This deployment aims to improve RAI’s production capabilities across its network of production centers and regional stations, making it one of the most advanced intercom setups in Europe.

RAI’s Extensive Broadcasting Network

RAI, the Italian state broadcaster, operates four major production centers in Milan, Naples, Rome, and Turin, along with 23 regional stations. As the fifth-largest media company in Europe, RAI manages 14 TV channels and 23 regional feeds, delivering comprehensive broadcasting services to the nation.

Requirements for a Complex Production Environment

RAI needed an intercom solution capable of managing the complexity of its productions, from major live events to small studios. The solution required centralized management, integrating each sub-system into a single multi-studio environment, and providing reliable wireless operation.

Proposed Solution by Video Progetti

Video Progetti proposed and deployed a full Clear-Com system based on the Eclipse HX Digital Matrix and FreeSpeakII wireless system. Each of the five control rooms (galleries) has its own Eclipse matrix, interconnected via IP using RAI’s standard IT network. This creates a seamless integrated system with a sixth matrix, referred to as POOL, managing all shared resources like wireless beltpacks and studio panels independently from each gallery. The Eclipse matrix embeds these functionalities, eliminating the need for additional middleware or orchestration. The wireless FreeSpeak system can be shared across all galleries and studios as needed.

Benefits of the Clear-Com Solution

According to Francesco Struzzi, Sales Director at Video Progetti, “Clear-Com’s solutions have significantly enhanced our ability to manage complex productions seamlessly across multiple locations.” The 1.9GHz frequency used by the system ensures a robust and interference-free radio system. Clear-Com’s optimized DECT technology guarantees interference-free wireless communication between transceivers and belt-packs. The HCI API allows for control from third-party automation systems, making system reconfiguration quick and easy. The EHX configuration software, with its client-server topology, allows multi-user access with varying levels of permissions and provides telemetry data on RF signal statuses, battery levels, and alerts to ensure maximum reliability.

Additional Operational Management

Dynam-EC software adds an additional operational management layer with a customizable graphical interface and drag-and-drop functionality. Clear-Com’s products support mid-large scale studio facilities, offering maximum scalability, flexibility, and coexistence of the same solution across different studios and galleries. For remote production of sports events and major OB productions, the compatibility with standardized radio frequencies abroad and the ability to interconnect with other systems highlight Clear-Com’s tradition of openness and versatility.