CLEAR-COM’S HYBRID INTERCOM NETWORK WINS OVER DIE FERNSEHWERFT

German production house takes delivery of Eclipse, Concert, V-Series and FreeSpeak

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, 11 SEPTEMBER, 2009—Clear-Com® Communication Systems, a Vitec Group brand, has landed another significant customer for its innovative Hybrid Time-Divisional Multiplexing (TDM) Intercom/IP Server Network “Hybrid Network”. die Fernsehwerft, a premier German television production company, has taken delivery of the solution, along with Clear-Com’s FreeSpeak® digital wireless intercom system, to facilitate communications for its busy production schedule, which includes programming for 10 German television channels.

As die Fernsehwerft handles the production needs for some of Germany’s biggest broadcasters, including MTV Germany and ProSiebenSat.1, it required an intercom system that offered not only reliable, high-quality audio, but also the capability to be expanded to wherever it might be needed inside or outside its main production facility.

Clear-Com’s Hybrid Network, which offers direct IP connectivity from the company’s Eclipse digital matrix intercom to its Concert software and/or IP-enabled V-Series panels, met die Fernsehwerft’s needs perfectly. die Fernsehwerft’s Hybrid Network package includes a 112-port Eclipse Omega frame, 56 V-Series Panels with IP and other connections, and 10 Concert user licenses. The company will use the IP-enabled V-Series panels primarily to connect production staff at its client N24, a news channel, with its main facility, while the Concert software will be installed at its service offices. The company has also purchased FreeSpeak Integra, which comprises 16 wireless DECT-operation beltpacks that seamlessly integrate into the matrix via an E-Que card.

“die Fernsehwerft was looking for a way to connect staff members located at their main production facility in Berlin with those working at a studio about four kilometres away, and they were impressed with the Hybrid Network’s IP capabilities, as well as FreeSpeak,” says Martin Koops, the Product and Sales Manager of Studio Hamburg MCI, Clear-Com’s distributor for broadcast customers in Germany. “Having the ability to put virtually its entire staff in the same communications network will add tremendous efficiency to its daily production workflow.”

“Clear-Com developed the Hybrid Network with the needs of broadcast production houses such as die Fernsehwerft in mind, as we saw a real thirst for high-quality IP intercom connectivity in the market,” says Karlie Miles, Clear-Com’s Director of Sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “The fact that such a well-known company as die Fernsehwerft has chosen the system to manage intercom connectivity across various facilities further validates the need for such a solution in the market.”

First demonstrated at NAB 2009, Clear-Com’s hybrid TDM intercom/IP server network concept is based on the company’s I.V.Core technology, a revolutionary set of building blocks and engines enabling real-time, dynamic and non-blocking intercom capabilities over a standard IP network, making new and traditional intercom systems IP-compatible.

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® 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

The Vitec Group plc is a global leader in the supply of equipment and services to the broadcast, electronic media, photographic and live events industries, and is rapidly extending its reach into related areas such as government, security and defence. Vitec's many industry-leading product brands have established a formidable reputation for innovation, technical excellence, and superior service and support. The diverse range of brands are united by a common Vitec Group commitment to delivering a world-class customer experience, and a visionary approach to the future. This befits an enterprise which has grown both organically and by acquisition to incorporate over 2000 employees worldwide and achieve a 2008 turnover of almost half a billion dollars. Vitec Group products are distributed in almost 100 countries, through both direct sales and by means of a strong, fully-resourced distribution network.

The Vitec Group comprises:

The Broadcast Systems Division, which develops, manufactures and distributes high quality manual and robotic camera supports, location lighting, camera and equipment bags, portable power solutions, prompting products, wireless camera links and communication systems used principally by broadcast and live entertainment professionals. Brands include Anton/Bauer, Autoscript, Clear-Com, Litepanels, MSC, Nucomm, OConnor, Petrol, RF Central, Sachtler, TCS (The Camera Store), Vinten and Vinten Radamec. www.vitecgroupbroadcast.com

The Imaging & Staging Division, which designs, manufactures and distributes photographic and video-camera support; lighting, trusses and suspension systems for the professional photography, video, cinematography and live event markets. Brands include Manfrotto, Gitzo, Kata, Avenger, Litec, IFF, Bogen Imaging, Tomcat and Brilliant Stages. www.vitecgroup.it

The Broadcast Services Division, a leading provider of professional video and audio rental equipment, and engineering support for major event productions. Brands include ASG and Bexel. www.bexel.com.

More information can be found at www.vitecgroup.com