We are looking for an intercom solution using VoIP in our H.S's theater. We currently have a ETCnet TCP/IP network that controls the theater's lighting system. It's your typical physical star network consisting of a fast ethernet switch located backstage connecting RJ-45 outlets in our lighting control booth, catwalks and other backstage areas. In typical ETCnet fashion, the lighting board uses the network to communicate with the dimmer modules to operate the lighting fixtures throughout the theater. Very basic stuff....
We need some sort of voice communication between backstage, the booth and the catwalks. Sure, we could go with an expensive wireless setup consisting of transmitters and beltpacks, or we could save some money and install a wired system specifically for intercom purposes, but it seems to me that the technology should exist where we can plug a device into the existing TCP network and have seamless voice communications.
Is there a solution that would utilize VoIP through an existing network allowing technicians to communicate through headsets that connect to the theater's TCP/IP network?
I envision the product one of two ways:
1. An interface that plugs into the network through a switch or a hub, is configured with a network address, and then a headset can plug into this device and communicate with other headsets that are connected to other interfaces on the net.
2. A self-contained intelligent headset that connects directly to the network via RJ-45 and is itself a network node, complete with an IP address that talks to other intelligent headsets on the same network.
Such a system would not only be great for a theater, but any place where users have TCP/IP networks and require collaboration and voice communication. Have you seen/heard of anything?
We need some sort of voice communication between backstage, the booth and the catwalks. Sure, we could go with an expensive wireless setup consisting of transmitters and beltpacks, or we could save some money and install a wired system specifically for intercom purposes, but it seems to me that the technology should exist where we can plug a device into the existing TCP network and have seamless voice communications.
Is there a solution that would utilize VoIP through an existing network allowing technicians to communicate through headsets that connect to the theater's TCP/IP network?
I envision the product one of two ways:
1. An interface that plugs into the network through a switch or a hub, is configured with a network address, and then a headset can plug into this device and communicate with other headsets that are connected to other interfaces on the net.
2. A self-contained intelligent headset that connects directly to the network via RJ-45 and is itself a network node, complete with an IP address that talks to other intelligent headsets on the same network.
Such a system would not only be great for a theater, but any place where users have TCP/IP networks and require collaboration and voice communication. Have you seen/heard of anything?