then I stumbled upon this: an audio timeline. Boy, have we come a long way from Liquid Transmitters and Shellac Discs.....I wonder what new gadgets we'll be using in the next 100 years. Any guesses?

Source: www.mrpophistory.com

Internal Communication Systems for Maritime Operations

2012-01-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

Crew personnel on vessels or offshore environments require effective internal communication systems to ensure both staff safety and operational success.

Reliable communication is essential for offshore activities such as coordinating bell dives, the lifting or lowering of ROVs, or alerting and engaging ship-wide personnel in critical procedures. These kinds of demanding responsibilities involving different functional teams require rapid communications and a high level of cooperation in order to get the job done. Inflexible systems and push-to-talk handsets are often not capable to meet these requirements. Intercom systems, such as Clear-Com, ensures staff safety, communication security and workflow efficiency.

Promoting Safety
Highly audible messages are delivered at an ultra-fast, sub-millisecond speed. Noise from the surrounding environment can be blocked out with noise-cancellation capabilities to ensure every instruction or announcement is clearly heard.

Maintaining Privacy
Talkback systems are closed circuit systems that safeguard sensitive and confidential conversations. Multiple line systems provide users with the option of setting up private conversations with individual users on assigned channels and/or calls with different groups of users that have common job functions on alternative lines.

Yielding Efficiency
Crew members need to be well coordinated in order to perform complex jobs with a high degree of intricacy. These types of tasks require a wired and/or wireless communication system that switched on so that they can instantly respond to given instructions at any moment.

To learn more about how intercom systems are used in offshore vessels, take a look at this brochure: Internal Communication Systems for Maritime Operations

Word Search: Clear-Com Markets

2011-12-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

Word Search: Find the markets where Clear-Com is used.

Word Search: Find the markets where Clear-Com is used. game » word search puzzle maker

Theatre Production Team Transforms Workflow with Flexible Wireless Intercom Systems

2011-12-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

With Clear‐Com’s Encore partyline and CellCom wireless intercom system, Alley Theatre strengthens teamwork, streamlines workflow, and takes their already superb productions to an even higher level of excellence.

Photo Credit: Alley Theatre

The Alley Theatre has earned national and international recognition, including the Tony Award, for its creative and high quality productions. Through its rich offering of fresh new plays and favored classics, the theatre company has never failed to surpass the expectations of their audience – always guaranteed to deeply inspire the heart, wildly entertain the mind, and captivate the soul.

BUSINESS CHALLENGE

· Difficulty reaching people and accessing information

· Slow turnaround for production changes

· Minimize support requirements

INTERCOM SOLUTION

2 RM‐704 Encore Partyline Remote Stations
4 KB‐702 Speaker Stations
RS‐501 and RS‐502 Wired Beltpacks
CellCom 1.92‐1.93GHz Wireless Base Station
13 CellCom Wireless Beltpacks
8 CEL‐TA Active Transceiver Antennas
CellCom Battery Pack and Plug Chargers
PS‐704 Power Supplies

BUSINESS RESULTS

Improved teamwork and collaboration
Flexible systems accelerate issue resolution
Create better work environment
Complete, future‐proof communications infrastructure

Read the full case study here: Theatre Production Team Transforms Workflow with Flexible Wireless Intercom Systems

· Contain costs

Intercom 101 for Houses of Worship

2011-12-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Instablogsimages.com

"Setting up an intercom system for the first time in a worship facility can seem overwhelming, even for the most seasoned technical staff member. The advent of digital, wireless and now IP technology for intercoms has flooded the marketplace with a plethora of solutions, making it somewhat challenging to determine which will be the right fit for your space. Making this task easier involves a solid understanding of what intercom is, what makes it the right tool for professional communications and what to consider before installation," says Bob Boster, Vice President of Sales, Clear-Com.

Learn more about what to consider before the installation of intercom systems in your House of Worship in Boster's article, Intercom 101: What to Know Before You Start Your Installation, in Technologies for Worship Magazine (TFWM).

Intercom for Sports Production

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Photo credit: bocc.citrus.fl.us

Rom Rosenblum, Application Engineer at Clear-Com, discusses the importance of intercom systems for sports production in this TV Bay article: Intercom for Sports Production. Although partyline intercom systems are the traditional voice communication technologies for sports productions, Rosenblum identifies how digital matrix systems are becoming the trend in larger productions along with how IP-based intercoms are the latest in intercom innovation that is emerging in that market.

The Line On Intercom Is Open

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Fas.org

Intercom systems are found in government, aerospace, and military facilities around the world. From training and simulation to command and control or from military firing ranges to missile defense system facilities, intercom systems play a critical role in coordinating operations with optimal speed, precision and safety. Art Kingdom discusses the evolution and variety of intercom systems used by the government in video production in this Government Video article: The Line On Intercom Is Open.

How to Pick the Right Intercom System

2011-12-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Broadcastengineering.com

"The process of selecting the right intercom system for a broadcast or post-production facility, as with any major equipment investment, is seemingly daunting. It can seem like there are countless options to consider, making it tough to even figure out what the first step should be," says Ed Fitzgerald, Director of Customer Satisfaction, Clear-Com. "To simplify this process, break it down into three main steps, in this order: Conduct a comprehensive inventory of your facility's needs, read up on the basics of the three main types of intercoms, and then start researching manufacturers."

To learn more about selecting the appropriate intercom system for your facility, read his entire article in Broadcast Engineering: Intercom Systems – Determining Critical Features can Simplify the Search

Keeping Connected: Intercom Solutions For Multi-Site House of Worship Facilities

2011-12-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Photo credit: listentech.com

Megachurches have evolved considerably over the past 60 years to accommodate congregation size and the evolution of technology.More recently, there has been a transition to multiple satellite locations away from the main church campus, because they attract closer knit communities and are more convenient for local worshippers to attend.

Today, there are more than 2,000 multi-site houses of worship across North America. With more church gatherings at separate sites, each location has a unique congregation and cultural environment which calls for specific requirements.Typical obstacles include the manner in which the service is presented as well as how parking, security and ministries are managed. With all the additional hurdles, communication has become increasingly complex as each site requires a specialized intercom solution tailored to its needs.

Even though the multi-site worship services are coordinated by local church staff volunteers, the sermon presented by the senior pastor from the primary church venue is often broadcast as a satellite presentation to the smaller sites. In fact, some of the multi-site worship venues actually simulcast the entire service from the primary church location while others augment the main message with local music and commentary. The increasing shift towards multisite worship facilities necessitates well-organized, quality communication not only within, but also between each site.

Michael Rucker, Clear-Com’s Senior Regional Sales Manager for Central United States, identifies the various intercom solutions for houses of worship depending on production demands, multi-site proximity and the facility’s ownership status in his article for Technologies for Worship: Keeping Connected: Intercom Solutions For Multi-Site Facilities.

Friday Fun: Seize The Day!

2011-12-02T09:19:00.001-08:00

Did you watch the Thanksgiving Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? Then you probably saw the new musical performance from the stage version of Disney's Newsies. It was recently announced that the show is coming to Broadway on March 15th, 2012!

In case you missed it, click here to see the parade performance!

"SEIZE THE DAY" and become the "KING OF NEW YORK" by solving this sliding puzzle!

Seize The Day! sliding puzzle game » sliding block puzzle

Wrap-Up of November Tradeshows

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

New England Broadcast Cable Expo – NEBC (November 2^nd)

NEBC Expo

The 2011 New England Broadcast Cable Expo opened at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA. Free for attendees, visitors came from all over to find out the latest broadcast technologies and their trends. The Harris Corporation, Panasonic Solutions Company, and SONY Professional Solutions of America were just some of the exhibitors present alongside with Clear-Com (Booth 109). John Kowalski, Director of Broadcast and Network Sales, Clear-Com, demonstrated Clear-Com’s Eclipse-PiCo digital matrix intercom, V-Series user control panels, and Tempest2400 2.4 GHz digital wireless system.

I/ITSEC (November 28^th-December 1^st)

I/ITSEC, the world’s largest modeling, simulation and training conference, was held at the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The event brought in over 8,000 visitors to engage in the nearly 500 exhibits.

Clear-Com, which has been a trusted provider of voice communication solutions for training and simulation, command and control, and test and evaluation, showcased their vast portfolio of Encore partyline, Eclipse digital matrix, wireless (Tempest, CellCom, and HME DX Series) and IP-based Concert intercom systems in Booth 3030.

Additionally, Clear-Com equipment was used to coordinate simulation demonstrations for CAE, a global company focused on modeling, simulation, training and mission rehearsal, at I/ITSEC.

NATEXPO (November 23^rd -25^th)

The annual NAT Expo, the largest event of its kind in Russia, was well attended by over 13,000 people with over 250 companies exhibiting. Held at the International Exhibition Center, Pavilion 75 in Moscow, Russia, the NAT Expo focused on technologies, professional equipment and services for Television, Radio and New Media Broadcasting, and Cinema production.

Exhibitors displayed broadcast equipment, studio equipment, audio, video editing, lighting and more. Clear-Com (Booth A41) spotlighted their low-latency, high quality advanced intercom solution for producers, directors, camera men, and sound crews to use to coordinate their actions in television studios, OB trucks, and TV control centers.

The Intercom Clone Project

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

With his brilliant technical expertise, Richard Crowley, Web/Database Developer and Video Producer at Intel Corporation in Hillsboro, Oregon built his own partyline intercom system in his “Intercom Clone Project”. His intercom systems are not intended for resale, but are to educate users on how intercom systems work from the basics of a circuit to PC board layouts and from the fundamental parts list to advanced mechanical drawings.

Click on this photo to learn more from his website:

Photo Credit: http://www.rcrowley.com/ComClone/default.htm

Partner Spotlight: Jands

2011-11-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Jands.com

Founded in 1970, Jands, Clear-Com’s distributor in Australia, provides the world’s most recognized brands of audio, lighting and staging products for broadcast, live performance, and similar industries. Additionally, Jands Production Services offers audio and production services to the rental market while their Jands Staging division designs and creates solutions to meet the challenging demands of the theatre market.

Jands has supplied Clear-Com systems to many users throughout the years including Tempest to Scene Change, FreeSpeak for hyperbaric chambers, Clear-Com’s digital matrix system for the Aerospace Operational Support Group (AOSG) and more. Most recently, the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust acquired Clear-Com’s Eclipse-Pico digital matrix intercom and V-Series user control panels from Jands to coordinate the broadcast and production of their sporting events. The Syndey Cricket and Sports Ground, a sports stadium in Moore Park, Sydney, hosts tennis matches, motor racing, and most popular of all, rugby and cricket competitions.

