AEQ's Conexia matrix centralizes intercom and audio transport on Trece TV

The channel uses two Systel IP multiconference systems operated through the innovative AEQ SystelSet+ touch terminal, and two dual Phoenix Stratos IP audiocodecs for external communications.

Thirteen Television has moved its facilities from Boadilla del Monte to the center of Madrid next to Cadena COPE, renovating and expanding them. Now the channel It has two studios and a central television control.

In its new facilities it has incorporated a connection matrix AEQ for audio management and studio intercommunication. Before, it had a single studio with a console Yamaha 02R and a system of intercom digital Kroma with 14 user panels that opened to the outside through a voice coordination system IP AEQ Systel IP 12.

One of the technical objectives was to integrate the previous equipment into the new system, avoiding discarding a set of equipment in perfect condition. The other goal was to unify audio and intercom and use the flexibility that audio over IP offers.

Conexia uses modular audio matrix systems BC 2000 D of AEQ, and simultaneously manages audio for broadcasts and circuits for Intercom. A structure has been defined consisting of 5 Dante AoIP modules, with 64 channels each, 12 AES/EBU with 4 dual channels each and two modules for Kroma digital intercom panels with 8 channels each.

The 14 4000 Series intercom user panels from previous installations connect to Kroma digital intercom panel modules, while the new 16 8000 Series panels connect to AoIP circuits. This connectivity allows for greater flexibility in the installation, along with greater voice clarity offered by its new acoustic design and the audio process incorporated by the new intercom panels: dynamics, equalization and feedback control, among others.

For external intercommunication, 24 input and output circuits of the matrix are routed to two VoIP Systel IP, and two audiocodecs Phoenix Stratos.

Non-intercom audio circuitry connects general-purpose, digital inputs and outputs into the BC 2000D chassis itself; analog and digital in the four Netbox 32, interfaces de AoIP Dante with 16 analog inputs and outputs and 8 dual AES/EBU each, located in different locations in the studios; and Dante AoIP links to the audio console Yamaha of each study.

Since May 2015, on the occasion of the municipal and regional elections, Trece TV carried out a test of the AEQ multi-conference system and has been using Systel IP since then. Now, it has acquired a second Systel IP 12 device and incorporated the new Systelset+ touch terminals.

So now there are two System IP12 connected to external 4-wire inputs and outputs of the BC2000D matrix of the Conexia System, with which the external communications of the TV studios are generated. Each one can establish 11 calls in total since one line of each is dedicated to the interconnection with Systelset+. 11 4-wire circuits are established from each IP Systel to the matrix.

The operator establishes communication with the remote interlocutors using a Systelset+ terminal that greatly facilitates the operation, since it includes in a small physical support, very similar to a standard telephone, a large touch screen, supported by a large telephone keyboard and 10 keys. function.

Thus, it is possible to comfortably execute television coordination commands, in which most of the calls are generated by the studio, as with a normal telephone, while at the same time calls can be received and routed through circuits of the matrix well either to the sound console to transfer them to the air, or to a panel or group of panels to communicate with the interior of the studio.

Using the function keys and the touch screen, calls are dialed or picked up, placed on hold or pre-listened, the send and return levels are regulated, sent to the corresponding intercom circuit, or on air, and hung up. To call, it allows you to manage a contact book and call planning. Lines can be shared between different studios and the layout is adapted to the lines available in each studio, making the most of the capacity of the touch screen, although in the operation of Trece TV, it is more practical to manage communications centrally and let It is the intercom matrix that discriminates the use of each 4-wire communication.

The intercom matrix establishes bidirectional routes with the console, to place calls on the air, although for technical coordination, complex routes based on partyline with different panels are created through the intercom system, depending on the needs of each production.

The most common application is coordination with ENG teams via mobile phones. The journalist receives the return of the program and orders on his earpiece. The cameraman communicates in 4 wires through headsets installed on his phone with a group

Finally, it should be noted that Stratos audiocoders act as backup in communications, as they can also work with ISDN lines in the event of a possible problem with the Internet.

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