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Chapter 1 - Intercoms—An Overview 5
Figure 1.5
Complex Matrix Intercom System
In many cases, connection to “the telephone company” is required to allow a reporter to
connect into an intercom from his or her cell phone, or to allow a return program feed to be
fed to a remote location. A telephone interface (TIF) unit provides this connectivity.
The most basic accessory in an Intercom system may be the headset. It may provide
isolation from ambient noise; it may have a noise-canceling microphone to reduce wind
noise, and may have stereo ear pieces to allow program audio and intercom audio to be fed
independently to the right and left ears.
Each of these accessories is vital to creating an intercom system that meets the
communications needs of the users.
Before We Begin
Throughout this book, you will be subjected to the jargon that permeates the intercom
world. In the chapters that follow, you will be presented with definitions specific to the
topic being covered. In many cases, there are common terms that will be applicable to all
these chapters, and so we will present a few definitions to get us started. We have also
provided a comprehensive glossary in the rear of the book.
IFB
Interrupted Fold Back – also referred to as IRF – Interrupted Return Feed. The best way to
explain this is to give an example. A news reporter is on the scene of live accident
coverage. She needs to not only hear what the anchor back at the studio is saying i.e., “So,
Jane, how many chickens were injured when they tried to cross the road during rush
hour?” She also needs to hear instructions from the director back in the studio i.e., “Wrap
it up, 10 seconds.” The IFB function in an intercom system allows a single audio signal to
be sent to Jane, normally containing program audio interrupted by instructions or
information from someone not a part of the program audio.
MATRIX
Third Party
Terminal
Equipment
LAN /WAN
Email
System
News
Computers
Third Party
Terminal
Equipment
Keypanel
Audio IN,
Audio OUT,
Data
Third Party
Terminal
Equipment
Keypanel
Analog
Audio
Audio IN,
Audio OUT,
Data
AUD1ISO2ISO1CHYR
CLEAR
CALL
DISPLAY
E-PANL
COPY
RELAY
PHONE
AUTO
ISOSUST IFB
PLNUM
FUNC
MULT
3
6
9
PGM
2
5
8
0
1
4
7
CLR
LISTEN
FLORTEL2TEL1T1NEWSADTDIFB4PL01RAPRODDIR
AUD1ISO2ISO1CHYR
CLEAR
CALL
DISPLAY
E-PANL
COPY
RELAY
PHONE
AUTO
ISOSUST IFB
PLNUM
FUNC
MULT
3
6
9
PGM
2
5
8
0
1
4
7
CLR
LISTEN
FLORTEL2TEL1T1NEWSADTDIFB4PL01RAPRODDIR