Jands Pty Ltd
ABN: 45 001 187 837

Jands Head Office
40 Kent Road
Mascot NSW 2020

Postal Address
Locked Bag 15
Mascot NSW 1460

Main Phone Number: (+61) 2 9582 0909
Main Fax Number: (+61) 2 9582 0999

Friday Fun: Photo Time!

2011-11-18T10:32:00.001-08:00

The audio, the lighting, the cabling, the cueing, the coordination, the long days of back-breaking labor.........

It takes a certain person to be an expert in this field. A person that is often hidden behind stage, in the studio or on the road.

A person like you.

You are one of many hard workers out there that break your back lugging flight cases and laying cable, handle all the stress and pressure of making everything go smoothly, give cues to teams of people, and yet always manage to produce a flawless production.

The internet can get so impersonal.....what with hiding behind computers and all. So, we want to give you YOUR fifteen minutes of fame!

Take a photo of you hard at work......or hardly working! We'll post 'em here and give you the recognition you deserve! Submit your photos via email (intercomexpert@gmail.com) or you can post them on our Facebook page! Have fun with it and let your true personality shine!!

(but hey, no nudity or non-pc stuff ok? There are some things you just can't UN-SEE. My eyes and the other readers/followers/general public will thank you!)

Voice Communication Solution Optimizes Work Environment for Rotorcraft Testing Team at NASA

2011-11-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

Jacobs Engineering

NASA’s National Full Scale Aerodynamic Complex (NFAC) which is operated by the United States Air Force in Moffett Field, California has the world’s largest and only 80 by 120 feet wind tunnel where engineers perform full-scale rotorcraft testing. The test engineering team, contracted by Jacobs Engineering, requires reliable access to clear communication in

order to successfully coordinate set up and testing in the wind tunnel.

Business Challenges

• Aged intercom system could not provide clear audio in noisy environments

• Limited beltpack capacity decreased productivity

• Lack of full-duplex communication between all test operation areas hampered the highly mobile team

• Trunking radios caused safety hazard

Intercom Solution

• Eclipse-Median

• E-Que Card

• CEL-TA active transceiver antennas

• Eclipse Configuration Software (ECS)

• 20 integrated CellCom 1.92-1.93GHz

wireless beltpacks

• 3 V-Series panels

• FOR-22 Radio Interface

• CCI-22 Two-Wire Partyline Interface

Business Results

• 55 users maintain contact with the CellCom wireless beltpacks’ duplex

capabilities

• Users have volume control to hear better in loud environments

• “Listen Again” technology enables users to replay incoming calls

• Increased wireless coverage extended to blue room and control rooms

• Multichannel functions maximize work efficiency

• Integrated radios eliminates danger and permits adaptability

• Integrated recorder captures all critical information

Read full case study here >> Voice Communication Solution Optimizes Work Environment for Rotorcraft Testing Team at NASA

Why Intercom Systems?

2011-11-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

In a day and age where people have access to so many different means of communications from smart phones and two-way radios to online instant messaging and skype, some may wonder why there is still a need for intercom systems.

Nonetheless, broadcasters, theaters, houses of worship, hospitals, the military and many more industries with critical applications keep turning to intercom systems as their trusted solution for professional voice communications. The intercom users in these markets are often immersed in an evironment with shifting demands, rapid decision making, and for some, even dangerous operations. Therefore, only the most reliable communication technologies are qualified to be used for coordinating the completion of their day to day responsibilities.

Matt Danilowiczs, Clear-Com's President, identifies the two major strengths of intercom systems:

1. Low-latency: The person receiving information over the intercom system will hear that message instantly since the audio is being transmitted at a sub-millisecond speed.

2. Superb audio quality

Learn more about his explanation through this video:

Click on the photo to watch video. (Photo credit: Youtube)

Friday Fun: Intercom Game!!

2011-11-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

It's game time people!! In this day and age, the internet is a wonderful resource tool. Or a great way to spend some free time....or procrastinate. You pick. With a quick Google search, we found some fun sites to help waste away the time.

"Intercom" Word Fun: Click here to see how many words you can create using just the letters in the word INTERCOM.

Audio Room: Click here to build your own Audio Studio

Build Your Own Soundboard: Click here to add sounds to build your own custom Soundboard

NewsHunter: Click here to chase down the other news van to get the story first

Audio Room Escape: Click here to uncover clues to break you out of the room

Hollywood Tycoon: Click here to build your own movie studio (free trial)

Know of any other fun games? Post them in the comments!

World‐Class Vessel Maximizes Well Intervention Collaboration

2011-11-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Well Enhancer

Launched in 2009, Well Enhancer is the newest addition to the the Helix Well Ops fleet and specializes in Light Well Intervention operations, supported by saturation diving, along with remote operated vehicles (ROV) and construction services. With over 100 crew members working on the nine decks of the ship and underwater, communications and collaboration are of vital importance for the safety of each individual and successful completion of well intervention procedures.

Intercom Solution

3 MS‐702 Encore Partyline Master Stations
26 KB‐701 Speaker Stations
12 KB‐702 Speaker Stations
3 RS‐602 Wired Beltpacks
4 CC‐250 Headsets

Business Results
Enhanced Cooperation

Crew members can conveniently contact individuals or make vesselwide announcements using any of the speaker stations installed on all nine decks of the ship. They no longer need to waste time going to the PA system to share information with everyone, dispatch foot messengers to find individuals, or experience delays in responses from missed calls. With the push of a key, the Well Enhancer team can now easily and directly reach the point of contact, accelerating decision making, action and completion of the overall operation.

Increased Safety
With the Clear‐Com wired beltpacks, the Diving Support Team is able to safely navigate the deployment of the diving bell because they can clearly hear and follow instructions the first time they are given.

Accelerated Decision Making for Higher Productivity

The divers’ helmets, which have built in microphones and speakers, are linked to the master stations though an umbilical, enabling the divers to correspond with the Dive Supervisor. The Dive Supervisor communicates over a speaker station to direct all the ship’s staff to either move the vessel to reposition the crane or to coordinate the transporting of equipment into and out of the sea. With the intercom systems interconnecting the entire crew and divers, coordination is synchronized. Thus, the vessel and equipment can be securely and quickly moved, saving time and money.

Read the full case study here >> World‐Class Vessel Maximizes Well Intervention Collaboration

Wrap-Up of October Tradeshows

2011-11-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

Featured Show: AES (October 21^st-23^rd)

There was so much that happened at the Audio Engineering Society (AES) show in New York, NY! They include the following:

1. Larry Estrin, Strategic Technology Consultant for Clear-Com, shares his extensive knowledge and experience on “The Need for Coordinating License-Free Devices in the 2.4 GHz Band” as a panel speaker for the Audio Engineering Society Convention.

2. Further, Clear-Com’s industry leaders, such as Vinnie Macri and John Kowalski, provided valuable customer and partner support at Booth 431.

3. Clear-Com launched the Global Rental Group, inviting existing partners and companies that rent out Clear-Com equipment to join a rental network that will help them generate more business. Learn more>> Clear-Com Global Rental Group

4. We exhibited our new HME DX210, a wireless intercom system that is highly functional and versatile. Read more >> Pro Sound News Europe's AES Highlights

Here’s what Vinnie Macri said about AES in an article for the Prosound Network:

“The New York marketplace is always good for [gauging] East Coast response for our dealers, our partners in the area and our integrators in the area. Also, the East Coast is where all the broadcast decisions are made, plus there’s the performing arts community—particularly the Broadway community—and all of those people are here. At AES, there’s a lot of AV consultants as well; they specify our products into their performing arts spaces and AV projects, so no question, it’s an important show for us to be at.”

LDI (October 28^th-30^th)

Clear-Com exhibited at Booth 737 at LDI 2011, which was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The show brought in lighting, sound, and projection and effects design professionals from all markets.

Vinnie Macri, Training and Certification Manager, Clear-Com, taught the “Intercoms: Staying Connected” session on Saturday, October 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The training covered basic to advanced technical knowledge of wired and wireless intercoms and provided the latest insight on new intercom technologies. The first ten people that attended the session received Clear-Com headsets!

Rocky Mountain Video Expo (October 19^th-20^th)

Top industry professionals, decision makers and end-users in film, video, broadcast, sound animation, computer imaging and more attended the Rocky Mountain Video Expo, stationed at the Denver Airport Convention Center, Crowne Plaza. The expo showcased technologies including audio and lighting equipment for corporate, worship, entertainment and large venue as well as pre and post production solutions for broadcast. Clear-Com was situated in Booth 506.

CCW (October 12^th-13^th)

The Content & Communications World (CCW) exhibition and conference for media, entertainment and communications technology took place at the Jacob J. Javits Convention Center in New York, NY with a focus on satellite, fiber and IP communication business solutions. Clear-Com exhibited in Booth 1155.

SBE (October 4^th-5^th)

The 39^th annual Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Chapter 22 Regional Convention was held at Verona, New York. The SBE show attracted over 800 professionals from the fields of broadcasting, cable, new media, presentation technology, systems integration, event production, hours of worship, public safety, security and medical fields. Clear-Com exhibited in Booth A25, attracting great interest for our Eclipse digital matrix and Tempest900 wireless system.

We're a Rock Our World Winner!

2011-11-07T15:50:00.000-08:00

This year, at LDI in Orlando, one of our applications, Disney World of Color, were listed as a finalist in the PLASA Rock Our World Awards........AND WE WON!!!

What are the Rock Our World Awards?

The Rock Our World Awards is an annual recognition for outstanding and groundbreaking achievements within the entertainment technology industry and is offered only to members of the PLASA organization. Because this year PLASA and ESTA have merged, this is the first year where the awards program has expanded to a global event. 12 Finalists made it to the final round and 7 Winners were announced at the 2011 PLASA Cocktail and Awards Reception the night before the LDI show in Orlando opened.

WINNER: Disney World of Color

A.C.T. Lighting, Christie, Clear-Com, Fisher Technical Services, Green Hippo, IATSE Local 33, MA Lighting International, Meyer Sound Laboratories, PRG, Syncrolite, TMB, Walt Disney Parks and Creative Entertainment

"The Disney World of Color attraction at Disney's California Adventure park was unveiled to the world in June 2010 after three years of development and construction. Walt Disney parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment worked with fellow PLASA members to create a 'nighttime water spectacular' that synchronizes elements of water, color, fire, light, projection, and music to dizzying effect.

