RF Venue has announced the launch of 4 ZONE-Network, a new version of the company’s 4 ZONE active antenna combiner that introduces full network control, eliminating the need for front-panel operation and allowing users to manage multi-zone wireless microphone coverage remotely using a standard web browser.
The built-in browser-based interface is designed to speed up and simplify adjustments both before and during live events. The 4 ZONE-Network’s remote control capabilities include zone management, allowing users to toggle antennas on or off across up to four independent zones.
Additionally, RF performance optimisation by way of remote attenuation adjustment and remote toggling of 12-volt DC power to active antennas and inline amplifiers is available on a per-channel basis. Workflow efficiency is enhanced by the ability to store and recall presets for repeatable setups and faster changeovers.
“For many venues, wireless coverage isn’t as simple as managing a single stage area,” says Chris Regan, chief innovation officer at RF Venue. “Our original 4 ZONE introduced the market to simple, plug-and-play Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS). Now with the new 4 ZONE-Network, we’ve added the number one requested feature – the ability for users to monitor system status and make adjustments from wherever they are, even mid-event.”
“The device showed up on our network immediately via DHCP and was discoverable by host name,” states early evaluator Tim Adams of Commlink Integration. “The Web UI loaded quickly in the browser with no plugins or special software required – just navigate to the IP and you’re in. Very straightforward.
“The interface is clean and intuitive. The collapsible Settings panel keeps device info accessible without cluttering the main view. Zone controls are logically organised in a grid that mirrors the physical layout. Finding what I needed was never more than a click or two away. It’s a proper web application, not the clunky embedded interfaces we often see on AV gear. The real-time updates are smooth. The preset save/recall system is well implemented with a clean modal dialogue.
“Overall, this is one of the better web interfaces I’ve seen on RF distribution gear,” Adams concludes. “The network functionality justifies the premium over the standard 4 ZONE for any installation where remote access or preset recall matters.”
The 4 ZONE-Network builds on the architecture of the original 4 ZONE multi-zone antenna combiner (which remains available). As with all of the company’s other wireless offerings, this single-rack-space unit is brand-agnostic, working with any wireless microphone system. It’s also compatible with RF Venue’s full antenna lineup and the OPTIX2-S3 RF over Fibre product, which allows remote antennas to be extended up to 5 kilometres without signal loss.
www.rfvenue.com
Australian Distributor: Jands www.jands.com.au
