[acheslow]

Hi, I would like to implement a multi-source, multi-zone audio system that can also function as a baby monitor. The problem is that I need to be able to listen to the kids at the same time as another source - i.e. while we're listening to music or watching TV. I would like to use a single set of in-wall or in-ceiling speakers in each room to monitor both the main A/V component sources and/or the kids. Thus, the usual practice of feeding the baby monitor to a single source of the distribution system wouldn't work for me since I need it to mix it in with the other sources. Ideally I would also like to have serial control over the distribution system so that my controller/keypads (JDS Stargate) can have accurate feedback on source, volume, mute, etc for each zone. And, ideally I would be able to individually select the baby monitor in each zone.


I had considered using a Xantech ZPR68-10 with a 6-zone expander so that zones 1-6 would select 7 of the main A/V components and zones 7-12 could select the baby monitor. Then I could mix zone1+zone7=room1, zone2+zone8=room2, etc. However, the cost of the ZPR, the zone expanders, and the six mixers is a lot to just add a baby monitor. I had also considered a Kustom 6640 which I think I could use to set the paging input to mix with the main source inputs, however then I would lose 2 sources, serial control, and independent zone selection of the baby monitor. Plus, I'm not sure how well the 6640 works with 3rd party IR instead of their keypads.


Has anyone found another good solution to this problem?


Thanks!

Alan

 

[Brett H.]

I do exactly what you are looking for all the time with AMX Landmark. All the keypads need to be a homerun of cat-5. The keypads have a mic built into them. I custom program the keypads with a "ROOM MONITOR" button and then the user selects the room they want to listen to. Then I just set the current room volume to a certain level and switch to the keypad mic input. Works great, my clients love it.


The system cost will easily be more expensive then the systems you are looking at now.


I hope this helps.

 

[acheslow]

Brett, thanks. So does AMX have a distribution preamp to mix the mic inputs with a main source? Or do you just switch from one to the other? I'm really looking for a way to listen to both sources at the same time.


Thanks,

Alan

 

[Tony Golden]

Mixing the mic inputs with another source might become complicated, and expensive. A simpler solution would be to use an "A-B" switch on one channel, to select either the normal source, or the microphone. For example, when the mic is selected, you'd hear the A/V source in the left speaker, and the baby monitor in the right.


However, a better choice, IMHO, would be to use a phone system for this function. Most of the better KSU's (like Panasonic) have a Room Monitor feature, with which you can connect to any room, from any other room, and listen-in. A phone system would offer several other benefits, as well...

 

[robertmee]

I have to second Tony's suggestion...


I have the Kustom 6640, but I don't use it for what you suggest...I can't imagine the benefit of overlaying Television sound or Music with the audio content of a child's room. It would be distracting, and to discern the activity of one from the other would be difficult at best, IMHO.


I have the AT&T 854/954/874 set of KSU-less phones that plug into your standard wall outlet. They overlay intercom, paging, and room monitoring over your regular TELCO Line 1 connection. It's much cheaper than going with a KSU system such as the KX-TA624 or KX-TD608/816, and you simply plug these phones into existing outlets (although I had wired for a KSU system with homerun wiring). Coupled with the AT&T 843a Caller ID server (which also just plugs into a jack) and a 2 line Digital multiline answering machine, I've created a system comparable to the KSU's for a fraction of the cost.


These phones are discontinued, but can be found in abundance online for about $50 to $60 bucks a pop. If you want, you can move up to the 964's which are the newer breed.

 

[acheslow]

At first I thought this was a great idea but now that I think about it I'm not sure it would work. What are we supposed to do when we're on the phone? Use a second phone so we can still here the monitor?


Sounds like I may be best off with a low-tech approach and just buy a regular wireless baby monitor for each room.


Thanks,

Alan