When the South African Broadcast Corporation (SABC) decided to update the intercom system at its main television production complex in Johannesburg, it selected RTS gear featuring OMNEO IP-technology. As the state broadcaster for South Africa, the SABC offers multiple TV, satellite and internet media distribution channels.
Connecting directors to cameras, audio, floor manager, lighting operators and talent across a studio complex is a critical aspect of broadcasting, so replacing the intercom and keeping the existing intercom running was at a critical cross-road.
The new RTS Digital Intercom is based on three ADAM (Advanced Digital Audio Matrix) modular matrix frames from RTS installed in different areas within the SABC building complex.
SABC contracted Tru-fi Electronics SA, the RTS partner to install and commission the new RTS Intercom system. The technology of the new system is based on OMNEO, Audio over IP (AoIP) which allows all Dante (Audinate) devices to connect seamlessly over IP through standard networks. Because OMNEO is TCP/IP layer 3 compliant, traffic can be routed across networks which allows for much easier network management.
Connection between the three ADAM frames is via fibre on RTS’s Tri-buss technology which allows for 880 cross points. The advantage of placing the frames in each critical area is that the system wiring is reduced and installation times are cut down.
The old Telex ADAM frame and the new RTS ADAM frame were Trunked together during the transition so that all areas could communicate with each other whether they were on the new or the old system. This kept rack space in each studio to a minimum rather than having old keypanels and new keypanels side by side.
For the SABC project, Tru-Fi utilised RTS KP-Series rack mount hardware, including both the KP-4016 (16-key) and KP-5032 (32-key) keypanels as needed. A total of 157 new keypanels were added. These are fully integrated to work alongside an existing network of 21 WKP-4 wall mounted keypads for additional system access. Each keypanel as a high resolution colour display and multi-directional levers for talk, listen and volume up and down.
For communication between the various regional studios and remote news and sports correspondents across the nine regions served by SABC, the system currently utilises four RTS SIP ISDN interface codecs and an 8-slot TIF-4000 Digital Hybrid Telephone Line Interface.
The TIF-4000 functions telephone hybrid connection to other regions or for remote correspondents. This enables full bidirectional communication between the intercom system and any standard DTMF [Dual Tone Multi Frequency] telephone. Eventually it is planned to connect the SABC Regional Studio’s via RTS RVON (RTS Voice Over Network), cutting down on telecom bills by utilising their WAN networks.
The system supplied also includes RTS Vlink Virtual software for remote users to interface with the RTS matrix intercom via the use of iOS and Android smartphones, or even Windows operating system laptops. This enables full bidirectional communication between the intercom system and IP or LTE (3G) based network.
“The single biggest factor that makes RTS the right choice for this installation is its flexibility,” says Richard Fulton. “Some of the studios stand alone with a core backstage crew, but this system allows SABC to quickly switch gears and tie in other studios or remote locations at a moments notice using their existing IT infustructure. OMNEO IP technology ensures that all intercoms throughout the broadcast centre will continue to operate seamlessly regardless of the production’s requirements.”
OMNEO IP technology
By utilising both industry and open public standards, OMNEO provides future-proof technology with the highest level of interoperability, flexibility, reliability and resilience.
OMNEO is based on two key technologies – the media transmission component Dante (from Audinate) and the system-control component OCA (Open Control Architecture). OMNEO enables a secure set up at competitively low system cost due to the use of standard IP components, along with lower installation and maintenance costs.
Links
Tru-Fi Electronics S.A. (Pty) Ltd: http://www.trufi.co.za
South African Broadcasting Corporation:
http://www.sabc.co.za
RTS equipment:
- 3x ADAM modular intercom frame
- 9x AIO-16 analog I/O card
- 5x OMI-16 matrix interface card
- 6x OMI-32 matrix interface card
- 3x TBX-Tribus triple bus expansion card
- 129x KP4016 OMNEO keypanel
- 26x KP-5032 OMNEO keypanel
- 157x MCP-90-12 gooseneck microphone
- 21x WKP-4 wallmount keypanel
- 2x ARNI-s controller
- 32x Vlink device interface software