The attraction boasts an astounding collection of equipment and machinery. 1,200 water fountains each equipped with an LED light ring, shoot water 200 feet into the air. Images from the Disney canon are projected onto a 380-foot long mist screen. Fire nozzles shoot flames 50 feet into the air, and telescopic masts rise from the water - each supporting domes filled with lighting and video effects. Fog, lasers, searchlights, and light towers circling Paradise Bay round out the spectacle." - excerpted from Lighting and Sound America.

Congratulations to Disney World of Color and all those that participated in this extraordinary application!

Kiowa County Comes Back Stronger (Video)

2011-11-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

Kiowa County Media Center just had their grand opening on November 1st!
Clear-Com has partnered with the Kiowa County Media Center, a ground-breaking, sustainable media outlet in Greensburg Kansas, to dramatically transform community communications. Following the EF5 tornado, one of the worst U.S. natural disasters of 2007, which destroyed Kiowa County, Clear-Com provided the community with five EncoreTM partyline intercom systems to facilitate rich collaboration within the broadcast team and promote the rapid rebuilding of their communications infrastructure.
Read more >> Kiowa County Comes Back Stronger with Clear-Com

Watch this video showing the Kiowa County Media Center! Just click below.

Click on the photo above to watch the video. Photo Credit: Youtube

The Evolution of Television

2011-11-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Earlytelevision.org

The origin of television traces back to the early 1940s when New York City had the only broadcast station and television sets were few and expensive. In fact, most people didn’t even know what television was, let alone, own one. Nonetheless, it soon became more affordable and popular by the early 1950s. People began to watch television up to five hours a day with news and educational programming comprising over 50% of television shows followed by drama, which was about 30% of programming.

In the 1970s, television stations, such as WINK TV, began to approach Clear-Com for our intercom systems because they were extremely reliable and had successfully proven themselves for intercommunications in the live performance market.

Today, nearly every American household owns a television set, having immediate access to breaking news updates, educational programming, and entertainment. Major leaders in broadcast, such as CNN (Washington D.C.), CBS (California), Associated Press (Washington D.C.), and more, rely on Clear-Com for their television productions and broadcast operations.

Sources:
www.tvhistory.tv
www.livinghistoryfarm.org
www.earlytelevision.org

Friday Fun: Happy Halloween!

2011-10-28T15:10:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that if you've been on Facebook or YouTube recently, you've seen this already. But if not, check out this rockin' Halloween light show featuring LMFAO's Party Rock Anthem. Quite the impressive production.....

Happy Halloween!!

Halloween Light Show 2011 -

Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO

Photo Credit: YouTube

Larry Estrin Talks About the Importance of Frequency Coordination at AES in New York

2011-10-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

Larry Estrin

Larry Estrin, Strategic Technology Consultant for Clear-Com, attended AES in New York last week to chair a seminar discussing the coordination and planning of license-free RF spectrum devices for events and installations. With the increase of license-free devices using the Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz spectrum flooding the industry, there is a need for some frequency coordination to avoid interference with all of these devices. This panel discussed how coordination and spectrum management technologies can allow all devices to work without interfering with each other within current and future spectrum usage.

Back in August, Broadcast Engineering published an article written by Larry on this very same topic. In it, he talks about how the term license-free is often misperceived to mean that interference is impossible. The reality is that frequency coordination is needed to allow the maximum use of as many devices as possible without interfering with each other.

Human Element is Key:

Not only do you have production equipment on a single frequency, add in the tens of thousands of handheld devices (ie smartphones, etc.) of the spectators and you have no control over interference issues. The constant "chatter" these devices create raise the noise floor of the spectrum significantly. If you take these issues into consideration and communicate the potential issues and workarounds with all technicians, event vendors, participants, venue administration and IT departments ahead of time, you can assure that the proper equipment will be appropriately managed for optimum spectrum coordination.

Bottom line: Frequency coordination is the most effective way to protect yourself from interference.

Who hears better?

2011-10-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: dogs.icanhascheezburger.com

Do women or men hear better?

When men and women are born, their hearing abilities are the same. However, a study from John Hopkins University shows that men are five and a half times more likely to experience hearing loss starting from the age of 20. The reason for this is because more men work in loud environments.

How do men and women listen differently?

When listening, men only use their left side of the brain whereas women use both sides, but with an emphasis on the left. The left side of the brain is associated with listening and speech, but the right side is related to performing music and spatial relationships.

Which ethnicity hears better?

A study with the federal National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reveals that African Americans hear better than Caucasians. Those scientists believe that their large amounts of melanin protect them from noise-induced hearing loss since melanin plays a role in removing harmful chemical compounds in the inner ear.

Sources:

ABC News
MedScape
Times Daily

Friday Fun: We Want YOU!

2011-10-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

Calling all intercom experts!! We're looking for new topics and guest authors! The main purpose of this blog is to share knowledge on the intercom industry. Who knows that industry better than you?

We're looking for the following:

general information relating to the intercom industry
historical facts of intercom
funny or entertaining intercom related stories
A day in the life....
photos
videos
anything pertaining to intercom!!

If you have a topic you would like to see featured or you would like to be a guest author, please send an email to intercomexpert@gmail.com. Or, you can always go to the Suggestions Tab at the top of the page to submit topics at any time!

Partner Spotlight: Apex Audio

2011-10-18T16:44:00.000-07:00

With extensive experience in live sound engineering, design, and installation,
Apex Audio, one of Clear-Com’s partners in Southern California, always ensures that their customers are getting equipment that is not only relevant to their application, but is also within their budget. Huntington Beach High School selected Apex Audio to supply them with Clear-Com equipment for their Academy for the Performing Arts program because of their deep-market experience.

Huntington Beach High School's Academy for the Performing Arts program is regarded as one of the top-notch arts educational programs with an ultra-creative and competitive climate, selecting only the best young performers, writers, composers and technicians from across Southern California for intensive training. With a focus on live performance, coursework ranges from theatrical production and design to entertainment technology and music. In fact, their program is so remarkable that they have production equipment that is similar to those installed in, if not better than many colleges and community theaters. Apex Audio provided them with Clear-Com’s Encore partyline systems and Tempest wireless intercoms.

Apex Audio
16371 Gothard Street - Suite D - Huntington Beach, CA 92647
PHONE 714. 596.1185 - FAX 714. 596. 1195

Partner Spotlight: ATG Broadcast

2011-10-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

ATG Broadcast, an international systems integrator and Clear-Com partner, works with some of the world’s largest broadcast networks in large-scale installations from pre-build to completion. They recently assisted Associated Press London in their facility upgrade in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games. Associated Press London selected Clear-Com’s Eclipse-Median digital matrix along with two IVC-32 cards, five Concert intercom-over-IP licenses, VoICE 2.0 interfaces and 51 IP-enabled V-Series user control panels. These systems linked all of their bureaus over IP.

Because of the high performance of Clear-Com's intercom systems, an increasing number of Associated Press offices are turning to Clear-Com, including two locations in the United States as well as Baghdad.

ATG Broadcast Ltd.
Unit 1, Iceni Court
Icknield Way
Letchworth
Hertfordshire SG6 1TN
England
Office: + 44 (0)1462 485 444
Fax : + 44 (0)1462 485 777
E-Mail : info@atgbroadcast.co.uk
Website: www.atgbroadcast.co.uk

Partner Spotlight: Matsuda Trading Co., Ltd (MTC)

2011-10-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Founded in May 1979, Matsuda Trading Co., Ltd (MTC) has been a leading provider of system solutions for the broadcast, telecommunications, and music industries. Postured as a future-facing business, MTC is known for their responsiveness to customer needs and stand at the forefront of supplying the most innovative technologies.

As experts in sound reinforcement for theaters and special events as well as sound systems for convention centers and theme parks, they provide complete systems design, engineering, and installation for broadcast, commercial audio/video, and conferencing. Moreover, they are strong advocates of social responsibility by improving environmental management systems and educating employees in environmental policies.

As one of Clear-Com’s dedicated partners, we would like to highlight one of MTC’s most recent and outstanding installations for WOWOW TV, one of the first private satellite broadcasting television stations in Japan. In addition to securing an Eclipse-Median, WOWOW TV acquired over sixty V-Series IP-enabled panels and two IVC-32 cards for IP communications capability.

Address:
〒 107-0062
No. 15, No. 3, 3-chome Minato-ku, Minami Aoyama, Tokyo
TEL.03-5413-4611 FAX.03-5413-4618

Partner Spotlight: SOVICO Corporation

2011-10-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

SOVICO Corporation, Clear-Com’s long-standing distributor in Korea, is a leading professional audio company committed to supplying excellent technologies to enhance their customer’s quality of life. Not only has the company been recognized by the Korean audio market for the high quality of their top-brand products, but the business has received multiple awards for the civic and cultural contributions they have made in society.

Some of their recent Clear-Com installations include the following:

Gwangju City Hall installed Clear-Com’s Tempest2400, Encore MS-704 partyline main station, and KB-702 speaker stations.

Dong-A Daily News has obtained Clear-Com’s Eclipse-Median, V-Series user control panels, IVC-32 card, and Tempest2400 for their communications set up.

Motor Boat Racing TV acquired Clear-Com’s Eclipse-Pico and V-Series panels to connect members of their production team.

SOVICO, 1027-5 Bangbae-3dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea
TEL : 82-2-2106-2800
FAX : 82-2-588-3964(Sales), 82-2-2106-2906(R&D),
82-2-587-7337(Admin), 82-2-586-3721(Overseas Purcharing)

Friday Fun: IronMan Results!

2011-10-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

Did you follow Clear-Com's IronMan Barthelemy Rolet, last Saturday live as he competed in the Ford IronMan World Championship? Well, it was a sight to see! He crossed the finish line at an AMAZING time of 9 hours and 54 minutes! He placed 398 out of a total 1,800 competitors!

2.4 Mile Swim: 1:12:11

112 Mile Bike: 5:00:23

26.2 Mile Run: 3:35:31

Overall Time: 9:54:09

Congratulations Bart! That is definitely something to be proud of! I know we are here at Clear-Com!

