Wohler has traditionally been an audio and video monitoring specialist, but for NAB, the company is entering the intercom world, and urging end users to get touchy-feely with its latest product.

“We’ve taken our Touch It digital system and integrated it into this intercom, which is particularly sports-dedicated,” explains Carl Dempsey, president and CEO of Wohler.

The TouchComm IP-based intercom system has eight channels running through it with a video touch-screen dedicated to each one. By hooking up a simple webcam or other small camera and focusing it on the operator, Wohler has eliminated the need to ask the dreaded question, “Are you there?”

“With the touch membrane screen, the operator is able to see what’s going on,” Dempsey explains. “You can see what’s out in the field, so you’re actually connecting with that person on the intercom, which you’ve never been able to do before.”

The intercom is IP-based, not hard-wired, so the code can be entered into a cell phone or other mobile device, making the intercom incredibly versatile.

“This is potentially the most unlimited intercom system in the world,” Dempsey says. “The audio people are saying this is great, because we can now have video linkup and actually see what’s going on.”

Wohler also has set a new standard in fiber by rolling out a built-in diagnostic check that alerts engineers when fiber begins to degrade.

“This is what differentiates us from the rest of the game,” Dempsey explains. “We all know fiber will degrade over time, and we just want to know when that’s going to happen. This is able to detect issues and provide advanced warning, so that you’re able to get ahead of the game.”

Also on display is Wohler Plus, the world’s first fully configurable audio monitor that will be the audio panel in use at this summer’s Beijing Olympic Games.