Intercom design trends
Dec 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Andreas Hilmer
Current systems integrate systemwide communications.
Figure 7
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Connection in real time is not a priority in these cases — for example, when connecting to distant studios. It's apparent that former long-distance communications solutions such as ISDN and analog hybrids are going to be replaced by completely digital IP-based solutions. For this reason, any modern intercom should be able to work with both approaches at the same time. Relying on only one approach would extremely limit the possibilities of the given installation.
Current intercom systems rely to a large extent on hardware components such as matrices with processor and client cards, control panels and interfaces to provide all the functionality needed. (See Figure 6 on page 12.) To expand the flexibility of future systems, intercom infrastructures will need to incorporate software-based functionality. This will ultimately result in hardware components only providing the basic infrastructure, upon which the software-based intercom features will run. In the long term, the feature set of the software of an intercom platform will become more important.
Following this development, it is apparent that the usability of those software features will play a major role in the success of a specific intercom system. Features such as easily configurable IFB tables, extensive audio routing capabilities, GPI integration or real-time system monitoring, and remote control are indispensable for contemporary intercom applications. (See Figure 7.)
Future outlook
Given that modern communication systems are usually a lot more than just a matrix intercom installation — consisting of, ideally, digital partyline intercom components, wireless intercom solutions and professional mobile radios — it's obvious that contemporary solutions need to integrate all of these communications types into one single digital infrastructure, which can be administrated via one integrated control surface.
This integration is the only way that modern intercom systems based on standard components can be adapted specifically to the individual needs of every installation without costly adaptations and special developments for each project. Any intercom can only be as effective as it is reliable and flexible in terms of connectivity, data types and network architecture.
Andreas Hilmer is director of marketing and communications at Riedel.
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