The above photos and more can be found here, courtesy of FinisherPix.com: http://www.finisherpix.com/search.html?&pcevent=0042&bib=1505

Partner Spotlight: Savana Comunicações Ltda

2011-10-13T15:47:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: digitalproductionme.com

Savana Comunicações Ltda, Clear-Com’s exclusive distributor in Brazil, has successfully advised, provided and installed Clear-Com's intercom systems in many high-profile television stations. Not only are they known for their expertise in critical voice communication applications, but they are renowned for their exceptional customer service.

Clear-Com would like to highlight some of Savana Comunicações Ltda's most recent end user installations:

TV Alianca Paulista

After TV Alianca Paulista, a media outlet in São Paulo, inaugurated a new TV station in Bauru, they chose Clear-Com’s Eclipse-Pico, V-Series Panels, IVC-32 card, and Voice interface frame to link three television stations and 10 affiliates via IP connection. This eliminated their constant reliance on phones and significantly cut down on communication costs.

Broadcasting Television

Broadcasting Televisão Ltda., a leading service provider specializing in capturing and transmitting multimedia content, utilized Clear-Com’s Eclipse-Median, IVC-32 IP connection card, and V-Series control panels in its OB van to coordinate the broadcast of Miss Universe 2011, the most acclaimed international beauty competition for high-achieving women.

Press Release >>Miss Universe Crowns Clear-Com as Queen of the Scene

TV Gazeta Canal 11-Fundacao Casper Libero

TV Gazeta Canal 11-Fundacao Casper Libero is a television channel broadcasting in San Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte Cuiaba. In addition to replacing all their existing systems with high definition technologies, they purchased Clear-Com’s intercom systems to interconnect their headquarters with their affiliate sites.

Savana Comunicações Ltda
Rua Visconde de Pirajá 547 Gr 419
CEP 22415-900
Rio de Janeiro – RJ
tel (21)2512-9888
fax (21)2511-0190

Entertainment Team Champions Technology for World’s Largest Cruise Line

2011-10-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas, the largest and most elaborate cruise line of Royal Caribbean International, depends on Clear‐Com’s Eclipse‐Pico digital matrix, Encore partyline, HME DX200 and FreeSpeak wireless system for clear communications as well as efficient and wide collaboration during broadcast and live productions.

Oasis of the Seas, which is one of the world’s largest cruise ships, spans 16 decks and can carry over 6,000 guests along with 2,394 crew members. Not only was Oasis of the Seas the first of Royal Caribbean’s ships with an Aqua Theater and carousel, but it was the first to implement the idea of seven distinct themed areas. This impressive cruise line had more theaters than former builds and the physical size of each theater was larger and staffed by more personnel than ever before. Accordingly, their Entertainment and Technical Design Team wanted to maximize their communications technology so that guests can receive the very best on‐board entertainment.

The Clear-Com Intercom Solution

· UHF wireless beltpacks in former ship builds were subject to interference, hampering information exchange. Freespeak digital wireless beltpacks delivered clear audio quality for faster response to shifting demands.

· Production team must coordinate across multiple production venues. Since all intercoms through the ship are integrated to the Eclipse digital matrix, they can converse anywhere, enabling wider collaboration.

· The larger, highly sophisticated shows required robust systems with expanded functions. Feature-rich V-Series intercom panels and beltpacks with customized channels dramatically increased efficiency and production capability.

Read full case study here >> Entertainment Team Champions Technology for World’s Largest Cruise Line

Friday Fun: Clear-Com's IronMan

2011-10-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Clear-Com has our very own IronMan?

Photo Source: Barthelemy Rolet

Barthelemy Rolet, Clear-Com's Senior Software Engineer based in our Canada office, is currently in the sunny, sandy state of Hawaii getting ready for the Ford IronMan World Championship. He will be one of 1,800 athletes competing this Saturday, October 8th, beginning at 7:00AM Hawaiian time. See? He's already enjoying the sandy beaches!!

What is the Ford IronMan World Competition?

Photo Source: www.ironmanworldchampionship.com

IronMan is a race consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a full marathon 26.2 mile run....all in one day. What's special about this particular IronMan is that it's an Olympic Event for IronMan, meaning only the elite of the elite are qualified to compete. This is a televised event and will have live coverage on the IronMan website.

Competing in an Ironman competition is no small feat. Bart has been training hard over many months (years even!) in preparation. He's competed in both the Boston and New York marathons, various triathlons, and not to mention, this is NOT his first IronMan. In fact, he is head coach to a 150-person triathlon club, Les Chickens.

Follow our IronMan, Barthelemy Rolet, throughout tomorrow's competition and help us cheer him on! We'll post his results and photos soon after the event, so be sure to check back to see how he did!

>>To follow Bart throughout the race live, please visit www.ironmanworldchampionship.com. Bart is Bib # 1505.

>>To follow Bart's Les Chickens Triathlon Club blog, please visit www.bartcoaching.wordpress.com.

Good Luck Bart!! "Anything is Possible®"

Are you in Broadcasting? Check out Clear-Com's Concert for Newsrooms!

2011-10-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

Are you a journalist? An editor? A producer? A director?

Two technologies have merged together to create a one-of-a-kind tool that can simplify newsroom operations. This tool allows collaborative workgroups and news teams to instantly and reliably communicate using intercom-over-IP without the need for dedicated hardware.

I bet you're asking yourself: But......HOW??

With Concert for Newsrooms, of course!

Clear-Com Concert now seamlessly integrates within the Associated Press ENPS News Production System. Clear-Com and AP have teamed up to provide a simple tool to streamline communication efforts in the fast-paced world of broadcast news.

That's how!

>>Click here to watch our video outlining all the details!

Wrap-Up of September Tradeshows: IBC and PLASA

2011-10-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

IBC (September 10^th-14^th)

The IBC 2011 exhibition was held in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This event was designed for professionals involved in the creation, management and delivery of broadcast media and entertainment. With over 50,460 visitors from all over the world, this

year’s tradeshow set a new record for attendance.

Matt Danilowicz, President of Clear-Com, is featured by Medien Bulletin, discussing Clear-Com’s extensive range of new product offerings. They include the Tempest2400 2.4 GHz wireless intercom, HME DX210 wireless system, Optocore interfaces, and Concert for Newsroom, an IP-based, software intercom solution designed for newsroom members.

WATCH VIDEO >> Matt Danilowicz discusses new Clear-Com offerings at IBC2011

Additionally, Bob Boster explains the features and application of Concert for Newsroom on TVBay’s BroadcastShow.

WATCH VIDEO >> Bob Boster informs viewers on Concert for Newsroom applications

PLASA (September 11^th -14^th)

Demonstrating the latest innovations from the leading audio and lighting manufacturers and more, PLASA draws over 12,000 creative and technical professionals to their exhibition at Earls Court in London, United Kingdom. Clear-Com showcased its HME DX210 and Eclipse Digital Matrix System Version 5.2 with Optocore interfaces.

Video Production of Surgeries

2011-10-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

APPLICATION: A medical university’s production team and surgeons need to tape live surgeries. Videos are used for teaching purposes.

PRODUCT MUST: Easy to use and reliable wired intercom system with comprehensive features for group communications.

SOLUTION: Five Encore partyline intercom systems and a speaker station are installed in the control room. The AV Technical Team and Video Engineers are situated in the production studio. They need to communicate with the camera operators in the procedure room and the surgical directors in the hotel. The surgical directors oversee the switcher with a control to change videos on the screen. They use wired Clear-Com beltpacks and headsets to communicate with one another in creating a production of the live surgeries.

Application Diagram (Click to Enlarge)

Clear-Com Encore Partyline Systems offer unsurpassed 2-wire group communication capabilities. This platform offers an intuitive plug-and-play design and superior audio clarity with the embedded "Clear-Com Sound".

Wireless for Medical-Cathorization Lab

2011-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

APPLICATION: A medical clinic is currently utilizing an HME DX200 base station along with four wireless beltpacks and headsets. Only four of their doctors and nurses are able to carry around the beltpacks at once, but they have eight individuals total that always need communication. They want to expand their user capacity.

PRODUCT MUST: This facility needs an expandable wireless system with exceptional sound clarity.

SOLUTION: The medical clinic acquired a second DX200 base station and full-duplex WH-200 headset so that everyone on the team can stay in touch even when roaming around the hospital.

Application Diagram (Click to Enlarge)

HME DX200 operates in the license-free 2.4 GHz band offering clear, interference-free communications with Spectrum-Friendly technology.

BP200 2.4 GHz wireless beltpack

WH200 durable, wireless headset

HS16 single-muff, lightweight headset

Are You Serious? A Tradeshow Incident You Won't Believe

2011-09-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Fungopher.com

Over two decades ago when Clear-Com was exhibiting at an Audio Engineering Society (AES) tradeshow, something out of the ordinary happened. We experienced one of those shocking “Are You Serious?” moments. Examples of “Are You Serious?” incidents are when someone accidently sets their hair on fire or spills coffee all over their clothes before an interview. Fortunately, none of those happened at Clear-Com. This occurrence was in fact no accident on our part.

After Clear-Com sets up the booth, equipment, and resources, tradeshow attendees will usually visit us asking for product information or demonstrations. One attendee came by our booth and asked one of the Clear-Com employees about our speaker stations.

The conversation went something like this:

Attendee: “Are these speakers durable?”

Clear-Com Support Staff: “Yes” (Gives explanation.)

Attendee: “Are these speakers sturdy?”

Clear-Com Support Staff: "Yes" (Goes on to explain the features of the speaker system.)

Attendee: “Can these speaker stations take a lot of abuse?”

Clear-Com Support Staff: “Of course they are reliable.”

Then, the attendee picks up the speaker station and throws it as hard as he can so that it smashes onto the floor. Without a word, he flees our booth.

Are you serious?

Video Production of Medical Courses

2011-09-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

APPLICATION: Production technicians and videographers need to make videos of medical class courses. They also need to tape large events such as commencements.

PRODUCT MUST: IP based intercom solution as well as wired and wireless systems needed for comprehensive and flexible voice communication capabilities.

SOLUTION: The production studio houses the Concert server and each classroom has a computer with Concert. The production technicians use Concert to communicate from the studio to the videographers in the classroom to coordinate taping. When taping is done remotely, the Tempest2400 and wireless beltpacks, Encore Partyline and wired beltpacks, and/or Concert over Wi-Fi are used to maintain communication with those at the production studio.

