WOODBURY, MINN., June 15, 2009 — Clear communication that facilitates active student and teacher collaboration is an integral part of the 21st Century learning experience. To cost-effectively meet this need in K-12 classrooms, Calypso Systems has developed the WCM-RF Audio System. A third-generation classroom sound field reinforcement system, the WCM-RF Audio System combines digital quality radio frequency (RF) sound with Infra-Red (IR) data control to produce a versatile new multi-channel classroom audio system that provides schools with crystal-clear sound.

“Research has shown that sound field reinforcement improves performance of all students,â€? said David H. Parish, Ph.D., president of Calypso Systems. “Wireless microphone systems that seamlessly integrate within the modern classroom – not simply acting as standalone products in a conventional classroom – are becoming increasingly important as instructional technology proliferates and class sizes grow. Calypso’s new audio system provides an affordable and flexible system for delivering high-quality audio in the classroomâ€?

Uniquely suited for today’s modern open classroom designs, the multi-channel system facilitates collaboration and communication by supporting the operation of multiple teacher and student microphones in the same room. Thanks to the IR data control, teachers can easily control the security and transmissions to and from the microphones. In addition to increased mobility, the system includes an auto-mute sensor that activates when a teacher leaves the classroom for private hallway discussions.
“Inclusion and participation are the foundations of 21st Century classrooms,� said Parish. “Calypso’s classroom audio system helps school districts achieve both elements by making it affordable to add a PLD for students that need extra amplification.�

For students that need individual listening assistance, the WCM-RF Audio System offers the capability of a Personal Listening Device (PLD) that receives a direct signal from the WCM base station. A separate transmitter would no longer be required to add a PLD to a classroom. Instead, any classroom with a WCM base station could accommodate a PLD, with automatic connection as a student moves between classrooms.

Additional benefits of the patent-pending technology include localized sound without cross talk interference, elimination of out of line-of-sight concerns, consistent sound with auto channel selection, seamless integration with other classroom technology, and expandability through signal extenders for large classrooms.

An affordable, integrated solution, the WCM-RF is designed specifically to address the audio needs of K-12 classrooms and easily integrates with existing Calypso Systems solutions.

The WCM-RF package has an MSRP of $999 with K-12 pricing available. For more information about the WCM-RF or other Calypso Systems solutions, please visit http://www.calypsosystems.com or call (888) 381-9646.

About Calypso Systems
Calypso Systems, headquartered in Woodbury, MN, is a manufacturer of a full range of open architecture control, user interface, audio, microphone and connectivity products designed to create integrated classroom solutions for teachers, students and administrators. Calypso products are sold exclusively through commercial audio-video electronics dealers throughout North America and around the world.

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