Announcement tannoy system

[Frankie boy]

We have a good setup for our VoIP system with 40+ phones on it and was wondering if anyone has used there VoIP system to make Announcements?

We have offices on 3 floors and are looking at a tannoy system to help locate members of staff when someone is away from there desk.

Anyone had such a thing

[Farmer Jo]

I'm guessing you mean instead of a normal Tannoy system that is controlled usually from one place, you want to use phones (anywhere) to call.

That way the system can be accessed from any VoIP phone.

[Nick]

Yes it is possible!

There are a few options here depending on area covered, number of PA speakers and cost.

If it's just another office that you wish to make an announcement then a good loud speaker on VoIP phone set to auto answer will work fine.

If you want it louder say to a large busy office or factory then you would need a PC setup (either in the area the announcement is needed or using network speaker plumbed into the system) with an account setup on it using X-Lite from CounterPath and again set it to auto answer.

Then have a good set of speakers plugged into it and anyone wishing to make an announcement can call the soft phones extension which will be heard through the speakers.

This can be done from any VoIP phone on the system (or anywhere in the world if you'd like )

Hope that helps!

[Gav]

Now that sounds a good idea!

[tristanj]

I have to agree that the idea is good. I hope that wouldn't cost a lot for 3 floors.

[Nick]

Costs would depend on if you used an existing PC, and then it would be just a speaker system and cables.

I have tested this setup and works a treat

You just have to remember to wait a few seconds before speaking and allow the system to Auto answer your call!

[fov]

Cisco CME can do a PA system through all phones. And if your a techie with a sense of humor you can add a DDi to the PA extension and ring it ang make anouncements