RTS @ NAB 2012: VLink, Zeus III LE+, BTR-240

RTS will exhibit at Booth # C6008

New from RTS: the BTR-240 a digital multi-channel wireless intercom system offering extremely reliable and secure full-duplex communication with up to eight wireless TR-240 beltpacks and an almost unlimited number of half-duplex beltpacks. Also on show: the Zeus III LE+ compact digital intercom matrix and the VLink (Virtual Linked Intercom) a fully interconnected, DHCP-compliant virtual communications solution for RTS intercom systems.

The BTR-240 wireless intercom system
Operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, the BTR-240 system uses the widely adopted IEEE 802.11 technology and is approved for license-free use in most countries. The system also incorporates unique ClearScan™ technology, allowing users to select the optimal radio frequency (RF) channel for communication at the touch of a button.

The BTR-240 has the ability to configure multi-level 802.11 wireless security features, including data encryption, MAC address filtering, and 64-bit audio encryption, to provide a highly secure wireless intercom system. The system allows users to select between two individual audio channels of communication, and to talk and listen or listen only to any individual audio channel or both channels simultaneously.

The BTR-240 system is perfectly suited for stand-alone operation and can also interface with two-wire systems, including RTS, Telex Audiocom, and Clear-Com®, as well as four-wire intercom systems such as the RTS matrix systems. In addition to the external intercom system interfaces, the system provides connectivity for auxiliary balanced audio input and output and speaker output.

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The TR-240 beltpacks may be configured in one of three operating modes: wireless, wired, or master wireless. In wireless (normal) mode, beltpacks communicate to each other using the base station as a relay. In wired mode, beltpacks turn off their wireless ability and communicate via Ethernet cable or through a building’s existing Ethernet infrastructure. In master wireless mode, a beltpack acts as a mobile access point to provide wireless coverage for other beltpacks to communicate without an actual BTR-240 base station. The TR-240 beltpack has a removable Li-Ion battery pack that provides up to eight hours of uninterrupted operation. The battery pack can be charged directly in the case by plugging a power adapter into the beltpack or by placing the battery in the CHG-240 four-bay charger.

The Zeus III LE+ compact digital intercom matrix
Offering 16 channels IN/OUT and two configurable party line interface channels, Zeus III LE+ offers more options for smaller-scale applications. Ethernet and serial ports on the unit’s back panel allow it to be configured from virtually anywhere on a network using AZedit intercom configuration software, while a USB port on the front panel offers direct access with AZedit.

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The system also has 16 standard RJ45 connectors, making it easier to connect an intercom system with audio lines and keypanels by keeping the RTS wiring scheme. In addition, the two built-in relays can be used to control lighting or to key remote transmitters and paging systems, etc.

Simple scalability
Zeus III LE+ encapsulates the RTS philosophy of backwards compatibility and forward thinking, combining the flexibility of a networked matrix frame with the simplicity of a party line system. The system features a built-in party line interface that makes it compatible with all major party line systems, including RTS, Telex Audiocom, and Clear-Com®. Party line users who are beginning to outgrow their system will appreciate being able to connect the Zeus III LE+ and gain many expansion options without abandoning their current investment.

VLink (Virtual Linked Intercom)
VLink enables remote users to interface with RTS matrix intercoms via the Internet using a simple PC-based application, allowing an unprecedented degree of control and flexibility from anywhere in the world. VLink supports SIP to provide enhanced connectivity.

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Two VLink systems are available: the basic VLink-LE system comprises a standalone software/server-based intercom providing limited interconnect functionality into any existing audio feed; the premium VLink system provides intelligent trunking links into an RTS intercom matrix to provide full support for RTS intercom alphas and matrix access for standard communications workflows.

VLink is fully compliant with the EBU Tech 3347 Standard specifying the transport protocols; coding algorithms, encapsulation, and signaling required ensuring interoperability in audio-over-IP production intercoms.