For theatre communications the key word is interoperability. Your trusty wired intercom systems need to work alongside your latest IP wireless beltpacks, to connect users who are seated in the control room with those on the move backstage.
What should theater managers look for in their intercom system?
Our Dante- and AES67-enabled systems integrate with stage management solutions from a wide range of manufacturers, making it easy to bring together the various intercom technologies you have in-house, so you can communicate seamlessly and stay focused on the show, whatever your job.
At the heart is a ODIN, a 1RU matrix with 32 ports and support for two-wire analog partyline. Six keypanels are attached in this system: KP-Series keypanels are used for Stage Manager, Lights Engineer, Audio Engineer, Director, and Mechanics Operator. The ticket booth has a WKP-1, a ruggedized single-button keypanel that fits in a very compact form factor. A wireless partyline system, the BTR-800, is used for the Tech Crew. The system has two channels. The light and spotlight operators have wired beltpacks. BP-4000 is a single-channel beltpack and the BP-5000 is a dual-channel beltpack. The power for the partyline is provided by a PS-20.
For audio announcements to the Public, Technician Crew, and Actors’ room, this theater uses speakers from Electro-Voice, the EVID, which is powered by a Dynacord C2800FDi. For Stage announcements the ZLX12P is used. It has a built-in amplifier so it connects directly to the matrix. For action microphones, Electro-Voice PL37 is used. The signal goes through a microphone preamp before it goes into two of the matrix.
Finally, a separate GPIO-16 general purpose input/output device is used for a couple of customized functions. First, relay outputs from the GPIO-16 control the Silence transparents (lamps). Second, there is a custom wall box in the Actors’ room. It has a set of backlit push buttons which can be used both to send indications, as well as allow actors to provide an acknowledgment (for example get ready to go on stage). The GPIO-16 communicates with the matrix through an RS-485 serial data connection. The keypanels are programmed to allow Director or Stage Manager to send signals to the Actors’ room by actuating keys on their panel.
Guidelines & Requirements for Next-Generation IP-Based Intercom Systems
Intercom systems consist of a central audio router, the matrix, plus user devices connected to the matrix, such as keypanel control interfaces. In this article, we will be focusing on the matrix itself, in particular how current and future needs translate into requirements on the products themselves.
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About RTS Intercom Systems Systems
RTS is the industry leader in professional intercom systems, providing solutions that combine forward-thinking functionality, real-world reliability and superior sound quality.
At the forefront of intercom technology for over forty years, we are the brand most-trusted by the biggest names in the business. Our family of digital matrices is the most complete and widely used of its type in the world, proven in the most critical and demanding applications.
RTS Intercom Systems is part of the Bosch Communications Systems family of brands, offering the world’s most complete portfolio of professional audio and communications solutions.