Often the unsung hero of the pro-audio world, communications equipment tends not to excite as much as an innovative loudspeaker design or a well thought out digital console. But it's an equally important part of the bigger picture, and many projects can succeed or fail on the reliability and capability of their communication systems. And the systems are every bit as sophisticated as the higher-profile kit, as exemplified by Clear-Com's 1.1 release of the revolutionary HelixNet networked partyline system earlier this month, at the NAB Show in Las Vegas and at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt.

This new HelixNet release includes a system-linking facility, which enables users to quickly and efficiently extend digital partyline communications to multiple sites across a network, and eliminates the need for long cables runs. Under the expanded feature-set of version 1.1, up to five HMS-4X Main Stations can be linked to up to one hundred HBP-2X Beltpacks, with each user now able to receive up to twenty partyline audio channels and five programme feeds, together with beltpack powering – all via a single shielded twisted-pair cable.

Tom Byrne, Orbital's Sales Director, commented:
"This latest version of the HelixNet networked partyline system brings a significant increase in flexibility, providing production crews with an immensely capable, distributed-intercom architecture. Irrespective of their location around a venue or live-event site, or whether they are using analogue or digital beltpacks, any crew member such as audio and lighting engineers, stage managers, electricians and carpenters, can connect quickly with each other. HelixNet's IP-connected approach enables an efficient workflow, and can now easily create a complete intercom solution, through easy integration with other wireless and two-wire systems.

"Digital wired comms is the way forward for numerous applications, and HelixNet represents the leading-edge approach in this sector. Its capacity for using existing or low-budget wiring infrastructure is a huge advantage, and we see many analogue installations, which are being pushed to the their limits, migrating to digital. HelixNet's ability to create large-scale communications networks simply and rapidly is a massive benefit, and the enhanced functionality of this latest release means that the most sophisticated production requirements can be met successfully, reliably and affordably."

Announced as part of the 1.1 release is the new HL1-FBS Fiber Module, which enables remote stations to be linked over long distances. The module has two fibre ports, using SFP modules for simple exchange of fibre transceivers. It also allows linking to four other Main Stations in a fibre daisy-chain, with the standard connection being single-mode, and with multi-mode offered as an option.

Clear-Com's HelixNet, introduced in 2012 as the world's first networked partyline intercom system, made its European debut on a large scale last summer, during the UK's major international sporting event. Over 25 base stations and some 500 HelixNet Belt packs, together with Eclipse Digital Matrix systems, were deployed in sports venues across the UK to provide the critical high-clarity communications links that helped make the event so successful. This demanding project firmly established HelixNet as a proven solution, for setting up multiple-channel digital partyline intercom facilities, quickly and easily.

- Fresh Breeze for Clear-Com's Tempest
Operating in 2.4GHz band, the feature-rich Tempest2400 wireless intercom system is available in two- or four-channel formats, for indoor, outdoor or touring applications, and employs cutting-edge RF technologies to ensure interference-free communications. For example, the Tempest2400 features a unique Seamless Roaming technology, which enables continuous wireless coverage across an expanded production space, giving production crews reliable communication in multi-studio and multi-floor facilities. The recently announced Tempest Remote Transceiver Line Extender also increases the systems' cable run distance from a remote antenna by over 900 metres, allowing the deployment of larger systems with longer cable runs from the BaseStation.

The combined strengths of the Clear-Com and HME brands, distributed exclusively through Orbital for the UK market, represent one of the broadest available choices for dependable communications. From HME's DX210 popular digital wireless two-channel design and Clear-Com's Tempest system, to the revolutionary design of HelixNet, there are numerous options from which to select a perfect match for theatre, industrial and event production applications.