Jump to content

PR: Lectrosonics Introduces the IFB-VHF Wireless System


Jim Feeley

Recommended Posts

From Lectro's website. I dig the red color. VHF; well, whenever I fire up my old 187 system (admittedly, not that often), it's clear. The future is behind us. 

 

Lectrosonics Introduces the IFB-VHF Wireless System

System Operates in the Less-Trafficked VHF Broadcast Band, Offering 239 Frequencies from 174 to 216 MHz

IFB-VHF_red_BG-V4.jpg

 

Rio Rancho, NM (December 1, 2015) -- Lectrosonics is pleased to introduce the IFB-VHF wireless system, including the IFBT4-VHF frequency agile compact transmitter and IFBR1a-VHF receiver, designed to operate in the less-trafficked VHF broadcast band, offering 239 frequencies between 174 to 216 MHz.

The Lectrosonics IFBT4-VHF frequency agile IFB transmitter is designed for use in broadcast, motion picture, theater, and stage applications where extended operating range and high quality audio are essential. The transmitter can be used as a stand-alone device or patched directly into popular intercom systems. The IFBR1a-VHF receiver is designed for use for talent cueing and crew communications in broadcast and motion picture productions, as well as for use by directors and management to monitor audio during a production. The receiver offers simplicity and flexibility in its operation, in a package that is intuitive for both experienced professionals and new users to operate.

The IFBT4-VHF transmitter features 50 mW power output for superior long range use and is a perfect companion to the rugged, all-metal IFBR1a-VHF receiver. A pilot tone signal controls the audio squelch on the receiver to eliminate noise when the IFBT4-VHF is turned off and prevents the receiver from locking onto false signals. The receiver default frequency is set by two rotary switches, and up to five additional frequencies can be programmed into the memory. The transmitter incorporates a multi-use XLR input jack and DIP switches with settings for dynamic mic, line level, Clear Com® and RTS sources. In IFB mode, the system is optimized for vocal clarity. The IFBT4-VHF transmitter can also operate in Digital Hybrid Wireless® mode for additional compatibility with future Lectrosonics products.

"By adding the IFB system on the VHF frequencies, it allows users and system designers to move these out of the critical UHF band, which should improve the ability to coordinate larger systems even in a crowded RF environment,” says Karl Winkler, Vice President of Sales/Service for Lectrosonics. "And one of our key users gave us the idea for the red bezel and volume knob to differentiate the VHF version from our UHF units that have the blue knobs. Red for lower frequencies, blue for higher frequencies, makes sense to me!"

The IFB-VHF System is available now; MSRP for the system is: IFBT4-VHF transmitter is $1,369; IFBR1a-VHF receiver is $865.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Indeed the price seems a off, especially if you compare it to Comtek units. But again, maybe the audio quality is better then Contek. But still way out of reach for me. 

Now, curious to see if they play nice, side by side with a Comtek (216 range ) kit, used at the same time ( ex: Comtek for general IFB line and those for boom op line ).wonder if it was tested?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The UHF T4 does 250mW. Comtek base stations which operate in a similar freq range can do 100mW or more so I don't understand why it's not at least variable between 50 and 250. Maybe it's a typo... 

Tuning range is 174-215. 40 MHz is a pretty wide berth, I would think you could coordinate your Comteks and this.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Rado,
Exactly the same form factor, etc., as the UHF IFB units. Transmitter antennas are bigger for the VHF frequencies. The receiver antenna is still the ear piece cable which fortunately is more than long enough for VHF. Range is not quite as good as UHF but this model is to relieve frequency congestion, not set range records. To paraphrase Rolls Royce about horsepower in their cars, range is adequate. It is more than adequate if your UHF frequencies are being stomped on.

Best,
Larry F

Link to comment
Share on other sites

    I said it before and I will say it again.... At the end of each day, as long as I am finding the units on the ground, in the Pass vans, in the gutter, behind bushes and mis-cared for in every way.... The Comteks they shall have!!!!   PERIOD!!!   

Has anybody used "Tile" like locators on their gear to track them on/off the set at the end of the day?  Transmitters stuck to transmitters might be asking for interference trouble though...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Tile locators are Bluetooth - you have my curiosity up on that - I would assume you would put them on the talents receivers (you having possession of the transmitter) so I'm not sure what the impact would be - it's pretty far out of band - I may just order some to try it out - stay tuned!

Gordon

(there's theory and there's what works -may they never meet)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm more interested in the powder coated bezel! Larry, is it time yet to start offering powder coated bezels for sale? Id take two blue and two yellow and a couple greens to give as gifts to my block 25 colleagues. Who knows, net income on the bezels might give ifb-vhf income stream a run for its money! Thoughts?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

22 hours ago, Tom Duffy said:

Has anybody used "Tile" like locators on their gear to track them on/off the set at the end of the day?  Transmitters stuck to transmitters might be asking for interference trouble though...

Yep.. not happy with the results of TrackR model.  battery life is 6 hours!  for a cr2032!  can only sync 10 of them per smartphone, and the app would only show you within a block or two where the item was.  It would show you if it had left the area.

Also, as a cloudsource GPS system, to use it you had to grant access to your device that was a very poor personal data security practice.

 

Now, I am interested in these VHF-IFB as a tool for boom and utility crew members.  The range will matter to me, as the UHF IFB system has huge range.   And yes, I hope it will sound comparable to the UHF model within the useful range.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 hours ago, fieldmixer said:

 

 

I'm more interested in the powder coated bezel! Larry, is it time yet to start offering powder coated bezels for sale? Id take two blue and two yellow and a couple greens to give as gifts to my block 25 colleagues. Who knows, net income on the bezels might give ifb-vhf income stream a run for its money! Thoughts?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

It is an anodized bezel as is the volume knob and guard on the receiver. It can be done in any color but there are setup charges for each color change that probably make it prohibitive for quantities in singles or or low double digits. Let's assume a $100+ color setup charge and divide that by the number of each color you want. If that isn't a turn off, call sales 800 821 1121 and express your interest.

We've tried custom colors in the past for some parts and still have 95% of the ones we made as a trial, so the crew is a bit cautious. You could get raw finished parts and try to get them anodized locally. There generally are small custom shops in most larger cities.

Best,
Larry F

5 hours ago, Christopher Mills said:

 

 

Now, I am interested in these VHF-IFB as a tool for boom and utility crew members.  The range will matter to me, as the UHF IFB system has huge range.   And yes, I hope it will sound comparable to the UHF model within the useful range.

Sound is identical or improved. After all, we have 10 years of continuous improvements building IFB's. The carrier frequency (VHF) has nothing to do with sound quality. As far as range, the first consideration here was to open up more frequencies. The FCC is or was being petitioned to allow 250 mW in the VHF band but I don't know what has come of that.

Best,
Larry F

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As cool as this new system is, I'm a bit disappointed the new receivers are more or less the same as the existing ones. 

I would've loved to have seen a completely newly designed receiver that had a screen and presets for storing more channels (like at least 10) that could even be labeled. 

An indented knob for changing channels and a push down and turn for volume or visa versa. 

The current method of storing more channels to the next open channel is cumbersome and at times frustrating. 

Lectro is welcome to use these ideas for the next IFB receiver. 

Dont get me wrong though, I love my R1a's, I just feel they need an update.

Thanks and regards 

Peter Mega 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...