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Dialog Today
The 1.9 GHz expert
January 2021
ADVANCING INTO 2021
FEATURES:
PASSION FOR CONNECTIVITY FROM THE AUDIO & VOICE
- POWERING THE SMART CONNECTED FUTURE BUSINESS UNIT:
- WIRELESS CONNECTIONS IN INDUSTRIAL - LIGHTS, CAMERAS, ACTION!
ENVIRONMENTS
- NEW DECT APPLICATIONS - POLY: TAKING MORE THAN
SMALL STEPS
PLUS: - LIVASSURED DEVELOPS DEVICES FOR EPILEPSY SUFFERERS - WIRELESS AUDIO OVER DECT
- BRINGING BENEFITS TO HOME SECURITY
- GET MORE FROM DECT
WELCOME
CONTACT DETAILS:
Editor: Ingrid Hankins
ingrid.hankins@diasemi.com
Publisher: Vince Holton
1.9 GHz solutions:
vholton@incisor.tv
The clear lane
DIALOG Today is distributed to the wireless Dear reader,
audio & voice community and other Dialog Semiconductor is probably best known in the DECT community for
interested parties. our fully integrated, monolithic DECT / DCT / CAT-iq / ULE processor ICs. These
Views expressed within are those of the devices combine baseband processing and radio functionality to provide a
editorial staff and Dialog customers. creative platform for a complete range of DECT / DECT6.0 / JDECT/K-DECT
and ISM band 2.4 GHz products. But we also help you develop the most innovative applications
Dialog Today and the Dialog logo are
in the 1.9 GHz interference free frequency band for wireless audio solutions.
trademarks of Dialog Semiconductor.
During this year’s Voice of IoT conference held in Amsterdam on February 7th, there was one
All other logos and trademarks are the message that really stood out: “the 1.9 GHz DECT
property of the relevant companies. frequency band offers the best Quality of Service (QoS)
Copyright Dialog Semiconductor 2021 due to its unique protected interference free band”. One
picture visibly emphasized this point and the clear
benefit of 1.9 GHz. It showed a road with two lanes, one
completely congested with scooters and cars and the
other with a single cyclist and a clear road ahead. “You
get a better quality journey on a clear road than faster 1.9 GHz 2.4 GHz
vehicles on a totally congested road”.
Our team has been involved in the 1.9 GHz DECT standard from the start in 1992. Since then
the standard has evolved and now covers enterprise, residential cordless, HD voice terminals for
PRODUCED ON BEHALF OF broadband modems, sensors, and full hi-fi semi-professional audio applications. We continue to
THE DIALOG SEMICONDUCTOR, closely follow the latest developments, and in the first quarter of this year Dialog was the first
AUDIO & VOICE BU
company to receive type approval on the new multi-level modulation 1.9 GHz radio solution
with the DA14495. It shows our commitment to innovation in this unique market.
The great benefit of Dialog’s 1.9 GHz SoC solution is that it lets you use the chips in new
markets and applications that benefit from the interference free frequency band, the low latency
communication capabilities and audio processing possibilities. Take a look at the applications
bundled in this Dialog Today magazine and let them take you on a journey that showcases the
wide spectrum of applications benefiting from this 1.9 GHz standard.
Let’s innovate!
Arend van der Weijden
Creativity with Dialog
DECT module
DECT is a wireless technology which is being kept as secret wireless solution
recipe in industry for many years. It does not only used by wireless telephony
but also many other applications, such as wireless microphone and intercom
systems. By using Dialog DECT modules, we believe we can help developers
to find great ideas and easily utilize the DECT technology for various
applications.
DA14AVDDECT is the new powerful DECT module which helps to explore
more potential opportunities. Benefit from its powerful on-chip SoC and codec functionality,
DA14AVDDECT enhanced features in wireless conferencing system, public address use case and
one directional broadcasting tour guide use case even further. By benefiting from DECT
advantage of long range and interference
free, Dialog DECT module can be widely
used in applications in industry, medical
and education appliances.
We hope you will find great ideas and
inspirations from our articles and
applications from worldwide developers of
using our DECT module solutions.
Siji Li
2 DIALOG Today - The 1.9 GHz expert w w w. d i a l o g - s e m i c o n d u c t o r. c o m
CONTENTS
Contents 4
CLASSROOM EDUCATION TOOL THAT IS THE NEW TEACHER’S PET
Swivl takes full advantage of mobile devices to create an ingenious video
teaching aid.
LIGHTS, CAMERAS, ACTION!
6 A new wireless intercom system from Hollyland Technology makes that
communication simpler
SENNHEISER PRESENTS TEAMCONNECT WIRELESS
8 Mobile audio conferencing solution for up to 24 participants
PERFECT SOUND FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE BOARDROOM
9 Revolabs is using its experience in in DECT-based enterprise wireless
microphone systems to push DECT further
6 POLY: TAKING MORE THAN SMALL STEPS
10 How the pandemic and #workfromhome movement affected this global
provider of enterprise headset solutions
DECT: BRINGING BENEFITS TO HOME SECURITY
12 Panasonic’s video intercom system was named DECT Innovation of the Year at
the DECT Today awards.
POLY DELIVERS ANOTHER FIRST FOR DECT WIRELESS
13 As popularity of DECT wireless headsets gains momentum so does the need for
heightened security requirements.
INTERVIEW: SHURE MICROPHONES
12 14 Dialog Today speaks to William Berrie, Technical Lead at Shure UK.
RIEDEL INTRODUCES BOLERO
16 Bolero is a point-to-point, full-roaming, DECT-based intercom system in the
10 license-free 1.9GHz frequency range.
SMART DOOR INTERCOMS
17 Smart door intercoms are about convenience, letting people answer the door via
their phone
ONE SMALL STEP FOR WIRELESS AUDIO
18 Poly has a long history of working with Dialog Semiconductor to create DECT-
based wireless products.
POWERING THE SMART CONNECTED FUTURE
19 Dialog is on track to sustain its record of innovation, diversification and growth.
DIALOG SEMICONDUCTOR/PANASONIC – DELIVERING SUPERIOR SOUND
14
20 Panasonic’s DECT-based digital wireless microphone and intercom are developed
to make the sound quality even better.
