DELEC Adds Digital Products to Oratis Intercom Family

DELEC, member of the Salzbrenner Stagetec Media Group and manufacturer of digital intercom systems, has introduced the digital products to the oratis family. Intended primarily as building blocks for custom intercom systems, the new components can equally build a networked commentary system or an intelligent combination of the two.

To meet the high demands of a commentary system, the audio format of oratis follows the established studio standard: 24 bits, 48 kHz with an enhanced resolution of 32 bits internally. The backbone of each oratis system is at least one Matrix Frame –– a full-summing digital audio and control-data router. Offering a multitude of I/O interfaces, it can be customized to meet the needs of each installation.

One of the new features is the full-network capability on managed Gigabit Ethernet, which offers a high flexibility. Even existing facility networks can form the basis of an oratis installation. Another innovative aspect is the consequent use of FPGA technology. In all new oratis boards, FPGAs replace conventional signal paths. The main advantage: changes can be implemented quickly and at low cost by simply reprogramming the software.

“As the Intercom runs over Gigabit Ethernet, it is easy to install and can be connected to existing networks,” explains Russell Waite, president of Salzbrenner Stagetec Mediagroup Inc. “The fact that the system is relatively compact, scalable, and has true 24-bit/48-kHz audio means it can be used for a multitude of applications, but the real killer for sports is the commentary system that is compatible with the intercom and can solve problems for larger events with multiple broadcasters. The commentary system interfaces with our intercom system or can interface to that of others.”

In the past, Oratis was a pure intercom system. Today, a networked commentary system can also be created, using largely the same components. DELEC has designed a commentator terminal containing all the gain, mixing, and processing facilities for up to three commentators. Like all other modules, the commentator terminal is connected to an oratis Matrix Frame via Gigabit Ethernet. The resulting commentator network is a real innovation in the broadcast world.

The systems are slated to be shipping by midyear.