Pliant Technologies Announces CrewCom Flex Now Shipping in the US

Pliant Technologies' CrewCom Flex product line is now shipping in the US. As the industry's first frameless matrix intercom system and the only complete matrix IP-based intercom solution, CrewCom Flex is billed as redefining professional communications by converging wired, wireless, and virtual voice communication on a standards-based AES67/SMPTE ST 2110 backbone -- all without the limitations of traditional matrix hardware frames.

Designed to meet the evolving needs of broadcast, live event, sports, corporate AV, and production professionals, the product unites Pliant's CrewCom wireless intercom technology with a new ecosystem of wired panels, desktop panels, wired beltpacks, and browser- or app-based virtual intercom panels that can be deployed in cloud-native or local infrastructures.

"After receiving an overwhelmingly positive response since introducing CrewCom Flex, we're excited to begin shipping the product line to customers throughout the United States," says Gary Rosen, vice president of global sales. "CrewCom Flex was designed from the ground up to address the changing realities of modern production communications. By eliminating the traditional matrix frame, we're providing customers with greater flexibility, lower total cost of ownership, simplified system management, and nearly limitless scalability."

The CrewCom Flex Main Panel [CKP-16] and Desktop Panel [CDP-16] are designed to combine traditional hardware with frameless distributed IP communications. The CrewCom Flex four-channel [CBP-24] beltpack, designed for flexible production workflows, features an integrated microphone and speaker, allowing users to communicate without a headset.

Expansion panels can be added to create customizable user stations, while each panel and desktop panel functions as its own intelligent distributed matrix. Unlike traditional matrix-based intercom systems that rely on centralized hardware frames, CrewCom Flex utilizes a distributed processing architecture, eliminating single points of failure while enabling what the company describes as almost limitless scalability. The product is standards-based with AES67 and SMPTE ST 2110 support for seamless AoIP and VoIP integration and includes ST 2022-7 compliance for maximum reliability in mission-critical applications.

The Flex product line also includes CrewCom Flex Virtual Intercom, an integrated browser-based VoIP communications solution available in four-, eight-, 16-, and 36-key virtual user configurations. Flex Virtual Intercom can operate as a stand-alone communications system or integrate seamlessly into larger CrewCom Flex deployments. Accessible from PCs, Macs, tablets, and mobile devices, it provides unprecedented deployment flexibility for remote and distributed production teams.

CrewCom Flex additionally integrates directly with existing CrewCom wireless intercom systems through CrewCom's 32x32 Dante/AES-67 Digital Audio Network Interface [CXD-32CF], which provides routing and expansion capabilities into and out of a CrewNet infrastructure using EtherCon copper and dual LC fiber connectivity.

System configuration and management are handled through the updated CrewWare 2.0 software product line, featuring intuitive drag-and-drop tools that simplify deployment, control, and management of all resources within a single unified ecosystem.