Camera 2
Camera 3
Floor Director
TelePrompTer
Anchor A
Anchor B
Anchor C
Weather
Control Room
Director
Producer
TD
PA 1
PA 2
Segment Producer
Audio Operator
News Computer Operator
Font Operator
Other
Green Room
Makeup
Do this for all locations; it will give you a quick “port count” for your system, which will have a significant impact on size of the matrix, and, as a result, the cost. I presume that even if you do work for MegaMedia Corporate Conglomerate Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., you do not have an unlimited budget (Shame, really).
Next, figure out what external “stuff” you need to deal with, such as:
•Interface to allow access to telephone lines – How many? How capable?
•Interface to TW
•Relays and GPI/O for external devices.
•Interface(s) for remote locations such as:
•Transmitter.
•News Bureaus in other cities.
•ENG vans.
•Interface to other matrix intercom system (trunking).
Now, it is time to put some detail on the above requirements. For each identified user, you need to know certain things, such as:
•How many other users will he (or she) need to readily communicate with at one “sitting” – this will determine the number of keys required on the keypanel.
•Does the identity of the key assignments change? If not, a keypanel without displays, which relies on labeling strips, will save money.
•Does the user want, need, or deserve the ability to reprogram their keypanel features, key assignments and defaults? If yes, a more complex panel may be required, and chance for errors is increased, but the user can make changes without involving you or some other expert.
64 H a n d b o o k o f I n t e r c o m S y s t e m s E n g i n e e r i n g