(Application Diagram: Click to Enlarge)

Tempest2400 wireless intercom system operates in the license-free 2.4 GHz band to provide flexible, interference-free communications with high user capacity and multiple modes of operation.

CP-242 Tempest2400 4-channel, dual listen wireless beltstation

CCT-RT 2.4 GHz remote antenna

Concert is an intercom-over-IP and professional audio conferencing software enabling cost-effective collaboration.

Encore Partyline is the most comprehensive and reliable 2-wire system offering superior audio quality and intuitive plug and play design.

RS-602 2-channel wired beltpack

IF4W4 4-channel 3 or 4-wire interface

Wheelchair Races to the Pantry

2011-09-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: punkoryan.com

In the late 1970s, one of Clear-Com’s employees had a serious knee injury so he had to stay and move around in a wheelchair. While exhibiting at the Audio Engineering Society (AES) tradeshow in Los Angeles, he met up with one of our Clear-Com dealers who also happened to be in a wheelchair. They spontaneously decided to have a wheelchair race with a representative from their company running and pushing them down the streets.

Unfortunately for Clear-Com, our employee’s wheel chair tipped over. He rolled out in front of the doorway of the well known and crowded Pantry cafe. There was a very long line at the restaurant and a worker at The Pantry, who didn’t see what had happened, came out and told the already wounded Clear-Com employee to get up and get in line like everyone else.

Since then, we have learned our lesson: Make sure you do not tip over during a wheelchair race.

Test Your Sports IQ on Hangman

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hangman Clue: An international sports event that is second in importance to the Olympics uses Clear-Com. >>Answer

Trapped Coal Miners: Rescued

2011-09-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: smashingusa.com

On August 5, 2010, a tunnel collapsed causing 33 coal miners to be trapped underground in northern Chile. They only had food supplies that would last for 48 hours and drank the underground water to survive.

Although most rescue efforts are completed in less than two weeks, these miners were confined for 17 days before being discovered. After eight drilling attempts to find them, the rescuers finally had hope when they heard the mining workers hammering below.

Using Clear-Com’s Encore partyline intercoms, the rescue team coordinated their intense operations to save the trapped individuals. After drilling a hole, they sent a probe 2,257 ft. deep to identify the exact location and condition of the miners. Once the opening in the ground was large enough, the rescue team successfully brought up each miner, reuniting them with loving friends and relatives.

Medical Conference Coordinates Production with Wired and Wireless

2011-09-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

APPLICATION: A hospital is hosting a conference at a nearby hotel for doctors, professors and medical professionals from all over the world. Renowned speakers will be sharing their latest practices and discoveries. The production team needs voice communication systems to manage this entire event.

PRODUCT MUST: The wireless intercom needs connectivity to another wired system that must have two channels of communication.

SOLUTION: The Encore partyline base station and CellCom base station are installed in the master control room. Lighting, sound and camera operators use wired and wireless beltpacks to coordinate the event in the amphitheater. The master of ceremony speaks with the staff members that are preparing the upcoming speakers in the green room.

Application Diagram (Click to Enlarge.)

CellCom Base Station/Wireless Beltpacks operate in 1.9 GHz band and use DECT to allow users to move freely without audio fading or losing communication connections.

CEL-TA Active Transceiver Antenna supports up to five beltpacks each.

The Mysterious Tradeshow (Sliding Puzzle)

2011-09-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

Can you figure out which 2011 exhibition this was? Do you recognize our Clear-Com booth from this show? (Solve the puzzle and click here to find the answer: http://bit.ly/orTg0T)

The Mysterious Tradeshow sliding puzzle game » sliding puzzles

Clinical Work: Speech Pathology Instructors Rely on CellCom Wireless to Teach

2011-09-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

APPLICATION: At a university specializing at speech pathology, different instructors throughout the day need to simultaneously teach several classes of students that are in separate rooms. Because each classroom has a camera installed, the teachers can monitor multiple rooms of students from their cubicles. They must supervise and communicate with students that are working with patients.

PRODUCT MUST: The wireless system must interconnect students in all classrooms with the teachers in their cubicles. The intercom system must also be easily programmable and flexible for class changes.

SOLUTION: Through the CellCom/FreeSpeak toolkit, the configuration has been programmed onto the CellCom base station so that the wireless beltpacks can be used by the instructors to speak with different students in their various rooms throughout the week. CEL-TA active transceiver antennas have been fixed in the hallways to provide a connection in the cubicles and classrooms.

Application Diagram (Click to Enlarge.)

CellCom Base Station/Wireless Beltpacks operate in 1.9 GHz band and use DECT to allow users to move freely without audio fading or losing communication connections.

CEL-TA Active Transceiver Antenna support up to five beltpacks each.

Challenger Learning Center Uses Clear-Com for Simulated Space Missions

2011-09-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Rochesterchallenger.org

Found in 1986, the Challenger Center for Space Science Education was formed as a living memorial to the Challenger Space Shuttle astronauts. The educational program is designed to inspire children to pursue careers in math, science and technology because of the critical role that those subjects play in national security and innovative discoveries.

Each of the sites in their national network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers operate independently, but all of their programs are developed by staff educators and space scientists to ensure accurate content and effective instruction. The program involves simulated space missions where students must figure out math problems such as an average or estimate to save the space craft or successfully accomplish their goals. Math and science become more relevant to students as they begin to understand their real world applications.

Further, to accomplish these space missions, many of the Challenger Learning Centers utilize Clear-Com to enable clear communications and facilitate teamwork between students and instructors. Steve Otten, Executive Director (Challenger Learning Center- Woodstock, IL) duly notes, “We have been carrying out space missions for 10 years and have had over 90,000 students engage in our program. It’s amazing how durable Clear-Com’s headsets are because students are putting them on and off throughout the day and dropping them.” Clear-Com’s CC-95 headsets, which are used at the Woodstock, IL Challenger Learning Center, have truly proved reliable, being able to withstand the tremendous impact of extensive student usage for a decade.

To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org .

Contact Information:

Challenger Learning Center – Woodstock, IL

222 Church Street

Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: (815) 338-7722
Fax: (815) 338-7747
www.challengerillinois.org

Wrap-Up of August Tradeshows: AUVSI and BIRTV

2011-09-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: auvsipathfinder.com

AUVSI’s Unmanned Systems North America 2011 (August 16^th-19^th)

AUVSI’s Unmanned Systems North America 2011 forum took place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., bringing over 6,500 attendees from more than 40 countries. Commercial and defense operators, high level decision makers, government managers and scientists gathered to brainstorm, exchange ideas and debate on future policies and programs as well as discuss the latest trends in military, civil and commercial applications.

At Booth 2121, Clear-Com exhibited the Eclipse-Median digital matrix, V-Series panels, Tempest and HME DX wireless intercom systems.

Clear-Com has been a trusted provider of intercom solutions for unmanned vehicle programs.

BIRTV (August 24^th- 27^th)

Photo Credit: Jiou-Pahn Lee

BIRTV is China’s most prestigious exhibition in the industry of radio, film and television. Held at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing, China, BIRTV was well attended by professionals from radio and TV stations in China, neighboring countries, Europe and America. The highlights of the event included the China Visual Effects Forum, technical seminars and the China Tri-Networks Integration Summit.

Clear-Com showcased the Eclipse digital matrix, Encore partyline, and wireless intercom solutions. BIRTV News also featured Clear-Com intercoms as the chosen voice communication systems for media powerhouse China Central Television (CCTV) during its latest facility-wide communications upgrade and expansion.

Learn More >> CCTV Bases Communications Backbone on Clear-Com

Friday Fun: Puzzle Time!

2011-09-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

&lt;p&gt;[Your web browser does not support frames or is currently configured not to display frames. However, you may visit &amp;lt;a href="http://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&amp;amp;amp;pid=333dd00f2fe0" target="_top"&amp;gt;the related page&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.]&lt;/p&gt;

What Does Clear-Com Have to Do with Biscuits?

2011-08-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Shortbreadsouth.com

This question is in reference to Clear-Com’s legacy and newer speaker stations, such as the KB-701 and KB-702, which have the letters “KB”. The initials refer to "King Biscuit".

To most of us, a biscuit is a flaky piece of bread or roll that’s delicious and goes well with gravy. It is actually another term for speakers as well.

According to the early Clear-Com team and Charlie Butten, one of Clear-Com's founders, the reason why Clear-Com chose KB as the initials for its speaker stations has to do with its ties to the King Biscuit Flower Hour. This was a radio show that was broadcasted every Sunday from 1973 until 2007. The program was sponsored by the King Biscuit Flour Co. and often featured new wave and rock music.

Long ago, that radio station had approached Clear-Com for a speaker station. Since many of the Clear-Com staff at that time were huge fans of their music, we decided to use the initials KB for our product.

Here is a photo of our legacy KB-100:

Photo Credit: Controlbooth.com

Video: Eclipse's Production Maestro

2011-08-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Production Maestro is a multi-user, multi-matrix PC based software package which provides fast, intuitive audio routing control for Clear-Com's Eclipse Intercom systems. This is an add-on module to Eclipse that enables simple and reliable routing and allows operators to control small or large networked intercom systems.

In this video, Clear-Com demonstrates Eclipse's Production Maestro at NAB2009.

You can also access our video at http://www.clearcom.com/support/videos.

Intelligent Intercom-Over-IP for International Sports Events (White Paper)

2011-08-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

Clear-Com Eclipse Digital Matrix Intercom System was used to provide the communications for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The native IP enabled V-Series intercom panels allowed rapid communication deployment where more traditionally connected panels would otherwise have to be planned for and individually cabled.

This white paper describes how IP communication overcomes traditional problems at such types of installation venues and also discusses what to consider when deciding Intercom-Over-IP (IoIP) approach for successful and spectacular large events, making reference to specific use-cases of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

>>READ WHITE PAPER HERE

Clinical Work: Hyperbaric Medical Staff Communicates with CellCom Wireless

2011-08-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

APPLICATION: The nurses in the nurses’ station work area and hyperbaric chamber need to communicate with the operator and doctors that are working throughout the hospital.

PRODUCT MUST: The intercom system must enable mobility as well as clear communications throughout the hospital.