DECT INTERCOM ENSURES THE HOUSE ALWAYS WINS
16 22 When JVCKENWOOD decided to create a wireless intercom solution for casinos,
it was clear, DECT was the technology to bet on!
WIRELESS CONNECTIONS IN INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTS
23 Familiar from cordless voice applications, DECT is an ideal candidate for data
links in industrial environments.
INTERVIEW: ASMUND TIELENS, LIVASSURED
24 Livassured develops certified medical devices for epilepsy sufferers
WIRELESS AUDIO OVER DECT: IN PERFECT SYNC
26 Dialog, Inteno and Audio Pro show how DECT enables high-quality audio via a
18 23 standard IAD.
AUDIO-TECHNICA: LEADING AUDIO INNOVATIONS
28 The manufacture, marketing and distribution of problem-solving audio
equipment.
DECT EVOLUTION BEGINS TODAY
29 DECT is finding great success in new applications.
HOW THE WORLD'S FIRST TRULY WIRELESS SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM
31 CAME TO EXIST
ONEaudio believes that good audio should be a part of everybody's life.
GET MORE FROM DECT
32 Among the latest DECT extensions are some of the highest security levels for
wireless communication
24 NEW THROWABLE MICROPHONE BOUNCES ONTO THE MARKET
33 Essentially a wireless microphone in a padded cover, Catchbox allows anyone to
speak simply by throwing it to them.
EXPANDING THE COMMERCIAL LIFETIME OF DECT
34 DECT has a commercial history stretching back 25 years, but what is the future
for DECT?
DECT GOES ON TOUR
36 Listen Technologies chose DECT to deliver on an ambitious vision
NEW DECT APPLICATIONS
37 DECT-ULE brings extensions to the DECT standard that can open doors
29 33
DIALOG Today - The 1.9 GHz expert w w w. d i a l o g - s e m i c o n d u c t o r. c o m 3
CLASSROOM EDUCATION TOOL THAT IS THE NEW TEACHER’S PET
Classroom education
tool that is the new
teacher’s pet
Education has come a long way since ‘chalk and talk’. Of course it still
has its place but, thanks to today’s technology, teachers now have a
broader, more entertaining mix of techniques and media available, and
new ways of interacting with students. Swivl™ takes full advantage of
mobile devices to create an ingenious video teaching aid that is
enhanced by the unique capabilities of DECT audio and data streaming.
“The idea for Swivl came out of seeing the generation system, the C-series, generating increase this number even further. Each stream
power of video as a tool for learning,” says excitement and rapid uptake. The new system is treated independently so users can select
Vladimir Tetelbaum, Swivl’s CTO and co- features a number of improvements in both different ones when reviewing the video in the
founder. When people can see a replay of hardware and software functionality – Swivl Cloud platform, and thus focus on
themselves, it helps them figure out how to do including support for a greater number of particular student groups.
things better. The same applies if a group of markers and audio streams.
people is being viewed, for example a class of Doing the homework
students: video and audio feedback gives Mark my words! To avoid the complexity and time needed to do
everyone extra insight into their performance. Audio quality is particularly important for their own RF design and buying and learning all
Swivl™ is an imaginative video and audio educational settings, both clarity of voice and about using a DECT Stack, Swivl looked for a drop-in
capture solution that makes full use of modern the ability to pinpoint who is saying what. And module with a stack included to implement DECT.
technology to help people learn. Video is it is essential that audio and video remained It found the ideal match for its system in Dialog
captured on a tablet or other mobile device synced. To deliver this in real-time with more Semiconductor’s Cordless Voice Module (CVM).
mounted in a robotic base unit, while sound is audio channels, Swivl needed to upgrade their “Dialog’s CVM delivered the functionality we
picked up by remote ‘markers’ that can be wireless connectivity solution. They chose DECT. needed in a form factor that fitted our highly
attached to clothing, held in the hand or “The 2.4 GHz band is becoming compact markers. But what really impressed
placed on a desk. The sound is transmitted oversaturated and that was already causing us was the support Dialog was prepared to
wirelessly to the base unit which packages the problems for some of our customers. We also offer a small company like us: answering our
audio streams together and sends them via wanted to help teachers reach more students questions fast and introducing us to possible
USB to be recorded in-sync with the video on in smaller groups by increasing the number of third-party design partners. Dialog also helped
the mobile device. The audio and video can microphones. So we needed a multi-channel with regulatory updates. As a result, our
then be uploaded into the Swivl Cloud to be technology. DECT seemed the logical choice. Its entire product design cycle was completed in
watched or shared later. low latency was also attractive for real-time nine months,” Tetelbaum concludes.
For the best possible learning experience, use,” Tetelbaum explains. “The C-series and DECT are the next big step
the robotic base unit moves the camera to With DECT providing a bi-directional link for for our company’s growth. And Dialog really
capture the speaker according to data received both audio and data, the C-series can currently helped us deliver it.”
by the markers. All this – video capture, audio support up to 5 markers; And Swivl plans to www.swivl.com
capture and camera positioning – needs to
happen in real time.
Click on the movie screen to watch Swivl in action
Teachers do it with class!
“When we began in 2011, we were looking at
all kinds of learning applications. But we soon
realised that education is at the forefront of
using media technology to enhance learning.
So we have optimized our solution to suit the
needs of the classroom,” adds Tetelbaum.
Since then, Swivl has built up a customer
base of some 20,000 in the US, UK, Australia,
Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Core uses
include teachers’ professional development
and student aids such as lecture capture,
lecture home viewing and practical exercises.
Earlier this year, Swivl launched its third-
4 DIALOG Today - The 1.9 GHz expert w w w. d i a l o g - s e m i c o n d u c t o r. c o m
DA144
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LIGHTS, CAMERAS, ACTION!
Lights, cameras, action!
For TV shows, getting the perfect shot means having the camera operator being in the
right place at the right time to focus in on the action. That takes constant communication
between the director’s box and the camera team. A new wireless intercom system from
Hollyland Technology makes that communication simpler and more reliable than ever. And
it’s one of the first DECT-based solutions to be designed and built in China.
