As received “out of the box,” a matrix intercom system needs to be configured (programmed). This can include how many users are connected, how many conferences are expected, what you wish to name the users, who can talk to whom, and, just as importantly, who cannot talk to whom. In some cases, the default configuration upon first operation is adequate and may allow enough communications to meet your needs, but it is unlikely, and frankly, a tremendous waste of capabilities. We will discuss configuration via software in more detail later.
In this chapter, we will first touch on the design and requirements aspects of the matrix intercom system, then move into installation, and finally operation. On the CD, we have included a full,
Note You may not be able to see and/or use some features because they require that an actual intercom system be connected to your PC.
Loading and running the supplied software will add a good amount of “hands on” to your experience, but in the interest of keeping this book a useful reference, regardless of what intercom matrix system you may be exposed to, the examples given will not be specific to the included RTS™
To Begin
The first question you should ask, as with all systems design is, “What are you trying to accomplish?” The matrix intercom needed by a small station in Botswana (to avoid offending any US residents of small states who are no doubt tired of being referred to as being suitable for simple, basic, limited products) is considerably different from that required by MegaMedia Corporate Conglomerate Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. with 87 stations, 4 film studios, and a theme park, located on 3 different continents, all engaging in joint productions.
I find that system design is best started from the bottom up, rather than the top down. On that note, figuring the requirements for communications to determine the size of matrix needed and then later deal with informed compromises to meet size or budget requirements.
I will also proceed on the basis that any needs for
In this section I use a lot of examples which are television based, owing to my background in television, and the origins of modern matrix intercoms, which have been predominantly TV station driven. The questions and procedures are, however, relevant for all applications, regardless of industry.
Let’s get started.
How many individual locations and/or persons need to communicate with one another? Write them down. Organize them by logical grouping or location such as:
Studio A
Floor
Lighting Director
Camera 1
C h a p t e r 5 - D e s i g n o f M a t r i x I n t e r c o m S y s t e m s 63
