Lectrosonics Digital Hybrid Venue System

Lectrosonics Digital Hybrid Venue System

by John Algee

At NAB 2004, Lectrosonics gave a preview of their new UHF Digital Hybrid Venue system. This is a rack configuration that will hold up to six frequency agile, modular, drop-in receivers. It also includes an antenna multicoupler, serial port and USB interface with front panel LCD.

The receivers are of the patented Digital Hybrid Technology developed by Lectrosonics. These receivers will be offered as the VRS or VRT version.

The VRT will fall in the performance and feature range of the UCR211 and UCR411, which includes Lectrosonics' tracking front end. The VRS will be a fixed bandwidth front-end design.

Both Receivers will operate with any version of Digital Hybrid Transmitter as well as a variety of analog transmitters such as the Lectrosonics 100 and 200 series. This is accomplished via the front panel LCD or computer interface. All other control functions are available through the LCD as well. Audio output connections are made in the rear via XLRs and you will find the USB and RS232 port there as well.

The software interface provided with the Venue is very user friendly and incorporates features such as the walk test recorder. An on-location walk test can be recorded to take a look at signal levels while traveling the actual user path. This is in addition to the spectrum analyzer we all know and love for choosing clear operating frequencies. A double click on one of the 6 receiver panels immediately brings up an individual receiver for monitoring and adjustment.

List pricing for the VRM (rack w/multicoupler) is $1,205 with a VRS receiver going for $329. Yes, that’s what I said…$329 – and that’s List Price. Couple that with your transmitter of choice and you’re good to go. This is a phenomenal value and will allow users to add the system to an existing package or start fresh with one module at a time. At this writing, pricing for the VRT has not yet been announced.


Lectrosonics Digital Hybrid Venue System
by John Algee
At NAB 2004, Lectrosonics gave a preview of their new UHF Digital Hybrid Venue system. This is a rack configuration that will hold up to six frequency agile, modular, drop-in receivers. It also includes an antenna multicoupler, serial port and USB interface with front panel LCD. The receivers are of the patented Digital Hybrid Technology developed by Lectrosonics. These receivers will be offered as the VRS or VRT version. The VRT will fall in the performance and feature range of the UCR211 and UCR411, which includes Lectrosonics' tracking front end. The VRS will be a fixed bandwidth front-end design. Both Receivers will operate with any version of Digital Hybrid Transmitter as well as a variety of analog transmitters such as the Lectrosonics 100 and 200 series. This is accomplished via the front panel LCD or computer interface. All other control functions are available through the LCD as well. Audio output connections are made in the rear via XLRs and you will find the USB and RS232 port there as well. The software interface provided with the Venue is very user friendly and incorporates features such as the walk test recorder. An on-location walk test can be recorded to take a look at signal levels while traveling the actual user path. This is in addition to the spectrum analyzer we all know and love for choosing clear operating frequencies. A double click on one of the 6 receiver panels immediately brings up an individual receiver for monitoring and adjustment. List pricing for the VRM (rack w/multicoupler) is $1,205 with a VRS receiver going for $329. Yes, that’s what I said…$329 – and that’s List Price. Couple that with your transmitter of choice and you’re good to go. This is a phenomenal value and will allow users to add the system to an existing package or start fresh with one module at a time. At this writing, pricing for the VRT has not yet been announced.