What’s Comms?

(Inter)Comms: What is it? Why do we have it? Why do we need it?

As an AV operator, having more information from others is crucial. Here’s a detailed guide on intercoms (comms) to help you understand and use them effectively.

Key Terms

  1. Simplex: Only one person can transmit at a time, and others listen. If you are transmitting, you cannot listen.
  2. Sidetone: A small amount of your microphone feed back to your earphones, allowing you to hear yourself. This helps confirm that your microphone is not muted.
  3. Call Button: A button that illuminates a light on all other body packs, signaling others to put their headsets back on.
  4. PTT (Push to Talk): A feature requiring the user to push a button to talk, preventing accidental open comms.
  5. Hands-free: The ability to talk without pushing a button (not ideal as it can be easily forgotten and inhibit others).
  6. Cue: Refers to the current item on the runsheet and who has control of that item.
  7. Belt-Pack: A device used by AV operators containing volume control, Call, and Mic buttons.

Importance of Communication

Effective communication between tech team members is vital during a service. Traditional methods like waving arms, hand signals, and texting are limited. A more refined method is using an “Intercom” or “Comms,” designed for voice communication between two or more persons.

Basic Comms System

The basic comms system includes a base station and multiple Belt-Packs. The base station:

  • Provides the voice communication link.
  • Distributes power to remote stations.
  • Each remote station can receive audio from the base station and other connected remotes on the same channel.
  • At NBC, we use a single channel where only one person can talk at a time.

Using Comms

Standard phrases are used to get attention and highlight who has the Cue. Here are some scenarios and expected phrases during a normal service:

Before Videos

  • The Data Operator acknowledges the video is ready and its duration.
    • Example: “Video Coming Up – 3 minutes long”

During Videos

  • The Data Operator announces the remaining time every minute.
    • Example: “Video playing – 2 minutes remaining”
  • Announce when the video has 30 and 10 seconds remaining.
    • Example: “30/10 seconds remaining”
  • Count down the last 5 seconds.
    • Example: “5, 4, 3, 2, OUT”

Upon “OUT,” the Lighting Operator fades up, the Video Switcher for Live Stream switches to in-room video, and the Audio Operators close the AV channel.

During Response Times

  • The Lighting Operator helps the In-Room & Streaming Audio Operators by monitoring and providing updates about microphone cues.
    • Examples:
      • “Toddy on the move – he has Tape”
      • “Donna has No-Tape”
      • “Karyn is Stage Right with Tape”

Note: A response may not always be necessary or expected, and that’s okay.

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