NAB 2017: RTS Showcases New ROAMEO Intercom, KP-Series Keypanels
RTS (Booth C5409) is launching its ROAMEO wireless intercom system, which combines user-friendly operation with seamless communication across large areas, and KP-Series pushbutton keypanels. Also being introduced is Denis Castanet, newly named director of product management of RTS and Telex.
High-Quality Audio and Seamless Integration
Based on the license-free DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) standard, ROAMEO is a professional, easy-to-use, and future-proof wireless intercom solution with a protected frequency band. It provides high-quality audio via a seamlessly integrated digital wireless beltpack and associated access points. Featuring a modern, rugged design, ROAMEO is suitable for a wide range of professional intercom applications where wireless communication is critical, including broadcast production studios, theater and sports productions, houses of worship, commercial buildings, and production trucks.
ROAMEO wireless intercom system
Operating like a wireless keypanel, ROAMEO can be fully integrated into all existing wired RTS digital matrices. The system allows users to address either individuals or specified groups. The system consists of the TR-1800 beltpack, the AP-1800 access point, and accessories: a charger, holster, and pole-mount kit. Connection to a digital matrix is easily established via a single Ethernet cable. In addition, the system can use standard IT infrastructure, which ensures easy installation and low maintenance costs; the access points can be daisy-chained.
ROAMEO’s cellular structure can cover a wide area with superior audio and seamless roaming between individual cells. Users can easily expand the coverage area by adding further access points, while additional wireless beltpacks can be directly addressed as part of a wired RTS matrix intercom system. Depending on the audio codec used, users can select between a higher emphasis on voice quality (G.722 full bandwidth) or a more efficient use of the radio spectrum with a higher number of beltpacks (G.726 narrow-band).
The system can be easily configured in a multi-language setup via scroll lists on the beltpacks or by using the control software, which allows users to configure the complete intercom system on one screen. Thanks to its large color LED-display and intuitive icon-based menu structure, the beltpack is very easy to set up and operate. The four talk/listen buttons are shaped differently and provide users with a tactile feedback; operation of the device is therefore also possible in low light conditions. With its lightweight, durable housing, the beltpack features the smallest enclosure in its class and is protected against dust and light rain.
Now available worldwide, the ROAMEO system is an environmentally friendly system without any dangerous emissions at low radiation. It is compliant with the US environmental regulation N33.6.
High-Quality Audio Free of Noise and Delay
KP-Series keypanels deliver superior digital audio using the Bosch-developed OMNEO, which includes Audinate’s Dante audio-over-IP technology, via either copper or fiber. The KP-Series provides high-quality audio free of noise, delay and other artifacts present in older technology. The family includes a rich set of connectors as standard, including GPIO and RC. As with other RTS products, emphasis has been placed on backward-compatibility with previous generations of matrices, including analog technology.
RTS KP-5032PB keypanel
For environments where the listen function is either not needed or prohibited, RTS developed pushbutton versions of the KP-Series keypanels. Three models are available now: KP-5032PB, 1RU keypanel with pushbuttons, 32 operation keys with analog and IP (OMNEO/Dante or RVON) matrix interface; KP-4016PB, 1RU keypanel with pushbuttons, with analog and IP (OMNEO/Dante or RVON) matrix interface; EKP-4016PB, 1RU expansion keypanel with 16 pushbuttons, for KP-5032PB and KP-4016PB, as well as the lever-key versions of the corresponding panels.
KP-Series keypanels use the latest generation of wide-angle TFT displays, providing superior clarity and resolution and longer display life, along with high-quality readability under a variety of lighting conditions.
The RTS OMNEO suite now fully supports Open Control Architecture (OCA), also known as AES70. RTS offers different firmware versions, making it possible to load either OMNEO or RVON (RTS Voice Over Network) protocol.
The new design and an enhanced user interface enable easier understanding and improved operation. The software provides simple and intuitive navigation of menus, with the most commonly used features easily accessible and compatible with standard IT infrastructure.
The new keypanel family features two echo-cancellation modes, plus quick AD/DA conversion, ensuring ultra-low latency and reducing noise, echo, delay, and other malfunctions found in older technologies.
Unparalleled flexibility features automatic hardware recognition plus the open source technology of OMNEO, offering full backward-compatibility and easy scalability.
The new KP-Series keypanels feature a unified design, including color, contrast, resolution, and viewing angle for complete communication harmony. Multiple controls are accessed through ergonomically designed lever keys. KP-5032, KP-4016, and EKP-4016 are also available as in pushbutton versions.
New Director of Production Management
Replacing Ralph Strader, who retired in 2016, Castanet transitions to this new position from his previous role as a director of business development in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) sales region with RTS/Telex parent company Bosch Security Systems. With 10 years in telecom-systems product management, he brings a wealth of experience in solutions-based thinking to his new role, having successfully overseen cross-platform integrated security and communications systems for many large-scale projects.
Denis Castanet is new director of product management for RTS and Telex.
“It’s an exciting time for our industry and for our brands,” says Castanet. “As our aggressive program of IP-based product launches attests, we continue to be very much focused on providing forward-thinking integrated intercom systems to our customers, rather than just standalone hardware. We see open-platform solutions as an important way forward. Our OMNEO architecture for transport and control represents our commitment to providing the ultimate in flexibility and value for our users; it will evolve in step with new standards and technologies, making it truly future-proof. Coupled with the user-friendliness offered by new models such as our ROAMEO wireless intercom system, which integrates seamlessly into existing RTS matrices, our users have the assurance of solid partnership, products, and ROI today and tomorrow.
“RTS is in a unique position as part of the Bosch Security Systems family of brands, with a broad portfolio including pro-audio solutions as well as intercom and security systems,” Castanet continues. “We look to leverage synergies not only between all our brands and products but also with those coming from third-party solution providers such as Audinate, who will be joining us at our NAB booth this year.”