In a studio, where the positions and Dedicated to delivering interference issues, particularly in a busy
movements of actors or presenters is known studio where you need to direct multiple
beforehand, setting up the perfect shot is This is something that that wireless video cameras,” explains Vincent Ma, co-founder of
easier. Camera positions can be planned and and audio experts Hollyland Technology Hollyland. “With its dedicated band, DECT
are relatively static, so can be controlled via a understands. It offers a range of wireless avoids the interference problem which is a
wired connection. However, for larger, more intercom solutions targeting applications real plus when the director needs to control
dynamic sets or outdoor production, getting such as television broadcasting. Based in multiple camera operators.”
the right shot is much more challenging. China – where DECT is not approved for use DECT has many other attractive features
Distances may make cabling impractical and – the company initially focused on Wi-Fi- for digital intercoms targeting TV
if camera operators need to be close into the based intercoms for the Asian market. But applications. It allows two-way interaction
action, a cable connection could even be a when it started to address the US market, between the director and individual camera
safety hazard. Hollyland saw it as an opportunity to explore operators, while its long operating range
In these situations, wireless the potential of other wireless suitable for large venues such as concerts or
communication offers a way forward. But communication technologies. sports events.
the wireless link needs to be reliable with “Wi-Fi offers good audio quality and two- And for outdoor shoots, wireless DECT
good audio quality and long range so that way communication. But it operates in a very intercoms allow camera operators to get
the camera never misses the perfect shot. crowded spectrum and that can lead to close to action, regardless of the location. A ➔
6 DIALOG Today - The 1.9 GHz expert w w w. d i a l o g - s e m i c o n d u c t o r. c o m
LIGHTS, CAMERAS, ACTION!
great example of this is the show Man versus commitments one by one,” Ma adds. Like the SC14CVMDECT, the new module
Wild, in which Bear Grylls shows the For the Syscom 1000T, Hollyland chose includes a state-of-the-art DECT radio, a
audience how to survive challenging outdoor Dialog’s SC14CVMDECT cordless voice multi-core, power amplifier, stereo CODEC,
situations. Often shot in remote outdoor module. This combines all necessary battery management and onboard antenna.
locations, the show used a DECT wireless hardware and software into a single drop-in But compared to its predecessor, the
solution from Hollyland to capture the solution that is pre-certified for use in DA14AVDDECT delivers 20 Hz – 20 kHz
action. various regulatory regimes. wideband audio and supports 8 wireless
Man versus Wild used the Mars T1000 and “Dialog’s modules let you develop new users from a single module.
Syscom 1000T, Hollyland’s first DECT-based applications quicker and more cost
intercom. “For the professional market in the efficiently. And they make it easier to control http://www.hollyland-tech.com/
USA, we needed to be able to offer a solution quality and consistency for RF. Together with
that delivered high-quality full-duplex audio the pre-certification, that really reduced the
over long distances. DECT was the ideal cost and time it took to start shipping the
choice,” Ma says. Syscom 1000T,” says Ma.
Although an expert in wireless audio, like
most Chinese companies, Hollyland had no A second generation
experience with DECT. So when developing
the Syscom 1000T, finding the right DECT With their success in Man versus Wild and
partner and solution was vital. several other high-profile shows, Hollyland
“Dialog has a long history in DECT, and has proven their credentials and shown that
unlike other companies it has a local office in Chinese manufacturers can deliver high-
Hong Kong and support staff that speak quality products for the professional market.
Chinese. It makes a real difference for our Looking forward, Hollyland is working on its
experts to be able to talk technology in their next-generation solution. For this, it needed
own language. And their technical support is a next-generation DECT solution and, thanks
not like other companies either. We can talk to its relationship with Dialog, it found it in
about the technology, roadmaps and Dialog’s newly released DA14AVDDECT Audio
schedules, then set targets and meet Voice Data module.
DIALOG Today - The 1.9 GHz expert w w w. d i a l o g - s e m i c o n d u c t o r. c o m 7
SENNHEISER PRESENTS TEAMCONNECT WIRELESS
Sennheiser presents
TeamConnect Wireless,
First wireless, mobile audio conferencing
solution for up to 24 participants
Ease of use, better sound quality and reliability: TeamConnect Wireless system –
the first, go anywhere, portable wireless conferencing solution. As businesses work
increasingly flexibly across multiple locations and geographies, the conference call
has become an essential stage for business achievement. For this fast–moving and
dynamic working environment, Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Wireless brings to an end
the age of conference call frustrations, delivering unmatched ease of use and
excellent sound quality in a portable system for up to 24 participants.
Launched at ISE 2016, TeamConnect Wireless Bluetooth smart device or computer wirelessly,
ABOUT SENNHEISER
from Sennheiser is designed to bring an end to with NFC making pairing with compatible Audio specialist Sennheiser is one of the world's
the frustrations of setting up ad hoc devices simple. Wired connections are also leading manufacturers of headphones,
conference calls. It is a high performing possible via USB – ideal for web or video microphones and wireless transmission systems.
portable conferencing solution for up to 24 conferencing via a computer – or jack cable, so Based in Wedemark near Hanover, Germany,
people that can be used by anyone, anywhere it can readily fit Sennheiser operates its own production facilities
– thanks to its unmatched ease of use, speed in to a broad in Germany, Ireland and the USA and is active in
of set up and cutting edge connectivity. The range of more than 50 countries. With 19 sales
subsidiaries and long-established trading
solution was created to fit seamlessly into the hardware
partners, the company supplies innovative
independent, “bring your own device” ethos of set-ups.
products and cutting-edge audio solutions that
the most fast-moving and flexible of modern are optimally tailored to its customers' needs.
workplaces - all with the audio specialist’s Sennheiser is a family-owned company that was
trademark high quality audio. TeamConnect Control everything at founded in 1945 and which today has 2,700
Wireless pairs leading edge functionality with a touch employees around the world that share a
high end design that can look at home in even The system brings a new level of usability to passion for audio technology. Since 2013,
the most prestigious office environments. Use conferencing that makes it easy for anyone to Sennheiser has been managed by Daniel
of premium materials such as glass and operate with minimal instruction, freeing users Sennheiser and Dr. Andreas Sennheiser, the third
generation of the family to run the company. In
aluminum makes the system tough enough to from the need for technical support. Simply
2014, the Sennheiser Group had sales totaling
take anywhere, while conveying unmistakable slide the four units from the case and they €635 million. www.sennheiser.com
business class elegance. automatically power up and link together. The
intuitive, touch-sensitive control panel on the ABOUT SENNHEISER BUSINESS
master unit allows you to connect devices and COMMUNICATION
control calls, while the satellite units have As part of the Sennheiser Professional Systems
segment, the Sennheiser Business
touch controls for muting or adjusting volume.
