IBC 2017: Clear-Com’s HelixNet gains new capabilities, boosting its flexibility
Clear-Com (Stand 10.D29), the leader in wired, wireless, and IP communications solutions, has further enhanced the HelixNet to do more with the small yet highly dense, all-digital networked partyline intercom system. Latest changes to HelixNet include a six-fold increase in I/O ports, direct connections to Agent-IC mobile app, VoIP telephony, and binaural functionality in its beltpack — all made possible through HelixNet connection to the latest LQ Series IP interfaces.
“Using LQ devices with HelixNet is a beautifully simple and cost-effective way of increasing your audio connections while providing network flexibility and retaining audio quality,” says Stephen Sandford, product manager, Clear-Com.
Increase in I/O ports
By simply connecting LQ devices to the HelixNet Mainstation via an Ethernet module, users can gain up to 24 audio I/O ports assigned to any of the 12 or 24 intercom channels in HelixNet. These additional ports supplement the HelixNet ports for interfacing with 2-wire and/or 4-wire intercom or audio devices, effectively creating a much higher-density digital partyline intercom system. Since HelixNet and LQ are linked over LAN and WAN IP networks, users have the flexibility to move these extra audio connections to the next room or the other side of a facility. Signals from any remote devices are routed over IP to the assigned HelixNet end point(s).
New IP connections with Agent-IC and VoIP-telephony users
Through the LQ interface, any user on the HelixNet system is now able to communicate with users on Agent-IC mobile apps running on smart iOS or Android devices over Wi-Fi, as well as users on VoIP phones via SIP connection. This ability is especially useful in applications where core production-team members on the HelixNet system may need to add extra intercom positions at remote locations or for contributing users or to have the production member switch the comms connection to a smartphone or a VoIP phone in order to step away from their assigned position momentarily. The option is now possible and cost-effective with LQ.
Binaural functionality in HelixNet beltpack
New to the HelixNet HXII-BP-X5 beltpack (only) is the binaural (split-ear) functionality, which enables the program feed from one channel to one ear and the feed from the intercom channel to the other ear. In addition to the existing capability of mixing audio from both channels in both ears, the feeds can now be segregated for more listening options.