Upgraded Firmware Offers Improved Modes of Operation and Increases BeltStation Capacity
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, 11 SEPTEMBER, 2010 ─ Clear-Com®, a global leader in mission-critical voice communication systems, is now shipping worldwide its groundbreaking Tempest®2400 digital wireless intercom with a new firmware update. This update introduces two new modes of operation — Shared Mode and Split Mode — and functions that increase the capacity, flexibility and usability of the system, such as the ability to connect an unlimited number of BeltStations to a Tempest2400 BaseStation.
Building upon Tempest’s ability to connect up to 10 BaseStations within the same RF area, the new firmware update gives users the opportunity to combine three different modes of operation to accommodate most production wireless intercom requirements. In addition to the Normal Mode that offers up to five full-duplex BeltStations per BaseStation, Shared and Split Modes were added to allow for an unlimited number of users per BaseStation. In Shared Mode, all of the BeltStations can utilize the dual listen/talk feature and BeltStation users can individually select which channels they listen and talk to just like in normal mode. While all of the BeltStations can talk, only five BeltStations may have talk enabled at any one time. If a sixth BeltStation tries to talk, the user will receive a busy signal. In Split Mode, users operate in a combination of the other two modes: Normal and Shared, offering the use of four BeltStations that utilizes the standard anytime talk back capability and an unlimited number of BeltStations sharing one talk path at any given time.
“We are thrilled to begin shipment of this enhanced version of Tempest,” says Stephen Sanford, product manager at Clear-Com. “Already a breakthrough product, these upgrades bring this product family to the next level in its evolution. The Tempest system is known for its superior range and performance, even in the face of significant interference, and now we are able to open up the roadmap to the future for our customers, giving them an unprecedented amount of increased capacity on this system. And by doing so, we’re also improving the efficiency of their workflows.”
Tempest2400, available in two- and four-channel versions, is a cost-effective option for broadcast professionals who require fewer channels of communications and offers users unprecedented access to license-free communications. Utilizing patented Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum radio technology to ensure robust, reliable communications, Tempest2400 operates license-free in the 2.4 GHz band worldwide, allowing interference-free communications even in environments heavily populated by other wireless devices. While Tempest operates in the same unlicensed spectrum as WiFi (802.11b/g), its unique RF design allows it to utilize the entire available spectrum over time, while using only a very narrow portion of the spectrum at any one moment. This narrow band hopping technology complements WiFi’s wideband RF signature. With today’s professional broadcast studios and arenas inherently packed with WiFi devices, Tempest’s superior technology allows the system to coexist comfortably with WiFi, providing greater range and performance for customers than competing products.
Tempest also offers users tremendous flexibility, providing the same robust RF performance in all types of production environments, indoors and outdoors. Proprietary 2xTx redundant audio transmission technology built into the Tempest system also ensures that all information broadcast via the digital wireless intercom system is sent over two different frequencies at two different times. As the frequencies are separated into two different parts of the 2.4 GHz band, the robust Tempest system ensures that at least one of the signals will pass through an interference-free area of the spectrum.
Tempest also frees up much needed UHF space. Replacing previous intercom systems with Tempest and transferring communications out of the UHF space and into the 2.4 GHz band frees up additional space for wireless devices, giving users ultimate spectrum efficiency. Further, unlike older analog UHF systems, Tempest does not require frequency coordination. This allows customers to use the system for live broadcasts
in venues all over the world without the complexity and additional cost of site surveys and intermodulation calculations.
Other new features also include BeltStation push and turn volume control, push and hold channel changing, a 4db gain increase on 4-wire I/O BaseStations and the ability to control remote BeltStation sidetone levels and mic gain from the BaseStation or the T-Desk software program.
Finally, the Tempest BeltStation’s user interface operates similarly to a wired beltpack, allowing even a first-time user to quickly understand and operate one. Users do not require additional RF expertise, so even crew members unfamiliar with RF technology can use the system quickly and efficiently. Combined with the Tempest’s unique RF design and ease of use, the Tempest BeltStation adds further value to users of this system working in any location or venue around the globe.
About Clear-Com
Clear-Com®, an HME company, is the global leader in mission-critical voice communication systems for professional productions. Since 1968, Clear-Com developed and marketed a comprehensive range of analog, digital and IP-based wired and wireless intercom technologies for party-line and point-to-point communications. Recognized for our legacy of intercom innovations, production teams around the world have come to depend on Clear-Com for clear, reliable and scalable communication solutions. More information about Clear-Com can be found at www.clearcom.com.
About HM Electronics, Inc. (HME)
A privately held company founded in 1971, HME has continued to be a leading provider of innovative technology focused on enhancing productivity and customer service for multiple markets including pro audio, sports, and restaurants. HME developed the first wireless intercom system for pro audio and continues to introduce exciting, cutting-edge wireless intercoms that enhance communications, increase productivity and facilitate creativity for virtually any application. HME’s comprehensive line of wireless intercoms – including the award winning PRO850 UHF and DX Series Digital Intercoms – are designed with the user in mind. In addition to pioneering the first wireless intercom for the pro audio industry, HME was the first to develop the wireless headset system for the drive-thru quick service restaurant market. More information can be found at www.hme.com.
