Calrec Expands Remote Support Capabilities

Calrec has expanded its global remote commissioning, training and product demonstration capabilities to support the increase of remote working in the media and entertainment space. 

“We have commissioned multiple installations remotely in addition to product demos and training,” said John Herman, a U.S.-based Service and Support engineer. “Calrec already had these remote workflows built into its equipment, but we very quickly recognized an increased need for these services as soon as the severity and reach of the pandemic became clear.”

The company offers remote commissioning, training and demos across both its headless and physical products. For the headless range, the browser-based Assist application provides control and setup for Type R for Radio and Type R for TV, as well as Calrec’s VP2 headless console and RP1 remote production core. 

Calrec notes that Assist is easy to set up. With a web browser and the IP address, users can access their equipment via a virtual console environment. 

Physical consoles like the Apollo and Artemis also use Calrec Assist as a remote tool. Type R hardware can access Calrec’s Configure and Connect Stream Manager apps for comprehensive remote commissioning and training.

“When we first started offering remote commissioning, it was a case of helping get our customers to get on air with their new product as fast as possible,” added Herman. “We had to be flexible and quick to keep the process moving, and we’ve continued to adapt and refine workflows across remote demonstrations, commissioning and training. Now we have proven the concept, we feel it will be part of the process for many customers in the future.”