SOLUTION: The CellCom base station along with a speaker and microphone are installed in the nurses’ station. CEL-TA active transceiver antennas are mounted in the hallways and nurses’ station work area to provide coverage in the rooms throughout the hospital and the hyperbaric chamber. The operator uses the microphone and speaker from the CellCom base station to communicate with nurse attendants who are wearing CellCom wireless beltpacks and headsets. Nurses can roam outside or inside the hyperbaric chamber to speak with doctors throughout the hospital that are also wearing wireless beltpacks and headsets.

Application Diagram (Click to Enlarge.)

CellCom Base Station/Wireless Beltpacks operates in 1.9 GHz band and uses DECT to allow users to move freely without audio fading or losing communication connections.

CEL-TA active transceiver antenna supports up to five beltpacks each.

Note: CellCom^® and FreeSpeak^® are different brands representing the same digital wireless intercom system (with minor technical differences). Due to trademark limitations, CellCom and CellCom Integra (formerly CellCom50) are only available in the U.S. and Canada; and FreeSpeak and FreeSpeak Integra (formerly FreeSpeak50) are available in all countries other than the U.S. and Canada.

Welcome to Our New Office!

2011-08-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a little over a week since our Alameda office moved in to our brand new office space! As with all moves, it was a lot of work, but we all pitched in and were able to get settled and organized in no time. Here's a little glimpse of all the goings on behind the scenes:

Look at the empty bins we get to fill!!

Packing, Packing, Packing!!

Officially Offline

Moving the Inside Sales Dept

Gotta empty the cubicles before they can get taken down

Those bins are getting full now!

Break Time! Uno anyone?

Cubicles are going.....

Going.....

GONE!

All packed and ready to go!

Once everything was packed up and ready to go, it was finally moved to our new location! Our cubicles were configured and boxes were moved to there designated areas. Now, it's time to unpack!

Cubicles Under Construction

Almost done....

Unpacking Repairs and B-Stock Areas

Our New College is Almost Complete

Cubicles Finally Unpacked

Offices Are Ready

Marketing Demo Closet is Organized

Our New Home!

Sending a big thank you to everyone that helped and pitched in over the weekend. We couldn't have done it without you! And to all of our friends and customers, we look forward to giving you the grand tour!

Treading Water in the Freelance Pool: A Day in the Life of an A-2 on a Live Sports Broadcast (Part 5)

2011-08-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Rom Rosenblum, A-2 Master

Whew! We made it to the last part in our series! You've learned about what to expect in a typical day as an A-2 (Part 1). You were introduced to a vast list of characters that you'll be working with (Part 2). I gave you some key tips and tricks of the trade (Part 3). Heck, I even built you your very own starter tool kit (Part 4). What else is there to know? Umm.....LOTS MORE. In this final part of the series, I'll take you through setting up the booth and actually going LIVE. So, let's follow the money to where the action is. Read on.....

Depending on what your A-1 wants, setting up your booth or announce table now would be a good idea. There seems to be a standard in our industry for the setup of the announce position. Typically, there are three announce headsets (Play-by-Play (PXP), Color, and a handy-dandy Spare), two "stick" mics (hand-held) and IFB's for these positions (IFB = Interruptable Fold Back). Most often, as we look at the field of play, the order from left to right is as follows: Statistician, PXP, Color and AD or Stage Manager. Consult your producer to make sure this is how your talent wants it set up.

Your "booth kit" may contain:

3 announcer headsets. Be nice and wipe off the headset ear cups of all make-up and ear grunge.
2 stick mics - EV 635's or RE 50's, for example.
2 IFB boxes to amplify the fold back (to their ear pieces) lines for the talent. Their stand-up will require Telex ear pieces. The talent may or may not have their own. It's always best to have extras, though and they blow easily.
3 Talkback boxes for talent headsets. These act as IFB boxes, cough boxes and also route the muted headset mic to the director and producer in the truck via a separate talkback circuit.
2 or more PL boxes and headsets for intercom to stage manager, statistician, PA's, etc.
Crowd mics hung out the window. I bet you know what these are for!!!
Cables, Y-cords, power supplies and adapters for the above.

Occasionally, you are required to set up the TV monitors and lights and other yucky video stuff. SORRY! While we're talking about the booth (or table), let's chat a moment about the talent. Most of these kids are pretty nice. They work hard before the show preparing and rehearsing and all that. They might even treat you like a human being. To some of these people, you are just a carnie that they must depend on for all things technical. They may not think twice about reaming you because they can't figure out that the volume knob makes it louder, or the ear piece won't work if it's not plugged in. However, they are the engine that drives the whole show, so BE NICE and keep them happy.

Just before we go live, we play back a pre-produced pre-show and/or teaser. These are usually recorded and packaged sometime before the show. It may include an interview on the field of play with a player, coach or owner. During pre-record time, your job is to wait around for a decision on to whom to talk to is made, changed, blown-off, changed again and finally accomplished. Remaining calm and focused is an art form. Bring a book.

So, now, we go live to air. If all goes well, now is the time to take a breather. you can hang out on the court, field, locker room or by the truck. The locker room is a good source of free food and good company, so schmooze away. Your job is to wait for stuff to break. Keep a radio on to stay in touch with the A-1. Bring him/her a coke and kick back.

What we do isn't brain surgery. Sometimes, you need to let some things slide and not pay as much attention to detail as one would like to in a more controlled environment. Someone once described live sports TV audio production as "paper plate audio". As the A-2, you are called on to be the ambassador between the truck and the house, the teams and the vendors, the players and the talent, other media representatives and a vast concoction of other people. Maintaining perspective and letting the higher-ups sweat the big stuff has kept me employed for quite some time. Enjoy it. I know I do.

Rom Rosenblum is/was a freelance A-2 and is currently an Applications Engineer for Clear-Com. He continues to freelance as a mixer for live TV sports broadcasts and has worked everything from Roller Derby to the Olympics. He admits to once upon a time playing Tom Lehrer songs on the piano for patrons of various disreputable restaurants in Texas.

Treading Water in the Freelance Pool: A Day in the Life of an A-2 on a Live Sports Broadcast (Part 4)

2011-08-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Rom Rosenblum, Tool Kit Savior

You may be asking yourself, "Now, what the heck do I need?". To put your mind at ease, I've created a simple starter tool package for you (you can thank me later). I am assuming that you are comfortable around tools. If not, you better get comfortable. You WILL need to use all of these sooner or later.

A proper tool kit is too cumbersome to carry around, so here are some ideas of what you might find in my very own small bag of tricks on any given day:

A "Greenie" or "Tweeker" - a small, flat-head screwdriver. Assorted other screwdrivers would be good to include as well.
A Radio Shack Butane Soldering Iron - the Weller brand is much better, but is too large to fit in my pack. Keep a spare tip and extra gas handy.
Small Vise Grips - to hold connectors during soldering. And they'll save your fingers.
Solder - for soldering. Of course.
Shrink Tubing - assorted thicknesses because you just never know.
#10 Gauge Teflon Tubing - to isolate ground drains for the improperly toilet-trained among us.
Dykes (diagonal cutters), Small Needle Nose Pliers - some like a "leatherman"-type multi-tool.
Foam - to use for shockmounts or windscreens for microphones.
Tape - various types, like gaffers (duct), white paper for labeling, colored paper tape for color coding, etc.
Vinyl Electrical Tape and Plastic Bags - for water-proofing connector ends.
Dark Sharpie Marking Pen - or a not-likely-to-leak pen or pencil. Because ink smears are hard to read.
"Tone Bone" - an in-line tone generator. Shure Bros model A15TG or a Whirlwind Q-Box are good to use
"Listen Box" - Radio Shack has them, or the Whirlwind Q-Box can be used as well.
Audio Adapters, AC Ground Lifter, XLR Turnarounds (Male to Male and Female to Female)
"Sniffer" or In-Line Voltage Checker - to test for voltage in the RTS or Clear-Com PL and IFB systems, and phantom power. Again, the Whirlwid Q-Box can do this also.
Cable Checker - Whirlwind makes a good one.
Telex brand earpiece - to test the IFB boxes.
Batteries - have some 9 volt and AA batteries with some tape over the contacts so they don't short out in your bag.
LOTS of patience. There's always enough room in your bag for this.

As this bag is going to get a bit heavy, you might want to have a small bag for the bare essentials, like the tweeker, white tape, Q-Box and a few turnarounds. Keep your bag in a strategic spot so you don't have to drag around all of this stuff when you're running around. But, this should get you started. As your career progresses, you'll learn to customize your kit to suit your own needs.

Tomorrow, we'll be ending this "day in the life" series with ideas on setting up the announce booth and finally going LIVE!

written by Rom Rosenblum, Clear-Com Applications Minke

Treading Water in the Freelance Pool: A Day in the Life of an A-2 on a Live Sports Broadcast (Part 3)

2011-08-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

Rom Rosenblum, Cabling Genius

Hiya Kids! Now it's time to get to work. Today, we're going to dive into all the Tips and Tricks you need to do the fun, exciting, yet not so glamorous, job of being an A-2. So, listen up and read on, it's going to be one wild ride!

THINK STRIKE
Your job is to set up, test and maintain all the audio equipment that will be used for the show. Veteran A-2's will also help the A-1 with running mults that they might need in the TV compound. The first thing on the agenda is un-packing the truck. Sort things out and pay attention to where everything comes from. Our mantra is "THINK STRIKE". No, not the stop-work kind, the put-things-away kind of strike. When it comes time to re-pack the truck, you'll need to put all this junk back in its place, so stay organized. Also, it pays to know where everything is, so when your world is falling apart, you'll find what you need to save the show quickly and be the hero of the day. It's also a good idea, time permitting, to test cables and bring in extra boxes and headsets with you. This will save you a walk back to the truck when something doesn't work......and I guarantee that that WILL happen.

STAY ORGANIZED
After you pow-wow with the A-1, producer and director, you'll need to start running mults (fat cables with many...usually 12...mic cables contained within one thick one) to the various positions on the field of play and broadcast booth. Again, "THINK STRIKE". Don't run cables in such a fashion that you'll have trouble removing them. Don't get overzealous with plastic cable ties and all that, because they are a pain in the neck to remove (unless this is a permanent or semi-permanent install). For sure, mark all your cables at each end. There's nothing more frustrating than having a bunch of cables and not knowing what they're supposed to be connected to. In general, the male ends of the XLR connectors are left at the truck end, but consult your A-1 to make sure. You don't want to run a long cable only to find out that you ran it the wrong way! Get help from the utilities and camera folks to run all the cables together with theirs (if there are common runs), for all of the obvious reasons.

