Clear-Com Distributes Optocore Intercom Interfaces

Clear-Com is showcasing its new offerings for the Optocore digital fiber and SANE CAT 5 networks for real-time audio, data, video, and communications signal distribution. They are produced under a strategic joint development partnership with Optocore GmbH. The first Clear-Com–Optocore devices, V3R-FX-INTERCOM and the X6R-FX-INTERCOM interfaces, are making their North America debut at the NAB Show (Booth C6647).

The V3R-FX-INTERCOM and X6R-FX-INTERCOM are based on the Optocore and SANE (Synchronous Audio Network plus Ethernet) technology platforms. The Optocore dual redundant fiber-ring-based network can transport up to 1,024 channels of 48-kHz sampled digital audio or can be reallocated to route data and video signals simultaneously with multidirectional audio. The SANE platform is based on CAT 5 cabling, which carries up to 64 channels of very low-latency digital audio and two pairs for 100-Mb Ethernet. Using a ring topology, SANE is fault-tolerant like the Optocore fiber-based solution and supports up to 24 interface nodes.

Clear-Com’s Hybrid Network, which consists of Eclipse matrices at the core, extends powerful intercom capabilities to an integrated network of user control panels, wireless beltpacks, two-wire party lines, and Intercom-over-IP applications. With the ability to operate over Optocore using the V3R-FX-INTERCOM and X6R-FX-INTERCOM devices, intercom audio from the Hybrid Network is able to pass through the Optocore network and be efficiently routed to intercom panels at any remote location on the network, with the added benefits of dual redundancy, ultra-low latency, and high bandwidth.

“Since the X6R-FX-INTERCOM is equipped with eight intercom I/Os and the V3R-FX-INTERCOM with four, it is possible to run the intercom communication over an Optocore system and send an analog output or console mix-minus to an intercom IFB – for example, using our DD2FR-FX MADI interface,” says Optocore founder Marc Brunke. “Each RJ-45 interface is fully compatible with Clear-Com, so there is no need to use special connectors or adapters, just straight CAT 5 cable. This offers a dramatic reduction in cabling complexity and cost savings.”