As part of an update to its OB van, Japanese cable TV operator, Ban-Ban TV has installed a Clear-Com Eclipse-PiCo digital matrix intercom, along with V-series control panels. The new system provides the TV crew with faster access to communications and information when covering a live event or news story on location, and supports full-duplex communications with increased channel count and customisable communication groups.

In addition to it cable TV operations, Ban-Ban TV produces local news and events coverage for a community station. When the company sought to update its OB van to HD, it also wanted to increase its control of communications. ‘Before installing Clear-Com, the crew members would have to discern their cues from a plethora of simultaneous conversations, which was often difficult and confusing,’ explains Hiroshi Fukuda, Manager of the Organisation/Production department at Ban-Ban TV.

‘Clear-Com’s Eclipse-PiCo has made the configuration easier, communication clearer and production process smoother. In addition, Clear-Com products are already used by the many sound and lighting companies that handle the government events we cover. Since we work with these companies, it is nice to have a system that easily integrates with their systems, allowing us to communicate during joint productions.’

The actual set-up of the Eclipse-PiCo system changes depending upon the production, but all staff communicate via V-series panels. Naoki Emura, Deputy Director of Ban-Ban TV’s organisation/production department, configures the settings for the Eclipse-PiCo system with the Eclipse Configuration Software (ECS).

The channel configuration is based on two partyline groups – one channel is assigned to the cameraman group, which deals with issues related to engineering work and another is dedicated to the floor director group, which is primarily for production work. This allows each group to communicate on a separate channel or with one another when needed.

‘Exploiting the Eclipse-PiCo and V-Series intercom solution, Ban-Ban TV has taken a significant step towards streamlining workflow and increasing productivity,’ says Peter Giddings, Clear-Com Senior VP of Global Events. ‘We are proud that our communication systems enable the Bab-Ban TV staff to provide better event and news coverage.’

Eclipse-PiCo is aimed at small- to mid-size production environments such as OB vans, studios and sports facilities. It offers 36 panel/4-wire ports in a 1U-high chassis. The front menu enables quick and easy changes to input/output levels, routes and configurations. The unit supports V-Series, I-Series, 4000 series, and ICS panels along with all IMF interface modules, including the AES coax and DIG-2 modules for external panels. The digital matrix system also easily integrates with other partyline, wireless and IP-based intercom systems.

The Clear-Com system was supplied by MTC.

More: www.clearcom.com
More: www.mtc-japan.com