In Broadcast - December 2017 - 37

www.inbroadcast.com | Vol: 7 - Issue 12 | December 2017

InTech

Intercoms and Talkbacks
Contributing Editor David Kirk examines
crucial studio production technology...

ix months have passed since
we previously essayed into
the Intercoms and Talkbacks
product category. As ever,
this is arguably the most
important element of the
entire production chain as it
integrates crews across various
locations as a single team.
Significant trends are towards
more compact form factors and
greater user of IP networking.
Audio Limited's new A10 wireless
digital link comprises the A10-TX
portable transmitter and A10-RX
receiver with a claimed 20kHz audio
bandwidth, high dynamic range,
ultra-low distortion and 2ms latency.
It operates in the 470MHz to 694MHz
UHF band, frequency ranges being
country-dependent. Up to 29 A10 links
can operate simultaneously in a single
8MHz TV channel.
Broadcast Bionics' Skype TX for
Radio enables broadcasters to deliver
full multi-line talkshow and contest
formats via Skype from a single PC.
PhoneBOX4 integrates Skype calls
alongside traditional phone lines, SMS
and social media. Skype TX for Radio
is a Windows service which can run on
existing PCs or be hosted as a virtual
machine. Up to 14 lines of Skype can
be delivered from a single server.
Clear-Com introduced the latest
enhancements to its HelixNet digital
networked party line intercom at AES
NY 2017. The latest features include
binaural listening in the HelixNet HXIIBP-X5 beltpack, a six-fold increase
in input/output ports, and direct
connections to the Agent-IC mobile
app and VoIP phones. The HelixNet
HXII-BP-X5 Beltpack now features a
binaural (split ear) function enabling
programme feed from one channel
to one ear while the feed from the
intercom channel is heard by the other
ear. This feature adds to the existing
capability of mixing audio from both
channels in both ears. By connecting
Clear-Com LQ Series devices to the
HelixNet Mainstation via an Ethernet

Audio Ltd's A10 wireless digital link

module, users can assign up to 24
audio I/O ports to any of the 12 or
24 intercom channels in HelixNet.
These supplement the HelixNet ports
for interfacing with two-wire and/or
four-wire intercom or audio devices.
HelixNet and LQ are linked over LAN
and WAN IP networks. Signals from
any remote devices are routed over
IP to the assigned HelixNet endpoints.
Through the LQ interface, any user
on the HelixNet system is now able
to communicate with users on ClearCom's Agent-IC mobile apps running
on smart iOS or Android devices over
Wi-Fi, as well as users on VoIP phones
via SIP connection.
CTP Systems' FWD8000 is a Dante
enabled four-wire box with eight fourwire inputs, eight four-wire outputs
plus eight IFB inputs. In addition to
the network connections, four of
the four-wire inputs and outputs are
mirrored onto the rear of the unit for
local analogue use as well as two IFB
inputs. Power can be supplied via PoE,
an external 12 volt supply or IEC mains
inlet. Each channel has a cut switch, an
IFB monitor button plus an incomingaudio-present indicator. Units can be
supplied with a headphone jack or a
five-pin XLR headset connector. An 'all
talk' key can be set to talk to any or all
of the four-wire outputs. A microphone
cut button is also provided. When a
talk key is pressed, incoming audio to
the loudspeaker is normally dimmed to
prevent feedback. This attenuation can

be adjusted or defeated as required. and export markets, and B2 (563 -
The FWD6006 is a six channel desktop 640MHz) and C1 (614 - 691MHz) for
version of the FWD8000. It is a Dante export markets. RF power for these
enabled four-wire box with six four- models is selectable at 100, 50, or
wire inputs, six four-wire outputs plus 25mW (North American version) and
six IFB inputs. A mix output and a hot 50 or 25mW (certain export markets).
microphone output are also available The SMWB and SMDWB feature the
on the network.
standard TA5 connector with servoDelec's Oratis Compact is a bias mic input. This input is also
reduced-size version of the found on all previous SM series units
company's Oratis intercom unit and all current TA5 beltpack units
and summing audio matrix. like the LT and LMb. Any lavaliere
Features include fully summing microphones wired for these other
(non-blocking) audio, 48kHz Lectrosonics transmitters will also
sample rate, 24-bit word length, work on these new models. The SMWB
external sync support and and SMDWB units can be configured as
optional networking using the a transmitter or a recorder with files
Delec Link protocol (Gigabit Ethernet stored in WAV format to Micro SD card,
layer 2). It is expandable to 64 Dante allowing use as body worn recorders.
channels
The memory card can also be used
Glensound's Expedition is a to update firmware in the field. The
portable
broadcasters'
phone SMWB and SMDWB also feature the
compatible with 3G UMTS and 4G same large backlit LCD found on the
LTE networks. It also offers normal latest
Lectrosonics
transmitters,
narrow-band connections on 2G, 3G including the LT, HHa, LMb and DBa.
and 4G networks. The Expedition The new models also include an IR
has two microphone/line/48V inputs port to allow for quick setup when
that are separately switched, and using any IR equipped receiver such
two 6.35mm headphone outputs. as the LR, SRc or Venue 2. This allows
Two commentators can take the easy integration with a larger wireless
unit to a field event and operate system using Lectrosonics Wireless
as a commentary team. A reporter Designer software for frequency
can give an interviewee a dedicated management and system monitoring.
microphone and headphones.
A small ENG crew can have off
air / IFB with monitoring for
the talent and cameraman.
The Expedition has a top panel
screen allowing easy dialling,
caller ID display, signal strength
metering, and configuration.
Lectrosonics has introduced
two new transmitters to its
Digital Hybrid Wireless SM
series product line: the SMWB
(single AA battery) and SMDWB
Lectrosonics SMWB and SMDWB transmitters
(dual AA battery). The two new
transmitters resemble the previous
Pliant Technologies' SmartBoom
SM Series units but have new features Lite headset is designed for use by
including the ability to either act both presenters and technical staff.
as a transmitter or as a body-worn Versions are available with fourrecorder, as well as wide-band tuning. pin female XLR, five-pin male XLR
Like current Lectrosonics transmitters, and unterminated connections. All
the SMWB and SMDWB units tune models are finished in non-reflective
across three standard frequency rubberised black matte and come with
blocks and come in several frequency an adjustable headband, a 1.5 metre
ranges: A1 (470 - 537MHz) and B1 fixed cable and replacement ear pad.
(537 - 614MHz) for North American The mic arm of the SmartBoom LITE is
fitted with a dynamic noise-cancelling
cardioid microphone capsule and, like
CTP Systems
SmartBoom headsets, features an on/
FWD8000
off switch that can be used as a mute/
cough button.

http://www.inbroadcast.com https://audioltd.com/a10/ http://www.lectrosonics.com/US/Menu-item-for-category-listing-module-497/product/561-smwb.html http://www.ctpsystems.co.uk/

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