June 2014 www.tvbeurope.com


TVBEurope 47 Forum Comms


the same thing, they say they’ve tried VoIP solutions, they say they want to use them because the circuits are much cheaper than ISDN, they say they’re not impressed with what they’ve tried and they say all the time that if ISDN is available they will continue to use it. One customer recently commented that if ISDN circuits were invented today, every broadcaster would migrate to them immediately. de Bruyn: We do not know whether there are differences of opinion, but VoIP seems to be the most asked for solution. Diehl: ISDN is clearly on the way out. PSTN is the lowest common denominator. VoIP is the best choice with high quality audio, and a technology that has become reliable. Lewis: The difference is getting smaller. Reed: IP is now the standard method of linking a studio and an outside broadcast, often over a network involving satellite links and fi bre-optic connections. Using systems such as Trilogy’s Gemini Intercom makes this sort of link straightforward, with redundant connections possible via dual fi bre-optic rings.


Is there an easy answer to the problem of diff erent audio levels from diff erent personnel across one comms network?


Browne: In a small intercom network there is an advantage in standardising headsets and


Gavin Davis, Glensound Malcolm Reed, Trilogy Broadcast


mics with known characteristics and not providing users with mic gain control. In larger multi-frame systems, with more outside contributions, we would recommend the use of an online routing management system with visual level indication and gain controls. Clear- Com’s Production-Maestro Pro provides a central user with audio gain and meters to manage a single system or a very large distributed system on one screen. Collings: Attention to detail is still the watchword when doing an install. Setting the right levels during commissioning will avoid most of the problems caused by differing levels. Davis: Working at small entry-level systems with good quality microphone amps and compressor limiter circuits to control the audio level, this is not an issue that applies. de Bruyn: The easiest way for the customer would be if the intercom system would have automatic level adjustment. Diehl: Comms systems are used more and more for production audio, so different audio levels cannot be avoided.


This has been our policy for a long time


and we provide easy, quick and


intuitive control. When it


“Many


are still wary of putting


comes to the matrix, there are level meters (even as apps), that provide extensive possibilities to control audio levels. For panels, we can provide individual volume control by a rotary encoder. Lewis: Yes, RTS has an easy way to manage input and output levels of the matrices and cross points in the matrix through the panels and/or software. Also, we recommend our command line protocol to dedicated partners that offer studio management control software. This can interface with our system and, by using a touchscreen, they have full control of all audio levels. Reed: It’s useful to give individual operators a degree of


mission critical comms in the cloud” Chris Collings, Aspen Media


control


over their incoming levels. Our panels allow each


operator to set


their own personal ‘mix’ on the


fl y. They can adjust or reset this


at any time.


Has the ‘cloud’ made any signifi cant diff erences to comms technology?


Browne: We have used it to provide local PC to PC communications with our Clear-Com Concert system, allowing distant users to communicate and share local


audio sources plugged in at the PC or Mac using virtual panels. This is not yet a signifi cant part of our intercom system solutions, but we can see it growing. Collings: Not yet, many are still wary of putting mission critical comms in the cloud. However, for non-critical comms, the cloud and services like VCOM from Intracom Systems are a very effective way of distribu-ting facilities — such as Production Talkback — to many more operators across a much wider area. Davis: Not yet in our experience. de Bruyn: So far, No. Diehl: There are certainly sub-functions of an intercom system, where a cloud-based service is helpful. Spontaneous outside broadcast events could benefi t from such services. It is hard to imagine, though, that a broadcaster would outsource his intercom to a cloud service. As unimportant as it may seem at a fi rst glance, intercom provides the communication backbone. Without this backbone, production is impossible. Therefore, high availability, reliability and security are key features of a good intercom system. It is my personal opinion that these features could not – at least today — be provided in an adequate way by a cloud-based service. Lewis: Not for classic intercom in critical situations. We have an integrated VLINK technology that makes it possible to integrate mobile devices into a classic intercom system. Reed: Modern IP intercom communications between buildings and remote sites often use the cloud, with a VPN to ensure connectivity despite any bandwidth loading by other applications. Recent developments in both IP connected panels and operator panels that exist only ‘virtually’ in the cloud are bringing a whole new level of fl exibility to customers.


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