Clear-Com Presents the Next Generation of IFB Assignment & Management at NABShow2015

“Matrix systems on the market today offer a one-dimensional view of IFBs and are operationally inefficient. The problems become acute where broadcasters need to scale up quickly for special events and where broadcast communications systems are geographically distributed,” said Peter Stallard, Senior Product Manager at Clear-Com. “By making the IFB facilities more flexible, scalable and user-friendly, we have greatly improved workflow for technical users of this part of the broadcast operation.”

The new IFB management facility can support installations from a few IFBs to hundreds of lines from a single central view, making it suitable for small studios, large events and geographically distributed intercom infrastructures. Up to 200 virtual IFBs are supported on a single matrix system and up to 64 matrices can be networked together to form one system.  As many as 15 system administrators can work in parallel using Production Maestro Clients to manage a network of Eclipse-HX matrix frames.

A major feature is the unique “See-Hear-Touch” all-in-one experience that offers interactive options and clear management support. Dynamic visual views are provided for monitoring IFB status and troubleshooting, such as a detailed and a summary view; an option for assignable VU meters; dynamic assignment of program sources, intercom panels, destination ports and talent return; multi-level undo and redo of all assignments; and configurable screen layouts tailored and annotated for changing requirements.  All operations within the system are transparent and give a seamless view of resources in single and multiple matrix intercom set-ups.

In addition to visual support, the operators can manage the IFBs by touch, with touch-screen and drag-and-drop capabilities enabling intuitive and efficient IFB assignment and user management operations. MCR operators can select to hear the various IFB contributors as they are modified in real time and accurately monitor the final mix to the on-air talent - this is a tremendous benefit to broadcasters that need to make instant adjustments.

All IFB parameters are easy to change dynamically and independently from one or more work surfaces. The user interface represents a significant innovation, as it has been specifically designed to elegantly scale up to large touchscreen monitor size and down to ergonomically fit into tablet devices such as the Apple iPad. At this level of interaction, IFB users gain major operational efficiencies with the convenience of managing IFBs straight from a portable device, from anywhere in the studio.

Visitors to Booth C5409 at NAB 2015 will be able to see, hear and touch the new IFB management capability within Eclipse-HX, together with the complete Clear-Com line of new and enhanced products.

About Clear-Com®
Clear-Com, an HME company, is a trusted global provider of professional real-time communications solutions and services since 1968.  We innovate market proven technologies that link people together through wired and wireless systems.

Clear-Com was first to market portable wired and wireless intercom systems for live performances. Since then, our history of technological advancements and innovations has delivered significant improvements to the way people collaborate in professional settings where real-time communication matters. For the markets we serve -- broadcast, live performance, live events, sports, military, aerospace and government-- our communication products have consistently met the demands for high quality audio, reliability, scalability and low latency, while addressing communication requirements of varying size and complexity. Our reputation in the industry is not only based on our product achievements, but also on our consistent level of customer engagement and dedication to delivering the right solutions for specialized applications, with the expertise to make it work. Around the globe and across markets, Clear-Com’s innovations and solutions have received numerous awards and recognitions for ingenuity and impact to customers.