NAB 2017: Clear-Com's New Dante Interface Card Makes U.S. Debut
The new Dante interface card for the Eclipse-HX matrix (E-Dante64-HX) from Clear-Com (booth C6908) is making its U.S. debut at NAB 2017. The new Dante interface card is compatible with the Eclipse HX-Omega, Median, and Delta matrix systems, supports Dante and is AES67 compatible, allowing users to transport up to 64 channels of high quality audio to multiple Dante-enabled devices using standard Ethernet network infrastructure. E-Dante64-HX at 64 ports is the highest available density for a Dante card on the market offering both primary and backup network interfaces. No license fee required with purchase.
The new Dante interface card for the Eclipse-HX matrix (E-Dante64-HX) from Clear-Com
The E-Dante64-HX Interface Card provides Eclipse HX with 16, 32 or 64 channels of low latency, high quality AoIP interconnection. It supports all standard sample frequencies for professional use, including a 96kHz/32-channel option.
Other features include channel quantity, health and sample rate indicators; primary and secondary RJ-45 or fiber connections; port label data exchange to intercom panel keys; up to 64 ports per card; and maximum of 7 cards per frame.
The E-Dante64-HX card provides dual LAN ports for glitch-free redundancy against network failure. In this way Eclipse-HX can retain critical communications without reconfiguring the IP cards in the event of a network outage.
The card delivers high audio quality interfacing for Eclipse-HX, and may be used to route IFB feeds to/from a mixing console to provide instruction to on-air talent. If necessary, the card can be readily used in the broadcast chain offering a high quality and low latency transport.
Because the Dante devices and the Eclipse HX system are effectively one resilient network, all operators on intercom panels – be it hardware-panels, software-panels, beltpacks or mobile apps – can be configured to hear audio from any Dante device. In live sound and live production environments, for example, the scroll assignment feature on Clear-Com’s FreeSpeak II wireless intercom beltpack allows an A1 or A2 operator to choose any assigned channel, monitor or quickly check the talent’s audio directly from the beltpack, and immediately confirm the audio status to all parties over the intercom.
“As IP protocols and workflows continue to gain momentum, interoperability is key to ensuring all elements can talk to each other,” says Stephen Sandford, Product Manager, Clear-Com. “The Eclipse-HX Dante card is a significant development that enables dependable connection and high audio quality for any event or broadcast.”
The E-Dante64-HX Interface Card will be on display and available for demonstration alongside a range of Clear-Com’s communication solutions at NAB. The E-Dante64-HX Interface Card is now shipping.