Clear-Com Concert Intercoms Tap IV for IP

By Andrew Lippe

Clear-Com is looking to IP technology as the backbone of Intercom communications, as IV (Instant Voice)-Core technology has moved into Clear-Com Concert intercoms and V-Series panels. “There are only a few remaining technologies in the world of live event coverage that haven’t already moved to a computer, IT type of platform,” says Matt Danilowicz, managing director of Clear-Com. “Those technologies are mostly video and audio routing and intercom.”

Clear-Com established an R&D facility based in Montreal, Canada. There they developed Clear-Com Concert, a software-based communication system that runs on a PC, laptop or PDA. Concert can be installed in a control room or in an OB van.

IP communications is beneficial because it has minimal set-up time and reduces travel costs as producers located in a headquarters or network operations center can communicate directly with crew in the field. “That is a compelling financial argument for the networks,” says Danilowicz.

IV-Core technology enables intelligent signal processing and maximizes that available bandwidth on the IP circuit to deliver the best audio quality possible. Sports producers can get full dynamic range of sound and can use a variety of different codecs to maximize bandwidth for a high number of users.