IFB over Wifi low cost AudioFetch Express 5 - Latency 3 frames - 100 IFB listeners via smartphone app / 130ft distance

[PCMsoundie]

Will this change how IATSE feature film and Episodics handle IFBs on the set? No.

Indie films, documentaries, corporate & smaller productions? Maybe. For $650.USD  and up to 100 people using their smartphones to listen to IFB. No revenue for Comtek/IFB rentals but a low cost for soundies starting out or a company that owns all gear and has only sound staff to use it. Has anyone here tried this?

 

AudioFetch Express 5

 uses WiFi to transmit high-quality, low-latency audio from one or two televisions, set-top boxes, or other audio sources to personal mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Works with smartphone-connected bluetooth enabled hearing aids.
Listeners: Supports up to 100 listeners simultaneously.

AUDIO STREAMING

Range – Open Air Test (in Access Point Mode) 130 feet typical
System Latency    115ms typical (at 24fps that's about 3 frames of of delay for iOS).
This is based on minimal delays in the network/WiFi and thus represents sum of latencies in the AudioFetch Express – Dual Band, AudioFetch App,  and mobile device Operating System only.  WiFi, and mobile device performance can affect latency.  Some Android devices have increased latency.  Use of Bluetooth earbuds will add further latency.

Dual Band: Operates in 2.4GHz or 5GHz WiFi band

Transmit Power    +21dBm (max)
Dual Channel: 1 Stereo or 2 Mono audio channels
Free App: Users download App for free.

Source 
     TOSLINK connector for 48KHz digital optical S/PDIF signal
     RCA connector for 48KHz digital coax S/PDIF signal
     3.5mm Stereo connector for analog audio

Integrated WiFi can operate in 2.4GHz or 5GHz band and be configured as an Access Point, or can be connected hard-wired or wirelessly into a pre-existing WiFi network, making it a simple installation for fitness clubs, sports bars, movie theaters, waiting rooms, meetings, conventions or wherever users need convenient, wireless access to in-house audio sources.

Use Type General Assisted Listening
 

similar to the Auracast Broadcast Audio - Bluetooth LE (ALS) technology as IFB discussion  thread from 2022 Q2 which used bluetooth technology.

[johngooch]

Tried early versions awhile ago..It worked but--  It was a bit cumbersome, compared to just handingout a comtek..  Looks like they streamlined it a bit-  You used to need separate router...  

 

[Philip Perkins]

That's too much latency for anyone near the set.

[Johnny Karlsson]

An existing solution that keeps looking for a problem.

 

If you are starting out and/or don’t own IFBs, just rent them from someone who owns them, or from a rental house. You can still mark up the rental you charge, which is completely justified due to you are the one who is doing the extra work of picking them up, setting them up, collecting them at the end of the project, and then driving back to return them.

[edward chick]

How do they work around corners of buildings? Car to Car? Inside house to MoHo where clients are?   My Comteks rock in just about every situation I put them in. 10mw is not a lot, but they sure deliver the goods distance wise . As much as a pain in the ass they can be, I’ll take tech that has been proven to be consistently reliable any day. 

[Johnny Karlsson]

6 hours ago, edward chick said:

How do they work around corners of buildings? Car to Car? Inside house to MoHo where clients are?   My Comteks rock in just about every situation I put them in. 10mw is not a lot, but they sure deliver the goods distance wise . As much as a pain in the ass they can be, I’ll take tech that has been proven to be consistently reliable any day. 

The Comtek BST-25 base station puts out 50mW, and will punch through a lot of stuff, especially if you get a Mini-Mite antenna up on a mast like 8ft in the air.

 

 If you need a portable setup, the Lectro IFB can put out up to 250mW, with either a T4, or SMV/SMQV.

[Fred Salles]

Thanks PCMSoundie, I like that as a possible solution for clients&agency tents instead of speakers on commercial shoot where there are always more and more people asking for IFB than initially required by production and paid for, ending up to frustration (and speaker is often an issue for me when too close to set).

I can very well see this thing installed by the LCD monitor with a side poster with QR code for all those interested to hear audio but who were not accounted for for a proper IFB (on average around 5 people).

It does not need a wifi router as it seems to be its own access point.