Riedel's NAB 2006 Line-Up include range of seamless connectivity solutions and Next Generation Artist

New York, NY (16 February 2006) – Riedel Communications, known for pioneering advanced intercom technology in the broadcast industry, will introduce a range of seamless connectivity solutions at this year’s NAB Conference and Exhibition to be held in Las Vegas from April 22nd – 27th. The Company’s plans, which also include a new generation of Artist Intercom Systems, were made public at a press event at the Warwick New York Hotel in mid-town Manhattan, NYC on February 16, 2006.

Connect IP
Connect IP, one of the three new connectivity solutions, provides intelligent and seamless intercom interfacing to IP based networks. The 19”/1RU unit allows for matrix to matrix connections, from matrix to control panel(s) and distribution of audio lines over IP. The interface converts one AES3-stream and can be configured to individual bandwidth needs, always providing an unmatched combination of audio quality and low network traffic. The bandwidth is scaleable resulting in audio quality up to 20 kHz at 230 Kbit/s while standard 3.5 kHz (85dB) needs just 40 Kbit/s. The Connect IP device supports remote user control key-panels thus providing flawless connection of standard Artist 1000 or 2000 series control panels to an Artist matrix via an IP-network with full functionality.

Connect Solo
Connect Solo is the only device needed for hassle-free connection of intercom systems to the public telephone network. Combining two analog POTS telephone hybrids in just one half-rack unit, the compact system is designed for easy installation in studio and mobile applications and allows for two simultaneous connections. Fully compatible with all intercom systems, it seamlessly integrates to Riedel’s Artist matrix. It can be operated directly from the Artist control panels or via the integrated keypad and the large full graphic display. Auto-answer, automatic gain control and echo canceling complete the list of features.

Connect Duo
Hot on the heels of its tremendous reception at IBC 2005 in Amsterdam, where it received the prestigious STAR award from TV Technology, Riedel’s Connect Duo will make it’s US debut at NAB 2006. The unit provides the solution for an intelligent and perfect intercom interface to the outside world via ISDN and PSTN public telephone networks. It combines an ISDN S0 interface allowing for two simultaneous connections using two ISDN B-channels, and an analog POTS telephone hybrid in a compact 1/2RU device making it an ideal solution for mobile units as well as other applications. Fully compatible with all intercom systems, it easily integrates to Riedel’s Artist matrix and is capable of remotely controlling panels via ISDN. Connect Duo can be configured directly from Riedel’s Director software or optional Windows configuration software. The system can also be controlled from the integrated keypad and large full graphic display or directly from the Artist control panels.

Next Generation Artist Intercom Systems
Riedel will also officially introduce its new generation of Artist Intercom systems to the US market at NAB 2006. The matrices allow ALL frame sizes to use the same type of controller and client cards which significantly reduces expansion costs and the need for spare pooling. Other enhanced features include increased memory for complex, multi-node installations, a superior alarm signalization, optimized cooling concept for quiet operation, compatibility with other Artist frames, and a flexible fiber option enabling the user to easily change from multi-mode to single-mode, or high-power.

The series provides three sizes of mainframes with a maximum number of 32, 64 and 128 ports per frame. As with every Artist Matrix, distributed systems up to 1024x1024 can be realized. Designed for critical applications like broadcast studios, every frame-size is a fully redundant system with redundant controller cards and redundant power supplies. All modules are hot-swappable while a superior alarm signalization monitors potential failures both as a hardware alarm and a software alarm in the Director configuration software.