Communication division is focused on providing
Uniquely, TeamConnect Wireless supports
innovative audio solutions for the corporate
multiple simultaneous audio channels, so market. Sennheiser Business Communication
Connect smart devices, additional callers can be joined to an existing provides speaker systems, audio distribution
computers or landlines conference by just connecting another device. networks, conference systems, installed
TeamConnect Wireless offers peerless With set up taking no time at all, microphones and tour guide and information
connectivity options, making any device TeamConnect Wireless sets the stage for a systems, reaching the corporate market via
immediately capable of establishing a brilliant meeting. As a Sennheiser product, it specialist channel partners and AV
professional quality conference call in seconds. delivers excellent acoustic clarity and speech resellers/integrators, continually innovating to
accelerate and simplify the convergence of the
The stylish portable solution is made up of intelligibility, which allows for natural
AV and IT. The division draws on Sennheiser’s
four units – one master and three satellites conversation and improved meeting rich, 70-year history of setting new milestones
that can be easily transported in a durable, productivity. in audio excellence to bring new standards to
easy to transport charging case. The units are TeamConnect Wireless is optimized for IP business communications. The latest addition in
wirelessly linked by a DECT connection and solutions, which includes Skype for Business, the portfolio is TeamConnect Wireless – a
provide a flexible system that can be set up in Cisco Jabber, Webex, and Go-To-Meeting and portable and wireless audio conferencing
virtually any room or table arrangement. As an is part of the TeamConnect Family from solution - designed to empower businesses to
alternative to the charging case, TeamConnect Sennheiser which includes the classic thrive in sophisticated work environments and
meet business professionals’ growing
Wireless can be supplied with an elegant TeamConnect Wired system, TeamConnect
expectations for better and more flexible
charging tray as of now. Wireless and the TeamConnect Ceiling.
workplace communications and collaborations.
Users can quickly connect their own www.sennheiser.com/teamconnect-wireless
8 DIALOG Today - The 1.9 GHz expert w w w. d i a l o g - s e m i c o n d u c t o r. c o m
PERFECT SOUND FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE BOARDROOM
Perfect sound from
the classroom to the
boardroom
Changes in spectrum usage regulation can often open up new opportunities for DECT.
For example, the global growth of digital TV is seeing DECT become the technology of
choice for audio conferencing solutions. As the pioneer in DECT-based enterprise wireless
microphone systems, Revolabs was ahead of the curve in making that switch. Now, in
its third-generation solution, it is using that experience to push DECT further than ever.
Whether it’s for giving presentations in large
conference rooms or teleconferencing with
many people in open boardroom, enterprise-
level wireless microphone systems offer much
greater flexibility. You can put microphones
anywhere, right in front of each speaker or
attached to their clothing, enabling much
more natural communication.
The right technology
Previously, such systems used the UHF band
for transmitting audio from the mic to the
central unit. But with many countries wanting
to use this band for digital TV, it is becoming Its products are also highly integrated which An Elite performer
very crowded. As a result, many helps us keep costs down, and are very good One of Revolabs’s key innovations is to use all
manufacturers are moving to DECT. Revolabs on power consumption,” Root adds. the DECT slots to maximize the number of
was the first to see the benefits of DECT for The two companies have developed a simultan-eous connections without signals
such applications, effectively inventing the strong relationship, and regularly share their crashing. As a result, the Executive Elite systems
DECT wireless microphone for enterprise respective product roadmaps. This helps both supports up to 76 microphones in a 100 metre
applications. companies to innovate more effectively. radius – compared to around 40 for most
“DECT’s ability to support multiple audio “Due to this sharing, Revolabs was one of competing solutions. No matter how many
streams is ideal for applications where you the first companies to bring a product to microphones are in use, the system delivers
have 30 or more microphones in one market using the SC14493 – our new crystal clear sound every time. And its AES-256
installation. Moreover, its automatic channel integrated communications solution for the encryption ensures nobody can listen in without
selection gives it great error resilience. So microphone market,” says Marius Bouman, authorisation.
there is no disruption of the audio – and Marketing Manager at Dialog Semiconductor,
In addition, the Executive Elite pushes
that’s essential when people are trying to The SC14493 is a single-chip transceiver,
microphone talk-time from 8 to 20 hours with a
communicate with large groups,” explains Tim power amplifier and baseband IC for zero
single set of rechargeable AA batteries. Revolabs
Root, Revolabs’s CTO. blind slot (ZBS) DECT. Together with Dialog’s
has also been able to separate the receiver
Root also points to DECT’s resilience to SC14441 single-chip DECT / CAT-iq solution,
antenna from the central signal processing unit.
noise, support for advanced encryption and it provides the wireless communication
This gives much greater installation flexibility,
ability to manage the wireless power levels as functionality for Revolabs’s Executive Elite™
allowing the antenna to be located in the same
being important factors in Revolabs 4- and 8-Channel Next Generation Wireless
room as the microphones for better reception
technology choice. Microphone Systems.
while the base unit is hidden away out of sight.
“The Executive Elite is our third-generation
“We are keen to keep pushing the boundaries
Drawing on shared DECT wireless microphone system. We’ve
of what is possible with DECT. As DECT evolves,
experience in DECT learned a lot from the market about what
we aim to take advantage of any future
Revolabs has been working in DECT for over feature sets people want. By leveraging the
developments to create new systems that
ten years now. And throughout that period, DECT ULE architecture and then optimizing it
support even higher sound quality and
its DECT partner has been Dialog ourselves for our specific application, we’ve
microphone densities,” Root concludes.
