Altair IPcom: matrix intercom for the real world

Altair, a 100% Spanish company with headquarters and factory in Tres Cantos (Madrid) and with export to more than 50 countries, develops the intercom system IPcom, a new matrix intercom that does not require a physical matrix.

In a broadcast sector in the process of accelerated technology y constant progress, there are not a few facilities in the that the technical requirement exceeds the capabilities of the available equipment. Every technician wants to work with the best technologies and every manager wants their media to stand out in content, quality and equipment. However, reality rules and economics is unquestionably the law that prevails over all the others. In this sense, Altair responds to the IP revolution that is transforming the current broadcast infrastructure and the world of audiovisuals.

In this context of growing technological needs and increasingly competitive and tight, Altair takes a firm step forward in the broadcast market with a specific intercom system for the industry: Altair IPcom. The manufacturer emphasizes that "IPcom is an intercom system with incredible features, for real economies. Not all mobile units, TV channels or installations can afford (or do not need) the most expensive products on the market, but they have an equal technical demand level. This type of professional, with very high technical needs but a tighter budget, is the one who You will benefit immediately from this system“.

IPcom: system without conventional physical matrix

IPcom It is a matrix intercom system that does not require a “normal” physical matrix to function. All devices in the family connect directly to one switch PoE, being able to function in a LAN existing. After considering different options, Altair has opted for a proprietary protocol, benefiting from the independence that this implies in the face of modifications and new product additions. A decided commitment to design in-house which demonstrates the capacity of the Madrid brand.

The IPcom family of products (user panel, beltpack, wall station and interfaces) constitute a very interesting option for broadcast installations of a significant complexity, since the system supports up to 128 devices (128 ports) and, as the brand advances, “it competes exceptionally well in price and performance.”

Both the panel like the flask They have been designed with great attention to detail and aiming for versatility (the flask allows use as a desktop station, with built-in speaker and microphone), assuming a groundbreaking change in design with respect to the brand's previous lines. For their part, all interfaces They have been designed in the same format, and can be installed up to four interfaces together in just one rack unit.

Nebula control software and interoperability

Altair has opted for an ambitious commercial strategy with respect to control software Nebula: Its download is 100% free and no use licenses are required, neither at startup nor in any system expansion. On the other hand, the brand highlights the simplicity and ease of use of the software as one of the differentiating points of the system. IPcom. As if all this were not enough, the team Altair presents as a credential the fact that all its products are manufactured in Spain and his phone/email support It's immediate.

About the integration with the brand's previous products (the popular wireless intercom WB-200 or the cable intercom series), the brand ensures a full compatibility (see diagram). This interoperability extends to Professional camera CCUs y 2W intercom systems (party-line) from other manufacturers. In addition, there is a very interesting additional key: IPcom supports AES67 through the interface IPX-304.

This is how the team reflects Altair this care to facilitate the integration of IPcom in existing systems: "From the development phase, we were clear that compatibility was the key to the success of the new system, since we all want to make the most of what we already have. In that sense, the interfaces IPX-301, IPX-302 e IPA-304 ensure that the IPcom system is compatible with virtually any system”.

From Altair recognize that “our intention is to present the wireless hip flask for the series IPcom as soon as possible. We are already working on it and we know that it will be a turning point, because our wireless systems have an excellent reputation and the industry is in need of comprehensive communication solutions that cover the part wired, wireless and IP”.

Main features

• System up to 128 devices / 128 groups
• No dedicated matrix, works with a PoE switch
• 32-channel panels (2 pages of 16 keys) with gooseneck microphone and speaker
• 6-channel packs (3 pages of 2 sets of keys) and two-channel packs.
• Wall/desktop units. Headset connection. Optional gooseneck microphone.
• Compatible via dedicated interface with 4W, 2W, AES67
• Built-in cue-lights warning system.
• Partyline groups, private channels, direct calls, remote device control, audio repetition function (replay), GPIOs, one-to-many groups, IFBs...