Audio Program (ICX-AlphaCom)

Audio Program distribution, using the TKIE kit as analog interface

The ICX-AlphaCom system supports distribution of Audio Programs. This feature is typically used for background music. Up to 70 Audio Program channels are supported.

Audio source can be:

• Use the TKIE-2 kit as interface between the analog audio source and the ICX-AlphaCom server. (See image to the right). The analog audio source is typically a radio, CD-player, alarm device or other sound input.
• Stream audio from a PC (e.g. a local audio file or stream from internet) directly to the ICX-AlphaCom server. One can use the application ffmpeg on the PC to generate the stream.

For Audio Program distribution in the AlphaCom XE system, see here.

Audio Program configuration

Using analog source and TKIE kit

Audio program distribution in the ICX-AlphaCom is supported via the Line In input of the TKIE-2 kit.

First configure the TKIE kit to register to the ICX-AlphaCom.

In AlphaPro Users & Stations, select the TKIE and set the Class of Service = SuperUser, and disable Noise Reduction:

For the TKIE set the Class of Service = SuperUser, and disable Noise Reduction

In AlphaPro Users & Stations, select the TKIE and select the button "Events". Insert an event 13, when change to OFF with action: $DD L%1.dir L6801. This event is triggered when the TKIE comes up after a reset of TKIE or a reset of the server.

Event Handler: TKIE-2 dials 6801 after startup

In AlphaPro Directory & Features, scroll to the bottom of the directory list and check if directory number 6801 with feature number 118 already exists.

If not, press Insert and create a new directory number with feature 118 - Program Source. Set ID = 1 (this specifies the program channel 1).

The example below shows how to add directory number 6801 with feature number 118.

A device dialing 6801 will become the source for Audio Program 1 (ID = Program channel)

If multiple Audio Program channels are to be added, one must add 6802 - feature 118 and ID = 2, 6803 - feature 118 and ID = 3, etc.

Log in to the web interface of the TKIE. Verify that audio from line in is enabled, and that AGC is disabled:

Line In enabled and AGC off

Finally, one have to reboot either the TKIE kit or the ICX-AlphaCom for all settings to take effect.

Now you should be able to listen to Audio Program channel 1 by dialing 801 on an intercom station.

For remote setup and other Audio Program related functions, see Audio Program features.

Streaming audio from a PC

The PC will stream audio to an IP Dummy station, which will be set as the "Source" for the Audio Program.

The IP Dummy Station requires an IP Station License

Create the IP Dummy Station:

In AlphaPro Users & Stations, "General" tab, select a free user and configure as described below (Directory Number and Display Text are just examples):

Set the Class of Service = SuperUser

In AlphaPro Users & Stations, "Station Type" tab, enable the "IP Dummy Station" flag:

Set the "IP Dummy Station" flag

In AlphaPro Users & Stations select the IP Dummy and select the button "Events". Insert an event 13, when change to OFF. This event is triggered when the ICX-AlphaCom starts up.

Event Handler: IP Dummy dials 6801 after startup

Action:

$VAC L%1.dir U8 '10.9.14.80' W4002 W4004
$DD L%1.dir L6801

The first line will define UDP port 4004 as the receiving port for the Audio Stream. (Port 4002 is defined as the sending port, but is not used in this case).

The second line tells the IP Dummy to dial 6801, and by that become the source for Audio Program 1.

UDP ports 4002 and 4004 must be added and applied to the ICX-AlphaCom firewall; Filters

In AlphaPro Directory & Features, scroll to the bottom of the directory list and check if directory number 6801 with feature number 118 already exists.

If not, press Insert and create a new directory number with feature 118 - Program Source. Set ID = 1 (this specifies the program channel 1).

The example below shows how to add directory number 6801 with feature number 118.

A device dialing 6801 will become the source for Audio Program 1 (ID = Program channel)

If multiple Audio Program channels are to be added, one have to use multiple IP Dummy Stations, and create 6802 - feature 118 and ID = 2, 6803 - feature 118 and ID = 3, etc.

Finally, one have to reboot the ICX-AlphaCom for all settings to take effect.

Now you should be able to listen to Audio Program channel 1 by dialing 801 on an intercom station.

For remote setup and other Audio Program related functions, see Audio Program features.

For HD audio, please see: HD audio for background music distribution

Audio Program features

Audio Program selection

To listen to an audio program, dial the program number (default 801 - 806). The audio program is switched off by pressing the C-key or by dialing 800.

When lifting the handset the dialing tone is normally heard, replacing any program. To listen to the program with the handset off, simply hold the M-key down while lifting the receiver, and the dialing tone is not turned on.

Active audio programs are automatically restored after server reset.

Audio Program Step

You can step through a list of available programs by dialing 790 on your station. Program off (800) is always included in the list. There are two alternative program step sequences.

The sequences after autoload

• The number of programs in each sequence is programmable from AlphaPro, Audio Programs > General Settings. This sequence setting is valid for the entire system.
• Each station can choose between sequence 1 or 2. By default all stations are assigned to sequence 1, this can be changed in Users & Stations → User Preferences.

Program step codes:

• 790 - step up
• 791 - step down
• 792 - Toggle between current program and off

Audio Program Priority

• During conversation the audio program is by default temporarily disconnected. This can be changed per audio program by the flag "Program over Conversation" in the Audio Program menu in AlphaPro. When the flag is set, the audio from the audio program will be mixed with the audio from the conversation.

• During group calls the audio program and the group call audio is by default mixed. This can be controlled from AlphaPro by the flag "Mute Program During Group Call" in Exchange & System → System → Calls and Options. When the flag is set the audio program is temporarily disconnected during the group call. This is a global flag which applies to the whole system.

• Each audio program channel has a "Volume/Handset override" flag, located in the Audio Program menu in AlphaPro. When set the Volume & handset override feature is activated for display stations if the program is activated by remote set-up to Group. This can be used when distributing alarm messages via the audio program channel.

Remote set-up of Audio Program

Audio Program can remotely be turned on from a station:

• Audio program to another station: 74 + subscriber number + program number. E.g. 74 + 101 + 805
• Audio program to a group (SuperUser only): 75 + group number + program number. E.g. 75 + 86 + 805

Use code 800 to turn the audio program off.

Audio Program can also be set up from RCI or Event Handler using the following commands:

• PRS - Program to Station
• PRG - Program to Group
• $PROG - Program to station or group

Other audio program related commands and macros:

• $TPROG - Temporarily turn ON/OFF program distribution to a station
• %prog - Read active program

Events related to Audio Program

The event 01 - Audio, subevent 32 is triggered when the audio program is on.

Example: Activating RCO1 to control an amplifier when physical number 4 listens to an Audio Program