Equipping my new studio sometimes gets frustrating. I want to make the right decision. Facts aren’t always available.
The best example is a wireless IFB system. IFB stands for “Interrupt Feedback” or “Interrupt Foldback.” It’s that earpiece TV people wear.
Your earpiece plays what’s on TV. The producer, director and a few others have the ability to break the flow and speak to you. It can be very helpful. It can be very confusing. I’ve heard both.
IFB systems are expensive. I didn’t like that idea. They’re also bulky. Clipped to your pants waistband an IFB receiver adds extra girth when wearing a suit.
I think I’ve found a solution. It’s a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver. Though both are made by the same manufacturer and look the same, they’re not normally marketed as a pair. They are reasonably cheap.
I might be able to create a wireless IFB for under $60. That’s hundreds, possibly thousands, of dollars saved!
Even better the unit is tiny. The receiver at the top of this entry is 2.5″ long, 1″ wide and around .25″ thick. Other than coins there’s nothing in your pocket smaller.
It won’t work in a studio with more than one person. Bluetooth adds a slight but noticeable delay. A ‘live’ person would echo.
In my situation an extra 1/30 or 1/15 second wait to hear the ‘distant’ anchor is inconsequential.
This solution seems too good to be true. It very well might be, but a quick test tonight worked. Call me hopeful.
