BARCELONA, SPAIN—Televisió de Catalunya (TVC), the public television broadcaster supported by the government of Catalonia, Spain, has selected Clear-Com® Communication Systems, a brand of the Vitec Group and leading provider of communication systems worldwide, to provide a comprehensive intercom network for its growing outside broadcast (OB) van operation. The broadcaster, based in Sant Joan Despí near Barcelona, has migrated from an aging intercom system to the new and advanced Eclipse Digital Matrix platform. TVC currently has five OB vans, each one is now equipped with an Eclipse PiCo frame.
Aicox Soluciones, formerly Ibérica de Componentes (Ibercom), a distributor of broadcast technology products to the Spanish market, supplied the systems to TVC. This enabled the broadcaster to upgrade from its existing Drake 4000 Series II system to a sophisticated Digital Matrix designed to meet its changing needs. TVC’s selection of Eclipse PiCo products was an extension of a longstanding relationship between the broadcaster, the distributor and the communication systems provider, now Clear-Com.
Designed for small to mid-size production environments including OB vans, Eclipse PiCo offers 36 full-duplex panel/4-wire ports, including four 4-wire ports, in a one-rack unit (1RU) chassis. Each Eclipse PiCo has two power supplies for fail-safe redundancy and eight on-board general purpose inputs and outputs. Each PiCo matrix is connected to the new V-Series range of panels as well as existing (reburbished) 4000 series panels from the old Drake system.
“TVC has had a Drake system installed for many years, so the selection of Clear-Com for its OB operations was a natural progression,” says Jose María Alvarez, director of the Department of Broadcast Systems for Aicox Sistemas. “Clear-Com’s flexible and reliable linking capabilities, including its ability to connect with OB vans via trunking, are a plus for our customers. Plus, its new V-Series panel offers unique features that are important for OB van users, including the ability to replay conversations.”
The V-Series Panels’ “Listen Again” technology employs digital audio memory to replay the last 30 seconds of received audio from all sources routed to the digital recorder as a mix, aiding communication in noisy and demanding environments, which is common in OB vans. Advanced digital signaling processing (DSP) in the V-Series gives the operator increased control over their panels’ audio, including routing, mic EQ, mic limiting and headset sidetone. Panel keys offer personal mix level control, allowing users to set their own audio levels to suit individual workflows. It also enables intelligent dimming and local IFBs.
“We’re pleased that TVC has chosen Clear-Com to address its needs for outside broadcast operations; it speaks volumes for the relationship that has developed over the years through their use of Drake systems,” says Matt Danilowicz, Managing Director of Clear-Com. “TVC has grown a great deal over the past few years and its new system is not only able to handle current operations but flexible and scaleable enough to meet its future needs.”
TVC was founded in 1983 and has grown from three channels to six stations dedicated to broadcasting news, entertainment and sports within the Catalan region: TV3, 33, 3/24, K3, 300i and TVCi.
ABOUT CLEAR-COM
Clear-Com®, a brand of the Vitec Group plc, is the global leader of professional communication solutions for broadcast, live performance, military, government and commercial markets. For more than 40 years, Clear-Com’s signature products such as Encore Party-line, Eclipse Digital Matrix, CellCom®/FreeSpeak® Digital Wireless and IP Communications systems have revolutionised broadcast stations, production trucks, houses of worship and performance venues. Recognising Clear-Com for its history of intercom innovation, production teams around the world achieve ubiquitous communication with products to promote easy interoperability and global connectivity. More information can be found at www.clearcom.com.
ABOUT THE VITEC GROUP PLC
The Vitec Group plc is acknowledged as a global leader in the supply of equipment and services to the broadcasting, entertainment and photographic industries and has established a reputation for technical excellence and superior engineering along with an astute business strategy which has seen it grow by acquisition. Innovation is a cornerstone of the Group’s activities and the organisation is committed to a policy of continuous product development. With revenues (2007) of $546m (£274m) and over 2200 employees world-wide, its products are distributed in almost 100 countries, through a strong, fully-resourced distribution network or direct to the end user or corporate customer. More information can be found at www.vitecgroup.com.
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