INVENTORY, INVENTORY, INVENTORY
Taking a quick inventory when you unpack is a good idea. No, it's a great idea. This lets you know what you started with if you come up short at the end of the gig. Sometimes, the last guy in the truck left something behind and nobody noticed. But you'll be held accountable if a count is taken after your shoot and something is missing. It's also a good idea to test cables and equipment at the truck before you drag them to the four corners of the universe, only to find out you have a bad connector or faulty box. This saves time if you have the luxury of a "cable day". Otherwise, you roll the dice and keep your portable soldering iron handy.

PLAN AHEAD
When you are going all the way to the field or booth, you want to make sure you bring what you need so you don't have to make unnecessary trips. Keep a list of what you'll need in each location and check it twice before leaving the compound. Hopefully, there's a cart of dollies on the truck that you can use. If you're lucky, maybe even a golf cart may be used to bring the heavy camera gear to the field. Or, you might have to charm the camera folks into letting you have your gear hitch a ride with theirs. Some folks bring their own little two-wheeled dolly to the gig. It's a small investment, but you might want to fork over the cash to make your life a little easier.

KEEP LISTS
The first list you should always remember to have is a phone list. Don't forget to grab the cell phone numbers for anyone at the truck that you may need to reach before all the comms are set up. The A-1, the EIC and maybe the lead utility guy are a good starting point to your phone list. The other important list you should have is the "mult list". There will probably be more than one place you'll be required to set up. A booth, the field effects mics and interview area, maybe an interview room or locker room "drops" (a mic, IFB and PL intercom), for starters. You'll get a mult list (a layout of where everything should be plugged into per your A-1 or tech manager) and it's your responsibility to make sure everything is hooked up properly. If there are any questions, it's best to review the list before starting to get all the gear packed for the trip to their destinations. ASK FIRST. You'll save time and keep the confusion down to a minimum.

Most of all, remember that there are time honored, unwritten rules about one's place in the pecking order that must be paid attention to at all times. Take your lumps, because one day, you'll be on top of the heap!

Tomorrow, we'll talk about some good ideas for your gig tool kit.....or affectionately known as the zen of the fanny-pack!

written by Rom Rosenblum, Clear-Com Applications Minke

Treading Water in the Freelance Pool: A Day in the Life of an A-2 on a Live Sports Broadcast (Part 2)

2011-08-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

Old School Audio Engineers

Howdy Campers! Yesterday, we looked at an overview of a remote broadcast. Today, let's take a sardonic second to outline the different positions viewed on the mobile unit truck for most sports broadcasts. Read on....

GETTING TO KNOW THE CREW

The Producer deals with sponsored elements (they PAY for all this), coordinates with master control, choreographs the pre-taped elements, makes most of the decisions about the flow of the show and keeps play-by-play talent happy and fed. He/she has the final word in all matters in and around the truck, unless the talent has a better contract with the rights holder and wants something else. Bottom line: BE INVISIBLE.

The Director "calls" the cameras to be "taken" to "air" and may scream at anyone who doesn't follow his/her spoken or telepathic commands. The good ones will keep the crew happy. Rookie directors, though, are not confident with their skills and can take it out on the crew. Bringing him/her a soda or coffee during the broadcast will go a long way in raising your stock. Because when the director is happy, then the whole crew makes out. Bottom line: GIVE 'EM A WIDE BERTH.

The TD or technical director "switches the show" by pushing buttons and faders to follow the video directions of the director. This person is responsible for the whole crew. When there is a technical or personnel problem of conflict, we let the TD know and he/she can fly it up the proper flag pole. Bottom line: BE NICE.

The Chyron Operator and Coordinator gets all the graphic stuff ready to be built into pages to be blended into the pictures (ie scores and stats). They usually require some intercom fix that will only be requested thirty seconds before "air". They work too hard and don't get out much. If there are credits at the end of a show, be nice....otherwise....well, be nice anyway. They know how to spell. Bottom line: LET THEM BE NICE TO YOU.

The AD or assistant director. This poor guy must translate the demands of the producer and director to the guy pushing buttons at master-control (a mythical place where we believe our audio and video signals are sent for transmission to the real world). They also count us all down (....ten to us....9...8...7... etc.). Bottom line: LEAVE THEM ALONE.

The Stage Manager is a wrangler of the talent and keeps the play-by-play table and the set in tidy order. They usually have limited or no technical knowledge. So, be prepared if they ask you a ton of questions. Bottom line: KEEP AN EYE ON THEM.

The Tape Ops record and play back the game. If there is a "money reel", the commercials are on it and are rolled from the truck. The slo-mo replays are coordinated by the producer and called for by the director. Usually there is a "lead tape op" who calls the shots in the tape room. In the old days of 1-inch open reel tape, these guys/gals would actually roll the tape reels by hand for the slo-mo effect. Now, they use controllers with throttle-like handles. They aren't even "tape" machines anymore, but rather hard drive recording devices. Most tape-ops don't expect much help loading and unloading the truck, but they run a fun place to hang out during the show. Bottom line: BE NICE AND USE PROTECTION.

The EIC or engineer in charge is sort of the captain of the ship. Once call the "Truck Mother", he/she goes with the truck and is responsible for all aboard - people, parts and equipment. These folks are there to fix broken stuff and to whine to, in general. Most are good sleepers, but I'll try not to generalize. They're smart and overworked. These fine folks are the ones who will direct you to all the gear and cables you'll need in the truck. Bottom line: WAKE THEM GENTLY.

The Truck Driver is on the road with the truck at all times. He/she knows where all the stuff is hidden and even can help with site-related problems, such as where to find a house dolly, find the person with the keys to the booth or any other such place you might need entry. Bottom line: A VALUABLE RESOURCE, BE VERY NICE.

The Video Shader is responsible for how the picture looks. He/she remotely activates filters and iris and electronic tweakage to adjust the cameras. They are a strange collection of pocket protectors and computer nerds. Bottom line: IF YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR PC, BE NICE.

The Camera Operators are the lead guitar players of the broadcast band. They are ego-driven carnies that get grumpy if they don't have lunch. If you need help with a microphone on a camera, don't complicate their lives. Bottom line: KEEP CLEAR.

The A-1 or Mixer, ie your boss. The mixer is responsible for everything audio. This means phones, PL intercom, transmission, audio from the network (back-haul), music from many sources, sound from videotape playback, audio to simulcasts, house interface, talent IFB, telephones in and around the truck and so on. Be gentle and remember they have a lot of stuff to do all at once, so if they seem testy, cut them some slack. It ain't no fun in the big chair! They are happiest if they never leave the truck. This, of course, means that all errands must be run by yours truly, unless you can find someone even lower on the food chain than you. Bottom line: DO WHATEVER THEY SAY, YOUR CAREER DEPENDS ON IT.

The Utilities are a bit lower in the food chain of command. These poor souls schlep the gear and pull cables for the matador-like camera operators. They'll want to impress you with a long list of very important gigs that they've worked on recently. Be wary of any responsibilities you pass on to them because they may not complete the task at hand in the way you need them to. Remember, you're ultimately the one responsible - whether they do it or you do it. Bottom line: BE NON-COMMITALLY NICE.

The PAs or production assistants do what their told by their own boss. Bottom line: IGNORE THEM.

Ok, so let's review what we've learned so far. First, we get coffee ans schmooze and scope out where we'll spend time during the lulls in the show. Then, we need to check with the A-1 and producer to see what we'll need for the show and get access to the field/court and press box where the announce booth with be located. Getting on the producer's good side now would be wise because you never know what kind of "swag" (ie freebies like hats, t-shirts, jackets or tickets) are available on a limited basis. After you stow your giveaways in a safe place, the A-1 will let you know what mult assignments will be used. Run the marked mults now if you can find a free utility or two. Then find the milk crates (the ones that are NOT supposed to be taken from 7-11) and fill one or two with the gear you'll need and find a way to get them to where you need them to be. Ask the EIC where all the cable and equipment is needed. A good working relationship between you and the EIC will smooth the way for a good show, so remember......wake them very gently.

Up next: Tips and tricks to make your day go smoothly.

written by Rom Rosenblum, Clear-Com Applications Minke

Rock Music was an Acquired Taste, Even for Charlie Butten

2011-08-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Thisnext.com

Rock and roll drew its inspiration from the blues and country music as well as jazz and classical music. Rock music became widely popular starting in the 1960s, which led to the development of sub-genres in the decades to come, including heavy metal and punk rock. Although Charlie Butten, one of early founding members of Clear-Com, is a sound engineering genius, he actually had to acquire his taste for rock music –the same way one acquires a taste for coffee or olives.

In the mid 1970s, Charlie was working at Don Wehr’s Music City, which fixed instruments and amplifiers for rock bands in San Francisco’s North Beach. Although he was very skilled in repairing guitars, he was unfamiliar with rock music itself.

One day, an English rock band called Cream was visiting and they needed someone to convert their amplifiers to American power. For the next two weeks, Charlie was assigned to get that job done, which he did with such excellence that he was offered an opportunity to be their sound expert. This was his first extensive exposure to rock music and he began to start liking it.

Source

Passman, Arnie. “Such Sweet Thunder: Charlie Butten and his Earthy Sound System.” Rolling Stone. 1971. Mature Musician. 16 August 2011 http://www.maturemusician.com/rw-article03.html.

Treading Water in the Freelance Pool: A Day in the Life of an A-2 on a Live Sports Broadcast (Part 1)

2011-08-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

The Great Rom Rosenblum, himself

Depending on your perspective, the position of an A-2 (the guy/gal who helps the A-1 or the chief Audio Operator with setting up and maintaining all the audio gear on a show) is either a cool, low pressure gig, or else it's near the bottom of the food chain in the crew pecking order of a remote TV personnel roster. Sports broadcasting is one of the last on-going forms of live TV left and in my opinion, the position of an A-2 is the best job in the gig! If you keep in mind that you are just a small cog in a wheel of madness, you'll do well. This week, we will be posting a 5-part series of "a day in the life" featuring some useful tips to give you your own perspective to kick around. For most of the uninitiated, a day's work in live remote TV can seem both vaguely familiar and/or otherworldly. So, let's start the walk through a day in the life of an A-2 at a live sporting event. Read on....

CARPAE per DIEM, or Seize the Check!

