NAB 2012: Clear-Com Adds to Digital Matrix Intercom Family

Clear-Com will unveil two additions to its Eclipse digital matrix intercom family at Booth C8008, including a new line of V-Series rotary panels and the Eclipse MADI (E-MADI) card. The new V-Series rotary panels provide users with control over audio level adjustments while the E-MADI card supplies 64 MADI channels per card from the Eclipse-Median or Omega digital matrix frames.

V-Series Rotary Panels
The addition of the V-Series rotary panels to the existing V-Series pushbutton and lever key panels gives broadcasters a range of user control key panels options. When using the new V-Series rotary panels, site technicians and more importantly, the production team can quickly and independently adjust system audio levels from one or more audio sources, including external lines, partylines, and intercom from other local and remote control panels. They also support faster and easier audio mixing for IFB assignments.

Available in 1RU, 2RU, desktop and extension panel variants, the V-Series rotary panels feature push-listen with mix control knob and a separate push-talk button for talk-and-listen monitoring. Colored LEDs show keys that are active, who is calling, and what the talk key is programmed to do. V-Series rotary panels have a dual use as intercom and/or assignment panels for IFBs, partylines and groups, even when using expansion panels.

E-MADI Card
Designed in the 6RU form like the other frame cards for the Eclipse-Omega and Eclipse-Median, the E-MADI provides connection with standard MADI devices. The new E-MADI card offers full user set-up and can be configured through the Eclipse Configuration Software (ECS) to supply up to 64 full channels of digital 4-wire connectivity per card. With the E-MADI card, talent and other incoming feeds can be routed across the intercom system for monitoring and the insertion of IFB.

Other key features include sample frequency choices of 44.1, 48 and 96 kHz, a selectable channel/port quantity of 32, 48, 56 and 64, VOX on all 64 inputs, a fiber (MM) SFP duplex LC removable transceiver module and BNC MADI in and BNC out. Users can derive channel labels from a third-party device and can use the MADI channels for high-capacity trunking or audio distribution. The E-MADI card can use AES word clock, SD NTSC/PAL video, or Tri-level HD.

“The Eclipse is the most comprehensive digital matrix platform in its class with a broad range of system frames and technologically advanced features,” says Simon Browne, director of product management, Clear-Com. “The addition of the V-Series rotary panels and the new E-MADI card to the Eclipse family of products helps broadcasters achieve high productivity more easily”.