BARCELONA, SPAIN—Abertis Telecom, Spain’s leading telecommunications carrier in the broadcast market, has recently upgraded its communications hub by adding a new Eclipse PiCo Digital Matrix intercom system from Clear-Com® Communication Systems, a brand of The Vitec Group and leading provider of communication systems worldwide.
Before the new system was installed at its two main operation centres, Torre Collçerola in Barcelona and Torrespaña in Madrid, Abertis relied upon an antiquated intercom for both internal and external communication. The telecom provider decided to take advantage of the construction of a new control room by implementing a new advanced communication network. After an extensive search, Clear-Com was selected for its reliability and seamless connection between frames.
The new system is comprised of two networked intercom units over a WAN (Wide Area Network), one in each centre. In addition to providing an internal switching hub, the Eclipse PiCo enables operators in both regions to work under a “call centre” type of philosophy. This allows the acceptance of incoming and outside calls, which can be isolated while maintaining communications on the internal network.
The equipment, provided by Aicox Soluciones, formerly Ibérica de Componentes (Ibercom), a distributor of broadcast technology products to the Spanish market, was implemented in two stages. The first of two Clear-Com Eclipse PiCo frames was installed in Torrespaña to facilitate wired communications with customers while managing switching with other Abertis facilities in Spain. The second phase of the project took place in Torre Collçerola, where the new control room is located. The two centres are networked together using Clear-Com Voice2 IP links.
“Abertis spent several months evaluating intercom systems, and trunking capability between the two units was a key factor in the final choice,” says Jose María Alvarez, director of the Department of Broadcast Systems for Aicox.
This reliable trunking capacity, which is built into the Clear-Com Eclipse, allows the system to seamlessly switch between users in Torrespaña and Torre Collçerola without the need for third-party action.
“Today, growing businesses like Abertis rely on our systems for versatility and scalability in the most dynamic communications environments,” says Matt Danilowicz, Managing Director of Clear-Com. “We are pleased that the company has selected Clear-Com as its communication system provider. The Eclipse PiCo is the perfect solution for Abertis, as it is designed to help operators and integrators create interoperable solutions quickly across LANs or WANs, while maintaining a cost-effective network on a single, scalable platform.”
Each of the Eclipse PiCo frames offer 36 full-duplex ports, including four 4-wire ports, in a one-rack unit (1RU) chassis that works in conjunction with new Clear-Com V-Series Panels. The V-Series user panels’ “Listen Again” feature employs digital audio memory, allowing the user to replay received incoming calls and advancing digital signaling processing (DSP) for increased audio control that includes routing, mic EQ, mic limiting and headset sidetone. It also offers intelligent dimming and local IFBs (Interrupted Feedback).
ABOUT CLEAR-COM
Clear-Com®, a brand of The Vitec Group plc, is the global leader of professional communication solutions for broadcast, live performance, military, government and commercial markets. For more than 40 years, Clear-Com’s signature products such as Encore Party-line, Eclipse Digital Matrix, CellCom®/FreeSpeak® Digital Wireless and IP Communications systems have revolutionised broadcast stations, production trucks, houses of worship and performance venues. Recognising Clear-Com for its history of intercom innovation, production teams around the world achieve ubiquitous communication with products to promote easy interoperability and global connectivity. More information can be found at www.clearcom.com.
ABOUT THE VITEC GROUP PLC
The Vitec Group plc is acknowledged as a global leader in the supply of equipment and services to the broadcasting, entertainment and photographic industries and has established a reputation for technical excellence and superior engineering along with an astute business strategy which has seen it grow by acquisition. Innovation is a cornerstone of the Group’s activities and the organisation is committed to a policy of continuous product development. With revenues (2007) of $546m (£274m) and over 2200 employees world-wide, its products are distributed in almost 100 countries, through a strong, fully-resourced distribution network or direct to the end user or corporate customer. More information can be found at www.vitecgroup.com.
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