Semiconductor. “Dialog – or SiTel as it was been able to deliver a solution that delivers
then – had very strong third-party support on those requirements,” says Root. https://europe.yamaha.com/en/products/
which helped us get started very quickly. unified_communications/
DIALOG Today - The 1.9 GHz expert w w w. d i a l o g - s e m i c o n d u c t o r. c o m 9
POLY: TAKING MORE THAN SMALL STEPS
Dialog Today interview:
Poly: taking more
than small steps
Dialog Today talks to Rob Boni, Senior Global Product
Manager, Enterprise Wireless, Poly
Dialog Today readers may be familiar with DT: How is your business coping with the
the names Plantronics and Polycom, but now current circumstances, during which the
we need to think about Poly, the company global pandemic is forcing people to work
resulting from the merger of the two away from their offices?
companies in 2019. Proudly championing RB: As you can probably imagine, with many
the fact that the famous words spoken from enterprise businesses requiring people to
the moon – “One small step…” – were work from home, we’re very busy right now in
transmitted on one of its headsets, Poly now the headset world. People need the
positions itself as a provider of audio equipment to be able to work from home
expertise with powerful video and screen efficiently. This is a good thing, from a
sharing capabilities to take the friction out business perspective, but there’s no doubt
of collaboration. As the lines between home that this is also a trying time.
and the office blur, Poly’s public mission
statement is to make it easier to hear, share DT: And during the health crisis, how
and see, wherever, whenever. important has voice connectivity become?
Headquartered in San Jose and Santa Cruz, RB: The reality is that at this moment, we
California, Poly has more than 6,500 simply cannot provide enough headsets to
employees working in 75 offices located in 35 satisfy demand. The #workfromhome
different countries. The company has more movement means that video and headset
than 1,500 patents in force worldwide and is a solutions are extremely important. So at the
confirmed and long-term user of DECT. These an end to end solution – from a phone, to moment I would say that specifically voice
facts alone would be enough reason to talk to video equipment, to the headset - and connections – and you can throw video in
the company, but we were now interested to managing each element plays a part in the there as well – are absolutely crucial. We are
know two things: first, what was the thinking communication. doing everything we can to build as many
behind bringing Plantronics and Polycom From Plantronics’ position as a headset headsets and provide solutions as possible.
together and, second, how had the global company, the motivation that came from our There is a feeling in the industry that the
pandemic and resulting #workfromhome senior management was ‘we’re great as a companies needing this equipment are
movement affected this global provider of headset business, but if we ever want to get placing orders on every headset manufacturer
enterprise headset solutions? more into the market, we need to have an end- that they can and that the way it is working
Vince Holton spoke with Rob Boni, who to-end solution’. The integration with Polycom out is that whoever can provide the
came to Poly from the Plantronics side of the made perfect sense because Polycom brought equipment the quickest is the company that is
equation. the rest of the proposition, i.e. the phone, actually getting the order.
including speakerphones and video equipment. At this time it is extremely important for us
DT: Can you tell us about the merger of Our plan was to add headsets to that package, to not only stay safe, but to provide this
Plantronics and Polycom, and what was the and to make sure that our headsets worked equipment as fast as we can. I would have to
motivation? flawlessly with the Polycom equipment. We say that this is probably not going to change.
RB: The integration of these two companies feel that this move has made us a major player I hope and expect that we will get past this
was just such a great fit in terms of providing in the same markets as companies like Cisco, pandemic, but I believe that the new normal
and, frankly, we are better at the headset side
of it than anybody else.
Creating for ourselves such a strong and
competitive position in the market, then, was
the motivation for the two companies coming
together. We are now capable of providing our
customers with a complete audio and video
Rob Boni. solution.
Poly DT13 headset. ➔
10 DIALOG Today - The 1.9 GHz expert w w w. d i a l o g - s e m i c o n d u c t o r. c o mPOLY: TAKING MORE THAN SMALL STEPS
is not going to be the same as the old normal. is generally recognized – and certainly by our
I think that there will be a lot more companies company – that DECT is by far and away still
not just allowing their employees to work from best for audio, best for range and best for
home, but requiring them to do so. That being security. As a result of this, DECT is a very
the case, our headsets – and specifically our important part of our philosophy and we are
DECT headsets because of the great audio that now focusing more energy and more of our
they provide – are a big part of our roadmap development into the DECT line, as opposed to
and very important to us going forward. a couple of years back when we were focusing
more on Bluetooth. We’re still developing
Bluetooth products, but we now realise the
importance of continuing our DECT
“ Our headsets – and development, and continuing to get products something we have always prided ourselves on,
specifically our DECT into the market that are competitive. therefore HD Voice is important to us. Then, as
headsets because of Our focus has shifted back as, to be honest, security requirements grow we want to be able
the great audio that we’ve seen what our competition has done, to implement those in our products too.
they provide – are a big and we realise that this is important to the Security is a big issue with many of our
world. We knew we needed to get back in the customers, none less than the big financial
part of our roadmap
game and come up with some killer products. institutions and medical institutions. They are
and very important to We’re now in the middle of developing some always asking about security and want to know
us going forward.” really cool new DECT products. when we will be able to offer the next levels.
That means that HD Voice and high levels of
security are extremely important to us and to
DT: Is DECT an important part of your all of our customers.
product philosophy? “ DECT is by far and
Where does it fit in? away still best for DT: With DECT-2020 currently in
RB: Absolutely. DECT has always been an audio, best for range specification in ETSI, the next generation
important part of our business, though, to be of DECT promises to bring more
and best for security.”
frank and honest, prior to the merger with performance in terms of density, lower
Polycom, Plantronics really focused its effort, latency, bandwidth, and reliability. Is that in
its development and its dollars into the unified line with your own requirements for DECT-
communications (UC) space. That means DT: As a voice technology, DECT has 5G, and what will it be used for?
multiple connectivity from desk and mobile managed to evolve with the market RB: My understanding for DECT-5G is that it is
phones, PCs etc and using one headset across requirements in terms of density and a high data rate, low latency technology.
all of your communication networks. dependability, what else makes DECT Bandwidth, reliability, high security and low
While this was going on, things were a little important for your business? latency are all extremely important to our DECT
stagnant on the DECT side. We were the RB: It is the great range and audio and density products and our portfolio in general.
