I've tried getting away with Moto TalkAbouts in the past, headsets. Bottom line: they stink for what we're doing. This weekend I did a 6-cam shoot with 5 camera ops using a house intercom system (wired) and awesome headsets (with PTT or constant-on [lock])... WOAH.
Not only did we coordinate our shots much better, but we also had a hoot with the shoot. I'm convinced I need to invest in a decent system now.
Could anyone recommend a wireless handheld intercom system, 4-8 (or expandable) units, at a reasonable price, for use with video shoots at live venues (theatres and such). Heck, I'm willing to be creative.... how 'bout a home cordless phone system (like Uniden's PowerMax) that supports up to 6 or 8 receivers and has an "Intercom Mode"? What should I look out for?
Not only did we coordinate our shots much better, but we also had a hoot with the shoot. I'm convinced I need to invest in a decent system now.
Could anyone recommend a wireless handheld intercom system, 4-8 (or expandable) units, at a reasonable price, for use with video shoots at live venues (theatres and such). Heck, I'm willing to be creative.... how 'bout a home cordless phone system (like Uniden's PowerMax) that supports up to 6 or 8 receivers and has an "Intercom Mode"? What should I look out for?
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New York
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Re: Quality wireless intercom units for live video shoots -- hoot with the shoot
Mon, December 24, 2007 - 7:53 AMWhy not a bunch of FRS radios with headsets? They're relatively cheap and usually have a range of 2-5km.
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Re: Quality wireless intercom units for live video shoots -- hoot with the shoot
Sun, December 30, 2007 - 1:42 AM2 main companies i know of... Telex ( www.intercomheadsets.com/ ) and ClearCom ( www.clearcom.com/ )is in Emeryville. ClearCom make the best wired headsets. check out the company for info then look for a used set online or at local professional video equipment companies in your area... you can also check rental companies for the few times you may need them... ( www.cpcomms.com/search.asp )
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Re: Quality wireless intercom units for live video shoots -- hoot with the shoot
Mon, December 31, 2007 - 3:26 PMDo you want to buy or rent? A quality new wireless system for 6-8 headsets will run you 3-5k depending on brand. If you want to try different systems before investing, rent a system for a shoot first, usually $300-500 a day. -
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Re: Quality wireless intercom units for live video shoots -- hoot with the shoot
Tue, January 1, 2008 - 9:27 PMI usually do my shoots with a mix of owned and rented equipment. My preference is to own if availability is important and as my bookings increase. Sadly, I'm also not aware of local rental shops that have a good wireless 2-way system with > 3 headsets... maybe need to call around some more.
On the FRS posting... The "talk about" I mentioned at the top is a Motorola FRS (if I understand the terms right).. the thing *stunk* in theatre use. Had to "push to talk", the "voice activated talking" had delays, and with the headsets I could not whisper or else the other parties couldn't hear me... and who wants to talk loud during a theatre production, eh?
I *have* asked myself, "why not use an 8-handset 5.8 Ghz phone system, like Panasonic or Uniden, which has these types of features?" I don't have the answer to that one .. anyone? -
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Re: Quality wireless intercom units for live video shoots -- hoot with the shoot
Wed, January 2, 2008 - 5:25 PMYeah, I wasn't thinking about what your location might be. Luckily, I'm in Dallas and there are plenty of rental houses. I would suggest looking into an expandable system for purchase. Lokk at B&H's website to research, then call the manufacturer or a major equipment retailer for a price. There are many systems that you can start with 3-4 units and then expand later with another "base" module.
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