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    chrisb
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VoIP and ETCnet

We have ETCnet controlling our new lighting system with nodes in all catwalks, backstage and in the control room.  We would really like to install some sort of intercom system for communication between backstage and the control room.     Are there any plans to develop some sort of VoIP intercom system using ETCnet?  Sure would save us time in running new cable....

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  • This is an interesting proposal that you bring to the table.  We are not considering adding ETC designed voice communications to our lighting solutions; however, you may want to consider a freeware program called Skype where computers or skype compatible handhelds such as smartphones are available.  You can also conference call mulitple users at the same time and send the sound to headsets so your talent/audience does not hear your conversation. In addition to Skype, there are multiple other free communication programs that can transmit across Ethernet systems which you may consider depending upon the security measures and hardware you have available for this task.

    Thanks,

    Jake Dunnum

  • in reply to jdunnum

    I would like to add to Jake's comments.  Sky uses alot of bandwidth on a network.  You should consider having a dedicated network for ETC gear, and a second for skype if that is what you are after.

    P-

Reply Children
  • in reply to pwiegand

    Understood, but how much bandwidth is required for an Ion console to communicate with the dimmer rack that only handles 30-40 channels of lekos and fresnels.  We don't have any moving fixtures, don't use DMX.   Unless I miss my guess, the network is very under-utilized. 

  • in reply to chrisb

    It would not be recommended to run large amounts of voice data across your Lighting network as this could degrade your lighting system performance. ETC typically recommends that your lighting network be a separate network to maintain the system performance. VoIP data rates and quantities will vary greatly depending on many factors so it would be hard to manage the network requirements without a managed network designed to support this technology.

  • in reply to bpalmer

    There's always "T H E  A D A P T O R  'O  D E A T H " where you are just using existing cat5 runs to run clearcom down the wires.  This would require additional unused runs of cat5 between the locations...and some way to ensure that this don't get mis patched (..."it got really bright....then the smoke came out....")  In theory, the Ethernet should be able to safely deal with a 30V fault from clearcom.....but lets test it on your system, not mine

     

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