Zaxcom announces Zax-Net RF network

At IBC2009, Zaxcom is launching Zax-Net, a 2.4-GHz RF network for the distribution of remote control signals, time code, IFB audio and metadata for production sound. Zax-Net wirelessly links Zaxcom's Deva/Fusion digital recording wireless encrypted IFB receivers and compatible digital slates into a single system for audio recording and metadata distribution.

The Zax-Net signal is generated by Zaxcom's Deva or Fusion audio recorders/mixers and broadcast via a Zaxcom IFB100 wireless transmitter on a 2.4GHz signal. IFB audio, time code, metadata and wireless remote control commands are then received by ERX series IFB receivers and TRX series digital wireless transceivers. The network can wirelessly distribute scene and take metadata for automatic display on any compatible digital slate connected to an ERX2 receiver. When activated, the slate will automatically display the correct time code and metadata, working automatically in the background.

Another Zax-Net feature is its ability to synchronize any number of Zaxcom wireless transmitters for time code-referenced playback, enabling a take to be rerecorded by a Deva or Fusion unit. This gives the production sound mixer the ability to remix a take. As a bonus, RF interference can be eliminated in the retransmission and remix of the audio tracks.

Zax-Net will be available for all current Zaxcom hardware via a free software update.