Sennheiser Presents WiCOS - A Wireless Conference System That Avoids Sources of Interference

July 01, 2009

At Integrated Systems Europe, audio specialist Sennheiser is presenting “WiCOS”, a wireless conference system that automatically avoids interference. The system’s automatic dynamic frequency management uses two frequency ranges – 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz – for wireless transmission and automatically switches the range if it detects interference on its wireless frequencies. This means that WiCOS can be operated much more reliably than conventional wireless conference systems.

“A conference system has to operate with absolute reliability,” explained Jens Werner, Product Manager for Conference and Information Systems at Sennheiser. “For that reason, in addition to the usual 2.4 GHz range, which is often subject to interference from Bluetooth transmitters and WLANs, WiCOS uses the range from 5.1 to 5.8 GHz for its transmission. If the system detects another transmitter, it automatically – and inaudibly – switches frequency.”

WiCOS can operate continuously for at least 20 hours and can integrate up to 16 (!) translation channels, making it an attractive solution for the conference market. The system can also be used without a PC and its removable microphones ensure easy transportation and flexible installation. Particularly secure 128-bit encryption, which can be programmed by the user, provides security against tapping.

“The audio quality of the conference system is outstanding,” Jens Werner added. “Conventional systems often suffer from relatively poor speech intelligibility when only a few delegate units are being used, with the result that people eventually give up and revert to using a general public address system. In the WiCOS system on the other hand, the loudspeakers of the delegate units provide absolutely clear sound even when only a few units are being used.”

The WiCOS system includes an Access Point, which controls the communication between the delegate units and the chairman’s unit (see system overview for equipment options).

In wireless conference applications, the battery-powered conference units are wirelessly connected with the Access Point. The volume can be adjusted at the chairman’s unit – and the system is immediately ready for use. For even more convenient system operation, the Access Point has an integrated web server that allows the conference manager to configure and supervise the system conveniently using a browser.

For interpreting applications – or to integrate existing equipment – WiCOS can easily be combined with Sennheiser’s wired SDC 8200 conference and interpretation system.

Jens Werner: “WiCOS provides rental companies and conference centres with a highly reliable, easy to operate and flexible conference system that offers the full benefits of Sennheiser’s comprehensive expertise in RF wireless technology.”

Sennheiser has the technology and TMP Pro has the know-how to design and implement you conference system needs. Contact your TMP Pro rep and take advantage of our expertise!