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70 Handbook of Intercom Systems Engineering
Figure 5.4
A Comparison of Relative System Sizes
These are the numbers of ports that are available in a single RTS™ intercom matrix from
Telex. Other manufacturers offer systems in sizes from eight to approximately 500 ports.
As you can see, size is not a limitation in most cases. At the time of this writing, the largest
known single matrix intercom system in service is a RTS™ ADAM™ system which
consists of 784 ports at both ESPN and NBC.
Size and capability are not the limiting factor in most cases. Many factors may guide the
design in favor of smaller individual systems. If the system is needed for four separate
studios in a facility, which never or very rarely work together, then it may make more
sense to use four separate systems. Some very good reasons for doing this might include:
• Cost: Four 128-port systems cost less than one 512-port system.
• Reliability: A fire in one rack room will not destroy the entire system.
• Manageability: Four different control studios have four different crews affecting the
setup of their operation.
• Shorter cable runs: The matrix for a given group of panels can be physically closer to
those panels.
• Ease of Expansion: It is easier to expand a single matrix if the needs for one area grow.