market leader in DECT, and we knew it. This performance that makes DECT a really Developments in these areas are exactly what
being so, we were investing more in our important part of our business. Maybe with we are looking for. Low latency, for example, is
Bluetooth and Voyager line of products as the more people working from home the density a particular area in which we have had
feeling was that these were the real ‘up and piece of it is currently not quite as important, customer feedback and requests.
comers’ for UC applications. However, we’ve but, going forward, density is a big part of It’s a little early to talk about specific
since realised that our DECT products are a what we need. As you probably know, DECT applications, but I can tell you this direction
huge part of that picture because of the multi- density here in the USA is half of what it is in that DECT is taking is completely, 100% in-line
connectivity aspect of these products and Europe, due to there being half of the with our requirements. Our engineering group
because of the great audio and the great range channels. We have had some density issues, is very good at adopting these new
you get with DECT. but as we move forward, and as we improve technologies as soon as they are available and
Imagine that you are one of the the density performance, this will help us and creating building blocks that allow us to
people who is now working from our customers to deploy DECT throughout implement them across multiple applications
home. If you have a DECT headset their enterprise without having to mix and quickly and efficiently.
in your office, your bedroom or match with corded solutions and/or other My technical colleagues are attending a lot
wherever you are working, you wireless technologies. of the DECT Forum meetings at which
can roam about the house So, yes, absolutely, the dependability of developments in DECT-2020 and DECT-5G are
and stay connected to the DECT’s audio and range are really important to discussed and mapped out. They bring the ideas
conversation while you are our business and for our market. Our DECT back to us in product management so that we
multi-tasking. That’s products are the ones that allow us to do this can discuss and plan how they can be used and
difficult to do with a most efficiently. rolled out. Our continual goal is to research and
Bluetooth headset, even make available technology that can improve
allowing for the fact DT: Looking to the future, what roles do our customer’s experience when using our
that we now have high definition voice (HD Voice) and state products.
Class 1 Bluetooth of the art security play in a typical We are looking forward to adopting these
which has a better enterprise product? new DECT technologies and implementing them
range. I think that it RB: Great audio is a pillar of our company and in our products.
DIALOG Today - The 1.9 GHz expert w w w. d i a l o g - s e m i c o n d u c t o r. c o m 11DECT: BRINGING BENEFITS TO HOME SECURITY
DECT: bringing
benefits to
home security
Panasonic’s video intercom
system has been named DECT
Innovation of the Year at the
DECT Today awards. So what lies
behind the success?
Panasonic Marketing Manager
Ye-Un Lee, Panasonic. Ye-Un Lee discusses.
In the last issue of DECT Today, Panasonic’s quickly and easily on the screen. You can instance, like standard wired security
new video intercom system was shortlisted add up to six sub monitors, two door phones systems, it’s possible to use the DECT
for a DECT innovation award. and four DECT Wireless Sensor Cameras for Wireless Sensor Camera to capture heat and
Sitting alongside a number of more large homes. It gives clear benefits for movement, making it possible to monitor
traditional DECT telephony solutions, the installers as well as end users. The wireless locations that you are concerned about. Like
video intercom platform (VL-SWD501) and video intercom system saves cost and time, conventional wired systems, at night a white
accompanying surveillance camera (VL- is applicable anywhere in the house and LED shines to drive intruders away.
WD812) demonstrated a new era in the use of allows numerous flexible layouts. It also The electric lock release supports up to
DECT technology. provides a super wide angle camera four doors, each of which can be operated
DECT technology for security is a relatively (horizontal 170 degrees, vertical 115 from the main monitor or a sub monitor.
new phenomenon. But the technology has degrees), SD recording function, a large The gate or door lock can be easily and
tremendous potential for use in domestic 5-inch touch panel and a slim and stylish quickly released from anywhere in the
security systems. design. house.
Last year, Panasonic’s wireless video Panasonic is committed to creating the
intercom system became a market leader in smart homes of the future. It’s our passion
Japan. The wireless monitor even created a to enable “A Better life (and), A Better
market for sub-monitors in Japan and World” as we promise through our brand.
increased the demand for a second monitor We see the vast majority of devices
drastically. Panasonic Video Intercom systems ultimately being ‘smart’. That means,
were successfully launched in Europe in 2014. embedding connectivity in our products,
Part of this success is down to the ease of whilst ensuring a reliable and secure
installation and stability that DECT gives the network to allow for centrally managed
system. platforms and developing cloud services, to
The design means that there is no provide more flexibility and scalability to
troublesome wiring required when adding on each solution.
to the system. Simply update the settings There is a lot of new innovation in DECT
at the moment which is symptomatic of the
health of the technology. Whether it is
traditional telephony, security or video, we
The use of DECT makes it possible to check think DECT has a role to play in the smart
on visitors using the wireless monitor home of the future.
anywhere in the home and respond
promptly. The wireless monitors come with a http://business.panasonic.co.uk/
range of 100m, so that users can talk from security-solutions/
the living room, kitchen or anywhere else in
the home or garden. Up to two DECT
repeaters can be connected to further
DECT Wireless Sensor
increase the usage area.
Camera. There is no loss of functionality either. For
12 DIALOG Today - The 1.9 GHz expert w w w. d i a l o g - s e m i c o n d u c t o r. c o mONE SMALL STEP FOR WIRELESS AUDIO
One small step for
wireless audio
Partnering with like-minded companies is a great way to develop
innovative and successful products. The collaboration between
audio communications experts Poly and Dialog Semiconductor
has already led to industry-leading wireless headsets – and
continues to go from strength to strength.
Poly has a long history of taking audio
communication further. It was one of their
headsets that brought us Neil Armstrong’s
legendary first words from the Moon. Today,
they are still renowned for simple, clear
communication.
For more than a decade, Plantronics has
been working with Dialog Semiconductor to
create DECT-based wireless products that
deliver best-in-class audio. Both companies
agree that the success of their collaboration is
down to constant communication at all levels
– from engineering teams to senior
management.
“We have a very collaborative relationship.
