How old is Too Old?
Should you completely replace your existing system? Probably not! The RTS™ TW system has been around for a long time. As such, there are products that have been in constant service for
In the case of older matrix systems, such as those currently in use worldwide, existing keypanels can be used with a new system. Even those panels used as far back as the CS9400+ disk based system, can be used with a new ADAM™ matrix with a little modification.
Expandability
As discussed earlier, one of problems with the extended medium and larger
In terms of the matrix systems and their expandability, it depends on the application. A Zeus™ matrix is expandable up to a 24x24, and indeed comes with the maximum 24 ports. Therefore, additional panels or other devices can simply be added without having to do anything to the frame. The
Interoperability
One of the key things to consider in determining intercom needs is when a television station is owned by a network or has a mobile vehicle already with an RTS™ matrix. Additionally, if there is a need for trunking to other intercom systems, which are of the ADAM or Series 9000 vintage, a similar system should be specified. With trunking, as described in other sections of this book, up to 20 intercom systems can work intelligently with each other, as if they were one very large system. This sets up the ability to use the scroll list on a given matrix keypanel to access the Director in another intercom system, either locally or halfway around the world.
Maintenance
Less is more, so they say, and so it is with the intercom (i.e. less wiring the better). In the age of the digital matrix, even with its fewer wires, comes another welcome arrival, AZ- Edit. Virtually, anything regarding the health of the system may be determined through this intuitive program. Gone are the days of troubleshooting audio because any keypanel can produce a tone to follow. The crosspoint screen can be displayed to show why people are hearing at any given point. You can even show what keys are activated on a miniature keypanel at the configuration terminal. Recent advances also include software upgrades to keypanels and matrix via active download, audio level control, and other interesting features.
C h a p t e r 8 - D e t e r m i n i n g I n t e r c o m N e e d s 127