Jeeez, it's early. No matter how long I do this, it never ceases to amaze me how early on a weekend morning we need to get to work. "O-dark-thirty" just doesn't seem natural for a debonair guy like me to suffer consciousness! Oh well, rock and roll isn't pretty.....and neither is TV.

First off, it's time to get coffee (but only if this is a network gig and there's catering) and get reacquainted with your crew. Every time you show up, there are different folks to work with and familiar faces to get to know all over again. This time honored ritual is an essential part of the formula that defines the food chain that keeps our business going. The more time you've got in (seniority, experience, etc.), the more friends you have in far off places. And the more catching up you need to do! The prestigious gigs (network, major events, etc.) require that even more time must be factored in for this sacred ceremony. Big budget shows require a larger compliment of crew and equipment and can tolerate a fair amount of lag-time to get set up. A local broadcast might need a few hours to set up, but a full-blown network show often requires at least a whole set-day. Therefore, the better the pay, the longer the stay! Or, the bigger the broadcast (regional network or better) the more (pay) days you can count on to set up and get organized. That's not to say that a "set-shoot-strike" (set it up, shoot the show and tear it down all in one day) may not be as sophisticated as a "big" show. And in today's world, they are often MORE sophisticated.

If you're a "new" guy/gal, you might use this time to look around for a unit manager type to find out your duties and to whom you need to report, or, more importantly.....who you need to schmooze to get more work. This despicable act is necessary for both the career of the new guy/gal and to easily mark him/her as such for future harassment! This razzing is a time honored and valuable part of the learning curve of the newbie and must be endured and overcome as any rite of passage in the real world. (We'll have more on this later.) Most likely, you've already met the A-1 or mixer. If you don't already know him/her or have never worked together, now would be a good time to snuggle up, because the next 12 hours of your miserable life are in his/her hands!

In Part 2, we'll have a sarcastic look at the crew and get familiar with the different folks you'll be working with. Then, on following parts, it'll be on to some tips and tricks, the tools of the trade and finally a peek at the talent booth and GOING LIVE!

written by Rom Rosenblum, Clear-Com Applications Minke

Clinical Work: Multiple Rooms Connect with Matrix and Wireless

2011-08-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

APPLICATION: Three doctors are in the central room where there is a large video screen showing the video feeds from 12 rooms. Each doctor needs a user control panel that is programmed to connect with the beltpacks that will be placed in each room. The doctor needs to communicate advice and instructions to the nurses or technicians using wireless beltpacks in those rooms.

PRODUCT MUST: The digital matrix system must effectively interconnect all 12 rooms with the central room where the doctors are. There must be a large zone of coverage so that wireless beltpacks can be used in all critical areas.

SOLUTION: Three V-Series panels are installed in the central room. Four CEL-TA active transceiver antennas are set up in the hallways to provide coverage to the 12 rooms. When the doctors need to communicate with the nurses or technicians, they will signal the flasher in one of the rooms to go off. This catches the attention of the nurses or technicians and prompts them to grab a beltpack to receive further instruction from the doctor.

Application Diagram (Click to Enlarge.)

Clear-Com Eclipse-Median can support up to 112 ports in a 6RU digital matrix frame. This system is ideal for critical communications among teams that need direct and group connections.

Clear-Com E-Que Card is a wireless cell controller card that seamlessly connects the Eclipse with CellCom/FreeSpeak Integra for digital wireless communications.

V-Series Control Panels are 12 or 24-key IP-enabled user control panels

CellCom Wireless Beltpacks operate in 1.9 GHz band and uses DECT to allow users to move freely without audio fading or losing communication connections.

CEL-TA Active Transceiver Antenna supports up to five beltpacks each.

The Early Days of Charlie Butten

2011-08-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Usitt.org

Who: Charlie Butten (He is one of the early founding members of Clear-Com.)

Place of Birth: Storrington, Connecticut

Place He was Raised: Canaan, New York (He moved there when he was five.)

Best Childhood Friends: Doug Hall and Derek Van Loan

Memorable High School Moment: He and his friends would build howitzers at a local blacksmith shop.

First Job after Graduation: He worked at Paul’s Radio Shop in Chatham, New York as well as the Audio-Visual Division of the New York State Department of Education and Q&Q Electronics Supply.

Source

Passman, Arnie. “Such Sweet Thunder: Charlie Butten and his Earthy Sound System.” Rolling Stone. 1971. Mature Musician. 9 August 2011 http://www.maturemusician.com/rw-article03.html.

Friday Fun: Meet Sales and Marketing

2011-08-05T15:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday from the Global Sales and Marketing Team at Clear-Com!

1st Row: Pat Hamp, Jennifer Cassidy, Carmen Rivera, Christina Bartolome

2nd Row: Ahmed Magd, Edmund Song, Dan Muchmore, Judy Giddings, Jeffrey Wu

3rd Row: Corey Frasure, James Schaller, Jaz Wray, Terry Skelton, Lana Zumerov

4th Row: Stephen Sandford, John Kowalski, Jay Wallace, Michael Rucker, Mike Hughes, Amber Burke

5th Row: Vincent Beek, Vinnie Macri, Peter Giddings, Bob Boster

Who Built Eric Clapton’s equipment?

2011-08-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: EricClapton.com

Eric Clapton is one of the most influential guitarists of all time and the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

So who built Clapton’s equipment?

The answer is Charlie Butten! He's one of the founding team members of Clear-Com and he had designed, engineered, and assembled Eric Clapton's equipment.

In Mature Musician, Jack Fronk, a guitarist that worked with Clapton, informs others about Charlie’s impressive work, “That equipment got bigger and bigger and bigger, to the point where we built a club out in the Mission called Rock Garden. The stage was a fifteen foot bass speaker, with coils that actually blasted right out onto the dance floor. We had towers of amplifiers, and when we played concerts that were out of doors, you could hear that band clean across the city. But that was all custom built stuff.”

Source

Fronk, Jack. “The MM Interview with Jack Fronk.” Mature Musician. 2006. http://www.maturemusician.com/interview-jackfronk.html

Friday Fun: Intercom Word Scramble

2011-07-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

Can you unscramble these COMM-N intercom terms?

Start Unscrambling Now:
>>Click here to download the PDF

Find Out How You Did:
>>Click here to see the Answer Key

Wrap-Up of June Tradeshows

2011-07-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Clear-Com booth at InfoComm 2011

InfoComm (June 15^th-June 17^th)

InfoComm 2011 was held in Orlando, Florida with more than 33,000 AV professionals attending from over 90 countries. It was the second largest commercial AV show that was ever held.

This year, Clear-Com exhibited the HME DX210, Tempest900, Eclipse Matrix over Optocore Network, and more. Our hourly drawing to give away CC-27 headset generated a lot of chatter on Twitter. We were quite the popular booth! (Follow us on twitter too! @clearcomsystem)

Photo Credit: Youtube.com

Here’s a video (created by Rave Publications) of Vinnie Macri, Training and Certification Program Manager, Clear-Com, sharing about the HME DX210 at Infocomm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqAExXHrROs

Vinnie also talks about the Tempest900 system at the show in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YveJmKN_Yu0

BroadcastAsia (June 21^st– June 24^th)

BroadcastAsia is Asia’s largest and most comprehensive exhibition demonstrating the latest innovations in Film, TV and Digital Signage. The show was held at Suntec Singapore and attracted over 10,700 global visitors from broadcasting and entertainment industrials.

At the event, Clear-Com demonstrated the Eclipse Matrix over Optocore Network, Tempest2400, and HME DX210.

Video: Hybrid Network over Optocore Fiber and CAT5

2011-07-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

This video discusses the Clear-Com Hybrid Network over Optocore Fiber and CAT5.

The Clear-Com Hybrid Network solution extends critical intercom capabilities from the Eclipse matrix system frames to an integrated network of user control panels, wireless beltpacks, 2-wire partylines and Intercom-over-IP applications.

By operating the Hybrid Network over Optocore Networks using the V3R-FX-INTERCOM FOR CLEAR-COM (4 intercom I/O's) and X6R-FX-INTERCOM FOR CLEAR-COM (8 intercom I/O's) devices, intercom audio is efficiently and intelligently routed to intercom panels at any remote location on the network, with the added benefits of dual fiber redundancy or with additional CAT5 rings, with ultra-low latency and high bandwidth.

The intercom interfaces are based on the Optocore™ and SANE (Synchronous Audio Network plus Ethernet) technology platforms. The Optocore dual, redundant fiber-ring-based network can transport up to 1024 channels of 48 kHz sampled digital audio, or can be reallocated to route data and video signals simultaneously with multi-directional audio. The SANE platform is based on CAT5 cabling, which carries up to 64 channels of very low latency digital audio and two pairs for 100Mbit Ethernet. By using a ring topology, SANE is fault tolerant like the Optocore fiber-based solution and supports up to 24 interface nodes.

You can also access our video at http://www.clearcom.com/support/videos.

"Critical Communications" in the Hospital

2011-07-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Nobelprize.org

In the mid-1980s, hospitals started requesting Clear-Com equipment. They surely did not have a television station or a live concert performing in the facility. Why did they need Clear-Com?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners are used to noninvasively scan the body with magnets. Doctors may order MRI scans to help diagnose torn ligaments, tendonitis, tumors and more. It is the best method of viewing the inside of the human body without surgery. MRI machines usually have a built in intercom system so that the doctor outside of the unit can communicate with the patient receiving the scan. However, even though the MRI scanner was effective at capturing an image of the body from head to toe, the built-in intercom system had horrible sound quality. It was basically useless because the doctor and the patient inside the scanner could not hear each.

With Clear-Com’s intercom technology, the patient and doctor using the MRI in hospitials can speak and hear each other clearly so that the entire test runs smoothly.

Friday Fun: Sometimes, It's Not Just About Work

2011-07-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

We have many talented people here at Clear-Com. I mean, we did get our start in Rock n' Roll! So, we decided that for our Holiday Party last December, we'd put our talent to the test. We formed our very own Clear-Com Band! We may be a bit biased, but we think we're pretty good! It was definitely the best Holiday Party we've ever had.

And hopefully this year, the band will have an Encore performance......

Gimme Some Lovin' by the Clear-Com Band:

Drums: Amado Bautista (Repairs)
Bass: Emil Matignon (Technical Support)
Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals: John Pluth (Finance)
Keyboard/Lead Vocals: Rom Rosenblum (Applications Engineering)
Backup Vocals: Amber Burke (Marketing)