Dialog’s flexibility, development and
willingness to customize solutions without
restrictions give us the ingredients to achieve
our goals,” explains Rod Brownfield, Polys’ it is probably going be in the market for three processors into its products. The SC14480
Senior Product Manager. to five years. With Flash-based ICs, we can is a single-chip DECT / CAT-iq solution that
“As companies, our skills complement each design products that can be periodically can be found in almost all of Plantronics
other perfectly,” adds Dialog’s Vice President updated and deliver a continuous stream of audio products and is ideal for headset
of Wireless, Audio and Voice Arend van der value-added features and benefits. Meanwhile, applications. Meanwhile, the 240-MIPS
Weijden. “Dialog always tries to deliver the ROM-based chips let us optimize designs SC14450 features a 16-bit CompactRISC™
optimized yet flexible chip solutions. Poly has for cost,” says Brownfield. processor, plus two user-programmable
great in-house expertise in audio and how to For example, Poly uses ROM-based Dialog Gen2DSPs and runs multiple audio
develop these applications.” chips in its cost-competitive CS500 headsets, codecs with best-in-class acoustic echo
In addition to IC solutions, Dialog also and Flash-based IC in its Savi 400 and 700 cancellation.
provides reference-design schematics and ranges. When the DECT security standard was Both processors support DECT and DECT
software development kits with technical enhanced recently, Poly was able to offer a 6.0, the North American variant that
support to help Poly keep the supply chain firmware update for the Savi 700 headset, operates at 1.9 GHz. This allows Poly to
moving. Evaluation boards and control allowing customers to easily upgrade to higher support global markets with a single
software allow Poly to quickly evaluate parts security. This update, the most downloaded in product design.
to speed development. Poly’s history, was especially useful for the “Poly is renowned as a company that sets
company’s government clients, who value the standard for audio quality, and then
security above all else in audio communications. surpasses it. With our audio processors, they
Flexibility in development can create solutions or audio professionals
Dialog offers both ROM- and Flash-based ICs. that expect that wireless products work with
Audio performance the same quality as wired products,”
This gives Poly great flexibility in developing
products and offer solutions for specific use- For many years, Poly has also incorporated concludes van der Weijden.
case applications. “When we design a product, Dialog’s SC14480 and SC14450 audio
DIALOG Today - The 1.9 GHz expert w w w. d i a l o g - s e m i c o n d u c t o r. c o m 13SHURE MICROPHONES AND AUDIO SYSTEMS
Shure microphones
and audio systems
For when failure is
not an option
Audio quality is a theme that is deeply embedded in
all things DECT, and it goes without saying that this is
also true for DECT Forum member company Shure.
Throughout its history, Shure believes that the
success and reputation of its brand has been defined Shure’s classic
55 mic
by a continuous commitment to Total Quality.
Shure microphones have played a part in microphones under its own brand name.. Our DT: We use a lot of audio devices when
many global events - Shure was there, for archetypal, uniquely designed model 55 was making digital video for the DECT Forum
example, when Elvis stepped into Sun first made in 1939. That’s the one that you media channel. Shure doesn’t seem to
Studios and when JFK vowed to put a man see Elvis using, with his hand wrapped feature very often in the video production
on the moon and has been on the world's around the mic stand! Shure continued and space. Is there a reason for that?
biggest stages, from Live Earth to the Oval supplied mics to the military during World WB: I think that Shure downplayed that
Office, ever since. War 2. We still use military-spec processes market for a while, but today we have new
It's been over a decade since Shure cut today for all the microphones that we make – products in that space. There are new boom
the cable and added wireless products to we’re constantly trying to give our customers mics, for example, that can be fitted to
its portfolio, recognising that presenters good quality products. cameras. Of course, a lot of content creation
and performers love the freedom and today is handled using smartphones, so we
flexibility that wireless can provide. Singing also have a series of mics that can be used
or speaking, vocal or instrumental, Shure with iOS and Android phones.
says that its mission is to bring the sound
and reliability of its microphones to the
world of wireless. How reliable? Well, Shure
told Dialog Today that failure is not an
option.
Knowing that Shure is now using DECT
across a number of its systems, we decided
to learn a little more about why Shure
selected DECT and how the technology
enhances Shure’s wireless mic and In 1993, the US Post Office released a stamp
conference systems portfolio. We spoke featuring Elvis and Shure’s microphone.
with William Berrie, Technical Lead at Shure Shure – iPhone mic.
UK. Shure has manufactured wireless mics for
some time now. An early wireless mic called DT: Tell us about the split between Shure’s
DT: Tell us a little about Shure’s the Vagabond was first developed in 1953, wired and wireless products.
background – the origins of your and wireless microphones were contemplated WB: Well, I’m not a marketing guy, and it
company, the markets serviced etc. by Shure engineers as early as the 1940s, so depends whether you are talking about
WB: Shure was founded in Chicago, USA in wireless is not a new thing for us. Our first numbers of units sold, or value, but I think
1925 by S. N. Shure, originally selling radio mainstream wireless mics – the L Series – that in monetary terms wireless is more
kits by mail from a space in his father’s were launched in the 1990s. valuable to us, and wireless may now have
warehouse. This was a burgeoning market, Our customers today come, of course, from overtaken wired in terms of numbers sold.
as consumers couldn’t buy complete radios the professional audio market, but in recent Wireless is still growing for us, and is where a
at the time. In the 1930s, after acting as a times the integrated systems market, and lot of the new developments are happening,
distributor for a local microphone our in-ear and headphones for retail markets but Shure is still investing in the wired mic
manufacturer, Shure started to design have rapidly grown in importance to us. business too. It’s still important to us. ➔
14 DIALOG Today - The 1.9 GHz expert w w w. d i a l o g - s e m i c o n d u c t o r. c o mSHURE MICROPHONES AND AUDIO SYSTEMS
Microflex.
DT: Where does DECT/ULE fit into your slightly reducing the bandwidth and using DT: What do you see as the future needs
portfolio? more compression in the codec. If we were for the wireless audio space?
