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CLEAR-COM MAKES LIVE COMMUNICATIONS A SNAP AT PLASA 2008

LONDON, UK, September 10, 2008—Clear-Com® Communication Systems, a brand of The Vitec Group, showcased the next generation in wireless and wired communication solutions for the live performance industry at PLASA 2008. Among the featured products on display were Clear-Com Concert™ Version 2.0 (standalone model), FreeSpeak® (formerly FreeSpeak10) Version 2.0, V-Series Desktop, Clear-Com Encore™ and Easi-PiCo.

Clear-Com Concert Version 2.0 is the latest incarnation of the company’s popular software-based intercom solution. Enhanced features include a user interface that offers immediate access to the most frequently used button keys, such as talk, end-call, chat and sound adjustment; as well as push-to-talk and chat button access for accepting or rejecting a call from incoming callers on the “My Calls� pane. It also allows for checking user availability via its “presence awareness� component, which now includes colour-coded buttons to specify accessibility.

Also featured in Concert 2.0 are connectivity options for the Clear-Com Eclipse Digital Matrix system, enabling users to participate in matrix communications from any Windows PC with any network connection, including the Internet. Users can also communicate with those on Clear-Com’s V-Series user panels and/or integrated wireless beltpacks.

FreeSpeak Version 2.0 was also new to PLASA. It consists of increased beltpack capacity, Interrupted Foldback (IFB) functionality and improved group operations between beltpacks, party-lines and other external inputs. Users can access three configurable IFBs, making it possible to assign IFB keys to any number of beltpacks, which can then be programmed to act as IFB talent receivers or as the originator of the interrupts.

Other new components for FreeSpeak Version 2.0 include wireless party-line groups, which offer seamless communication between beltpacks, party-line users and 4-wire inputs within the same group, all of which can be achieved without facing the issue of having different output volume levels.

Clear-Com‘s V-Series Desktop unit extends the theme of increased control options by bringing control of the Eclipse Digital Matrix intercom system to the user’s fingertips. Complete with a low-profile loudspeaker and gooseneck microphone, the unit can sit on a tabletop or be mounted on a wall for quick access and increased convenience during all types of live performances. Major features include 12 keys with eight shift pages; a clear, bright, graphical display depicting 10-character display keys with international character support and a menu button that provides access to assignment and set-up options.

Each of the V-Series Desktop unit’s keys, including one dedicated for answer-reply, has individual audio level control. Panel connection choices include Cat 5, coaxial, AES3, twisted pair, IP and other options. As with all panels in the V-Series line, the V-Series Desktop features Clear-Com’s “Listen Again� technology, which employs digital audio memory to allow the user to replay received incoming calls, aiding communication in noisy and demanding environments.

“A major focus for us at this year’s PLASA was accessibility, especially when it comes to pulling off successful communications during live events,� says Matt Danilowicz, Clear-Com Managing Director. “The advancements we have made to Concert Version 2.0 and FreeSpeak Version 2.0, along with several characteristics of the V-Series Desktop, all take this into account. Given the time constraints of most live events, we consider the ability to give users access to the features they need when they need them to be a critical component of any intercom or similar communications system. That is why we highlighted this theme at PLASA, which in turn is part of a larger push toward a goal of unlimited communications for Clear-Com.�

Among the established products also at the show were the Clear-Com Encore Party-line communication system and the Eclipse Easi-PiCo digital matrix intercom solution. The Encore Party-line, designed for easy viewing and manipulation of the panel’s controls in a darkened environment, features Clear-Com’s exclusive Contoured Frequency Response (CFP), which ensures that intercom commands are understood clearly in high noise environments, as well as a proprietary Side-Tone circuit that provides stable operation and limits feedback. It offers the widest range of wired stations to interface with virtually any intercom circuit or audio path on the market.

The Eclipse Easi-PiCo, Clear-Com’s entry-level digital matrix intercom solution, is designed for small and growing production teams in live performance venues that demand the flexibility of point-to-point intercommunication on a small scale. It comes pre-configured with four matrix maps supporting 16 ports in a 1RU frame, interface frame and two external interface cards with a choice of two control panels, party-line power supply and a beltpack.

Note: FreeSpeak® and CellCom® are different brands representing the same digital wireless intercom system (with minor technical differences). Due to trademark limitations, CellCom and CellCom Integra (formerly CellCom50) are only available the U.S. and Canada; and FreeSpeak and FreeSpeak Integra (formerly FreeSpeak50) are available in all countries other than the U.S. and Canada.

ABOUT CLEAR-COM
Clear-Com®, a brand of The Vitec Group plc, is the global leader of professional communication solutions for broadcast, live performance, military, government and commercial markets. For more than 40 years, Clear-Com’s signature products such as Encore Party-line, Eclipse Digital Matrix, CellCom®/FreeSpeak® Digital Wireless and IP Communications systems have revolutionised broadcast stations, production trucks, houses of worship and performance venues. Recognising Clear-Com for its history of intercom innovation, production teams around the world achieve ubiquitous communication with products to promote easy interoperability and global connectivity. More information can be found at www.clearcom.com.

ABOUT THE VITEC GROUP PLC
The Vitec Group plc is acknowledged as a global leader in the supply of equipment and services to the broadcasting, entertainment and photographic industries and has established a reputation for technical excellence and superior engineering along with an astute business strategy which has seen it grow by acquisition. Innovation is a cornerstone of the Group’s activities and the organisation is committed to a policy of continuous product development. With revenues (2007) of $546m (£274m) and over 2200 employees world-wide, its products are distributed in almost 100 countries, through a strong, fully-resourced distribution network or direct to the end user or corporate customer. More information can be found at www.vitecgroup.com.

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