Giantstep selects Genie intercom system from LaON

A Genie LaON intercom system has been chosen by Giantstep, a creative media production company based in Gangnam, Seoul, for its VR studio.

Giantstep, which produces feature films, commercials, music videos and television programmes, has carried out recent business expansion including state-of-the-art technology upgrades, and has set up a new VR studio. The company required a communications solution for directors at fixed locations as well as wireless communications for FD, camera, audio and lighting crew. Genie was chosen as it offers both key panel and wireless beltpack communications with a single base station, providing an efficient, scalable system without the need for a higher cost matrix system or a separate wireless intercom system that needs to be externally connected.

Kyma Systems was in charge of the design, installation and implementation for all AV equipment of the studio, including Genie. The main Genie devices include a BS1000 base station, RA100 remote antennas for main studios, an RBS85 repeater for an isolated control room, three GRP8 key panels and 20 BP850 wireless beltpacks, with various headset and ear set models.

As the studio is smaller than some traditional venues needing comms systems, such as arenas and stadiums, the end point devices needed to be well positioned and tuned in to the appropriate audio level within the limited space. This is where Genie’s PoE scalable IP-based system came into its own while using multiple communication paths. Giantstep commented after the installation that the audio clarity is excellent and that they are happy with the large amount of beltpack connection channels.

Early this year, Giantstep used real time AR content for a livestreamed show, working with SM Entertainment’s K-pop stars for the Beyond Live concert during the global pandemic. This was the first time that AR technology was applied to a real time, online concert in Korea that could be joined from mobile devices, and it was livestreamed to 109 countries around the world through Naver V Live. During productions such as these, Genie will give all production crew members the confidence of reliable communications at each position.