IFBlue products are designed, distributed, supported, and warranted by Lectrosonics, Inc. and manufactured to the highest standards by a Korean firm in ISO9001 certified factories, located in South Korea and China. The goal is to reach an even broader range of potential users.
But why IFBs? The term "Interruptible Foldback was mainly adopted in film and television environments and is essentially the same as an "intercom" and return monitor feed circuit that can be "interrupted" at any time by those who are in charge of direction or coordination. A composite IFB audio signal is a mix of all program sources and interrupt audio.
An IFB allows presenters, actors, and production members to be connected to a monitoring (program) and cueing (interrupt) system. This includes one-way communication from the director or production manager directly to a discreet earpiece that can be used on-camera, on-stage or on-set. A composite IFB is configured to feed return audio to a presenter, containing a mix-minus program feed (everything except the presenter's own voice).
The IFB circuits are directly fed in dedicated channels, and compatible with the wireless audio transmitters and receivers that are adopted for those more demanding professional uses - normally using very sophisticated, robust, highly miniaturized, expensive equipment. While being standard in television and film productions, the IFB concept can be extended to many other live production events and even for team coordination, if only the technology, particularly the receivers, could be more affordable. When used unsupervised by less experienced users, these products can also be lost or damaged, which is one of the main reasons why top quality products are not advised.
The new cost-effective IFBlue receivers are fully compatible with Lectrosonics IFBT4 transmitters, or any Lectrosonics Digital Hybrid Wireless transmitters operating in IFB compatibility mode, so that adding these receivers to existing IFB systems is quick and easy. The new IFBlue IFB receiver is easy to set up and use, offering 10 presets, easily programmable from the backlit LCD front panel.
Five tuning ranges are available for the new IFBR1C receivers: the VHF version covers 174-216 MHz, the A1 (470-537 MHz), B1 (537-614 MHz) and C1 (614-692 MHz) versions cover the UHF TV frequencies for most countries, and the 941 MHz Band version covers the North American license-only 941-960 MHz range. Future firmware updates can be installed in the IFBlue receivers in the field via the USB jack located behind the battery door. The IFBlue receivers have an integrated, spring-loaded belt clip for light weight and easy, secure placement.
The unit can use either disposable AA or rechargeable NiMh AA batteries, with 10 hours for AA alkalines, 12+ hours for NiMh rechargeables, and 20+ hours for lithium disposables.
The IFBlue companion dock charging system, the CHSIFBR1C, is capable of charging up to four receivers when using NiMh rechargeable batteries. The charging dock units can be mechanically linked for easy organization on the mounting surface.
“Our customers have long asked for a value-priced IFB receiver, which extend to a new range of users, and we’ve sought out a partner that could make a high-performance product at a competitive price,” explains Karl Winkler, VP of Sales and Marketing at Lectrosonics. “The new IFBlue receivers and companion charging docks meet and exceed these requirements, while remaining compatible with our existing line of IFB products.”
The IFBlue receiver packs and charging station will be available in Q3, 2021. MSRP for the IFBR1C receiver pack is $499, and the CHSIFBR1C charging dock is $299, including power supply and AC cord.
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www.ifblue.com
