Clear-Com adds new fibre, CAT5 interfaces to intercoms
Clear-Com is now offering Optocore digital fibre and SANE CAT5 network interfaces for real-time audio, intercom, and data distribution. These products are a direct result of a strategic joint development partnership with Optocore GmbH, a pioneer in fibre-optic based audio and data network distribution.
The V3R-FX-INTERCOM and X6R-FX-INTERCOM are intercom interfaces for the Optocore distribution networks based on the Optocore and SANE (Synchronous Audio Network plus Ethernet) technology platforms. The Optocore dual redundant fibre-ring-based network can transport up to 1024 channels of 48 kHz sampled digital audio or can be reallocated to route data and video signals simultaneously with multi-directional audio. The SANE platform is based on CAT5 cabling, which carries up to 64 channels of very low latency digital audio and a redundant pair operating at the standard 100Mbit Ethernet. By using a ring topology, SANE is fault tolerant like the Optocore fibre-based solution and supports up to 24 interface nodes.
“Optocore and SANE together enable the V3R-FX-INTERCOM and X6R-FX-INTERCOM devices to deliver a highly reliable, flexible and cost-effective solution for broadcast and live performance productions,” says Simon Browne, Senior Product Manager at Clear-Com. “These devices seamlessly integrate intelligent intercom systems – for a production of any size and across any number of locations – with the other analog or digital audio, data and/or video signals over a fully redundant fibre or CAT5 cables.”
Today, 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, 2-wire party lines and Intercom-over-IP applications. When operating over the Optocore network using the V3R-FX-INTERCOM and X6R-FX-INTERCOM devices, intercom audio from the Hybrid Network can be routed to intercom panels at any remote network location, with the added benefits of dual redundancy, ultra-low latency and high bandwidth.
“Since the X6R-FX-INTERCOM is equipped with eight intercom I/O’s and the V3R-FX-INTERCOM with four, it is possible to run the intercom communication over an Optocore system and send an analogue 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 CAT5 cable. This dramatically simplifies cabling and offers cost savings.”