SAN DIEGO, CA, OCTOBER 29, 2008 – Coordinating behind-the-scene activities for high-profile events like the U.S. Presidential Debates requires secure, crystal-clear intercom communications, allowing producers to speak via a secure wireless intercom and be heard by only that person and relevant staff. The communication has to be interference-free.

As Owner of Best Audio and Director of Audio & Production Communications for the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), Larry Estrin has been outfitting presidential events with communication equipment since 1988. According to Estrin, “HME DX200 Wireless Intercom systems were used at the presidential debates four years ago, and producer Martin Slutsky requested the same for 2008.� Communications with the DX200 system are digitally encrypted and are virtually immune from interference in a crowded RF environment.

Estrin explained, “For major events, such as the conventions, inauguration, presidential debates, and other major news events, each of the primary broadcast networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, and FOX) selects a member to act as the single point of video and audio distribution to form a ‘network pool’. This year, CBS was the pool for the first and second presidential debates, NBC for the third and CNN was the pool for the vice presidential debate. The networks shared the cost equally for each event. They also made available the audio and video feeds to non-member broadcasters, such as the BBC, NHK, EBU and local non affiliated stations.�

HME’s digital beltpacs were used by the pool producer/director at each of the presidential and vice-presidential debate venues to communicate with the pool technical director who was switching the video feed from the cameras in the debate hall.

“These demanding applications require innovative digital technology with a lot of flexibility,� commented Estrin. Four HME DX200 base stations, using 24 beltpacs, were interfaced into a hardwired, four-wire matrix system. Estrin said “The DX systems had a combination of mixed uses for overall and CPD Production, Audio, Pool Tech and Stage Management.�

Drawings depicting how the intercom was configured are posted at http://www.bestaudio.com/.

Digital photos available for download at http://www.hme.com/Marketing/HME_PR_Pictures.zip

About Best Audio
Founded in 1980, Best Audio has a worldwide reputation for providing high profile special events with production technical management services. The company enjoys an excellent reputation for its practical solutions for special event logistics management, temporary IT systems, broadcast audio, sound reinforcement, and production communication systems.

For more information about Best Audio please log on http://www.bestaudio.com/.

About HME
Founded in 1971, HM Electronics, Inc. (HME) is a leading provider of customer-focused solutions to enhance the performance and productivity of businesses worldwide. Our groundbreaking products, passion for excellence, and commitment to service have earned us the distinction of being the leader in wireless technologies for the professional audio and communications marketplaces. HME is a privately held company headquartered in Poway, CA, with products in use in over in 87 countries.

For more information about HME call toll-free (800) 848-4468 or log on to www.hme.com.

Contact:
Connie Clark
Marketing Communications
Phone: (858) 535-6173
Fax: (858) 535-6140
E-mail: cclark@hme.com