WB: We introduced a wireless variant of our using ISM band mics it would probably be in WB: Audio quality is, of course, a given, but
Microflex conferencing system that used a smaller venue, but we would also have to then our customers tell us that low-latency
DECT technology in 2013. I say ‘the DECT limit the number we could use to between 4 and high density are what they want. The
technology’ because of course we sell in the and 8. work that is being done and the possibilities
US on the UPCS 1920-1930 MHz band. We’re in Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency
not currently using ULE, but we are DT: So it seems that DECT did offer Shure Communication (URLLC) and 5G do look
considering it for future low-latency distinct advantages then? important to us and can provide
applications WB: Yes it did, but one of the key things is opportunities that we can build on. That and
that you can just switch it on and it works, keeping the fair use licensing safe spectrum
DT: What were the compelling reasons to which is not the case with other, similar is important for us and for our customers.
use DECT? systems. Shure is not the only company operating
WB: The wires, really! We didn’t want wires in this sector, and we know that other
running across expensive boardroom tables. DT: Is DECT’s independent spectrum contributors experience the same issues that
It also makes the room set-up that much important to Shure, and if so, why? we do and express the same preference for
more flexible and also that much simpler for WB: Yes, it is. Traditionally, microphones DECT. We have made good business from
installers. were using the TV bands but those have now DECT and our customers like the products
The key attractions of DECT were that it is been auctioned away. Though there is still and they like the ease of use. That really is
license exempt and that it is self-organising. some ISM TV band availability, overall there is the bottom line for us.
We can achieve good microphone density very little room. And of course you are still
and we can co-exist and interoperate well taking risks if you are using what spectrum www.shure.com
with other users of the same spectrum. For there is available and if you want it to just
comparison purposes, we do have products work when you switch it on. The fact that
that operate in the ISM band, but we have to DECT offers regulated spectrum, and
limit the number of mics we can use in the everybody is following rules, is great for us.
ISM band because there is just so much We know what we can expect to get out of a
going on, and strange, weird things system.
happening. There are places where the DECT spectrum
is busy. If you’ve got a call centre located
DT: Can you put numbers on that? How above you in a multi-story building, for
many DECT mics can be used together, example, you could have some issues. But we
and how many ISM-band mics? can use spectrum monitoring and work out
WB: It’s not exactly the same scenarios that how many microphones we are going to be
we are aiming at, but as an example, in the able to support. This allows us to assure
USA we can support 24 DECTmicrophones in customers in that neighbourhood as to what
one large area or room. If we do need to they can expect. In DECT, everything is built in
cram more microphones in we can do that by and everything just works. This is great for us.
DIALOG Today - The 1.9 GHz expert w w w. d i a l o g - s e m i c o n d u c t o r. c o m 15RIEDEL INTRODUCES BOLERO
Riedel introduces
Bolero
A next-generation, fully artist-
integrated wireless intercom system
Bolero is a point-to-point, full-roaming, Save time, add
DECT-based intercom system in the license- convenience
free 1.9GHz frequency range. Bolero runs
Bolero was designed to make life as easy for
over a standards-based AES67 IP network.
the customer as possible. With other
Decentralized antennas connect to AES67
solutions, registering a beltpack to the
switches and then to Riedel’s Artist digital
antennas is often a complex process that
matrix intercom frames equipped with AES67
requires a user to go into the beltpack menu
client cards, creating a fully integrated point-
and apply a pin code. This process can easily
to-point intercom ecosystem with seamless
take two minutes per beltpack, adding a
roaming capabilities. By using multiple
antenna (fully roaming) and up to 100 significant amount of time if the operator
AES67 switch cascades, Bolero can easily
antennas per system. must configure dozens of beltpacks. Bolero
accommodate large areas and long distances.
With the adjustable power output of Bolero incorporates Near-Field Communication
To the system, the belt-packs look just like
antennas, users can reduce power to enable (NFC) technology for both the beltpack and
Riedel Artist panels but are wireless,
higher antenna density in a given RF space the active antennas, so registration is as
providing the highest levels of
and therefore improve performance in harsh easy as simply touching the beltpack to the
interoperability, programmability, flexibility,
RF environments. To increase capacity, users antenna.
and user mobility. A reprogrammable FPGA
can create “islands” of RF spaces. A Bolero Based on Riedel’s extensive rental
future-proofs Bolero antennas by permitting
beltpack is registered with a unique system experience, Bolero beltpacks use a
upgrades for future networks.
ID, and each beltpack is capable of combination of premium materials, including
Bolero uses a high-clarity 7KHz voice codec “remembering” up to 10 other system IDs. This high-impact plastics and rubber over-molds,
to provide both higher speech intelligibility enables beltpacks to move from island to to create a tough device with an ergonomic
and more efficient use of RF spectrum. The island; e.g. studio to studio. In this manner, feel that ensures easy use and handling. The
codec has excellent latency characteristics Bolero is able to support deployments of beltpacks also support Bluetooth 4.1,
providing lip sync free communications, while more than 100 beltpacks. allowing a Bluetooth headset or a
offering excellent processing efficiency, Bolero features Riedel’s exclusive Advanced smartphone to be connected.
providing outstanding belt-pack battery life, DECT Receiver (ADR) technology, a multiple- Bolero beltpacks feature four primary
and saving DSP processing power for other diversity receiver technology specifically channel buttons and two additional buttons
functions. The codec produces exceptional designed to improve RF robustness by for each of the 6 intercom channels, plus a
audio clarity scores across multiple languages reducing sensitivity to multipath RF separate “Reply” button that easily facilitates
as measured on the PESQ scale. The PESQ reflections. The unique ADR receiver is able to a reply to the last channel that called. Four
score was developed to assess human voice differentiate between multipath reflections to small rubber pips on the tripod belt clip allow
quality, using true voice samples, in cancel out group and phase delay, thus the beltpack to be used on a desk as a
telecommunications. reducing audio drop-outs. The net result is a wireless key panel. And, in an industry first,
As a result of its highly economical RF significant improvement in usability as well as the beltpack includes an integrated mic and
bandwidth management, Bolero operates at fewer frame and bit errors, making the speaker that enables it to be used as a two-
twice the spectrum efficiency of other DECT- advanced DECT receiver ideal for use in way radio without requiring a headset.
based systems. That equates to up to a challenging RF environments where other www.riedel.net/products/intercom/
category-redefining ten belt-packs per systems might have great difficulty. bolero/
16 DIALOG Today - The 1.9 GHz expert w w w. d i a l o g - s e m i c o n d u c t o r. c o mYou can also read
