In-House Co-Op Gaming Communications?

Hi folks, I am looking to set up multiple HTPC's for co-op gaming sessions. The only question I have is in reference to how best to communicate - you see, the systems have to be set up in different rooms due to space considerations.

I know I could set up a Ventrillo, Teamspeak or Voice Chatter server, but then I have to have everyone start the app and log on each time, which seems silly seeing as we are within a few feet of each other.

Shouting would be unacceptable...... but works, at least until hoarse. *laughs*

So, I've been looking around on the Internet for ideas. It does seem surprising to me that there are not more wireless headset-to-headset communications systems out there, seeing as it's the 21st century, and one sees this type of thing in the movies all the time.

Also, it would be ideal if no one else can listen to our chatter, just for privacy reasons.

The best idea I can come up with is three TriSquare eXRS 900Mhz two-way radios with headsets plugged into them. Anyone have any experience with something like that?

Or, something better/more convenient?

Something targeted at the workplace perhaps....

How about even if I ran separate cabling for a com system of some sort? Maybe using the line in jacks?

Thanks for any ideas.

Maybe all of the ideas I posted are 'silly' considering the proximity of the people... that's why I'm asking for ideas. Surely there is a simple, easy-to-use solution and I just haven't found it yet.

The Skype or TeamSpeak (maybe lower latency than Skype due to not having to travel to some far-off server?) options are probably the way to go since we don't seem to be coming up with Jack Bauer-like solutions here.

I think TS might be better than Vent due to having all of the different cross-platform options for both client and server. I'll have to pick up some more headsets. Any suggestions for some decent headsets for voice clarity are welcome. I think the one-ear type would be best as one can still hear sounds in the 'real world' that way. And, for voice, mono is fine after all.

The baby monitor idea is interesting too. Not 'cool,' but, fortunately I don't care about being cool. I'll check into it, thanks for the suggestion.