Clear-Com’s New Two-Channel Tempest Wireless Intercom Makes Its Worldwide Debut

ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA/CAMBRIDGE, UK, NOVEMBER 23, 2009 - Clear-Com Communication Systems, a Vitec Group brand, is pleased to announce the worldwide launch of its new two-channel Tempest wireless intercom system, the most recent addition to the company's acclaimed Tempest2400 2.4 GHz wireless intercom family. Ideal for broadcast sports, remote news reporting and other live productions, the two-channel Tempest2400 is an affordable option for those requiring fewer channels of communications but still offers the same license-free operation, exceptional RF performance and rich feature set as the four-channel Tempest2400.

As with all members of the Tempest family, the two-channel Tempest2400 utilizes a patented Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum RF scheme that not only avoids the need for licensing and frequency coordination, but makes it fundamentally resistant to interference from other wireless devices. This ensures that no matter how crowded the RF environment, communications will go off without a hitch. In addition, once registered to a base station, a beltstation needs no further configuration and roams freely within a single coverage area. Coverage is always reliable, even outdoors, thanks to the all-weather, durable construction of the Tempest2400 beltstation.

"Our new two-channel Tempest2400 is ideal for customers who simply don't require the capacity of the four-channel system, but still want all the benefits of its comprehensive feature set, such as the wireless ISO and Stage Announce features," says Chris Barry, Product Manager, Clear-Com. "Its simple set-up requirements and portability also make it a tremendous asset for those looking to use it for multiple types of mobile applications, so it's a win-win for the customer in all aspects."

Each Tempest2400 base station supports up to five full-duplex, two audio-channel digital wireless beltstations; by stacking up to 10 base stations together, 50 independent, full-duplex wireless beltstations can operate together in a single system. Other major features include state-of-the-art 2xTX Transmission Voice Data Redundancy and its interoperability with Clear-Com and other intercom systems through two-wire and four-wire connections.

Additionally, the iSelect roaming feature allows a beltstation user to move from one coverage area to the next by simply changing the beltstation's association to another base station; each beltstation can be paired with up to 64 different base stations. Each Tempest2400 wireless system includes T-Desk software, a powerful PC-based control and configuration application. T-Desk offers the ability to monitor and manage the entire wireless system from a remote location via Ethernet connection to a LAN. A PC running T-Desk can also interface with a base station via direct connection over CAT-5 cable.

All members of the Tempest2400 family include an optional remote transceiver that allows remote antenna placement up to 1,500 feet (450 meters) from the base station; data connection and power supplied over standard CAT5e/6 cable with lightweight, fast-charging Lithium Polymer (Li-Poly) battery technology in the beltstation; access to one of six relay closures from the beltstation and vibrating call alert. In addition, a flexible battery solution allows beltstations to operate on standard AA batteries for emergency use; beltstation battery telemetry is displayed in real-time on the beltstation and base station LCDs, indicating how much power is left in each pack.

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 revolutionized broadcast stations, production trucks, houses of worship and performance venues. Recognizing 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 defense. 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.