Broadcast - Live Speech (Zenitel Connect)

This article describes the operation and behavior of the Live Speech Broadcast mode. Configuration is covered in Features > Broadcast.

Live Speech is used when an operator needs to make a real-time announcement to multiple devices simultaneously. Typical applications include public-address announcements, operational instructions, emergency notifications, and other situations where information must be delivered immediately to a group of recipients.

When a Live Speech Broadcast is initiated, Zenitel Connect establishes a one-way audio connection from the originating device to all members of the Broadcast group. Depending on the configuration, the operator can either make a hands-free announcement or use Push-To-Talk (PTT) to control when audio is transmitted.

Operation

Require PTT Enabled

When Require PTT is enabled (default), the operator controls when audio is transmitted.

Throughout this article, PTT (Push-To-Talk) refers to the control used to activate the microphone. Depending on the device type, this may be:

A dedicated PTT button on supported devices.
An M-key on native Zenitel intercom stations.
The * and # keys on ITSV video phones and Generic SIP phones.

To make an announcement:

Dial the Broadcast directory number.
An attention chime is played on all Broadcast member devices.
When the Broadcast has been established, the system waits for the operator to activate PTT.
Audio is transmitted while PTT is active.
Releasing PTT temporarily stops audio transmission while keeping the Broadcast session active.
End the Broadcast by pressing the C-key, replacing the handset, or allowing the PTT timeout to expire.

PTT Timeout

The PTT Timeout parameter applies only when Require PTT is enabled.

After PTT is released, the Broadcast remains active for the duration specified by the timeout. This allows the operator to pause briefly and then continue the announcement without having to initiate a new Broadcast session.

If PTT is not activated again before the timeout expires, the Broadcast is automatically terminated.

A longer timeout provides greater flexibility during announcements, while a shorter timeout causes inactive Broadcast sessions to terminate more quickly.

The PTT Timeout setting is here: Global Parameters.

Require PTT Disabled

When Require PTT is disabled, the Broadcast operates in hands-free mode.

To make an announcement from an intercom device:

Dial the Broadcast directory number.
An attention chime is played on all Broadcast member devices.
When the chime has finished, the microphone on the originating device is automatically opened.
The operator can immediately begin speaking.
End the Broadcast by pressing the C-key or replacing the handset.

Acoustic Feedback handling

Acoustic feedback may occur when the broadcasting device is located close to one or more receiving devices. Audio reproduced by the receiving device can be picked up by the microphone of the broadcasting device, creating a feedback loop that may result in echo, howling, or oscillation.

Zenitel Connect provides several methods to mitigate acoustic feedback, including:

Record Dispatch
Neighbour Broadcast Mute
Local Mute

For a detailed discussion of acoustic feedback and the available mitigation techniques, see Acoustic Feedback Handling.

Configuration

The Live Speech feature is configured from the Features > Broadcast page in the Zenitel Connect web interface.

Busy Handling

If the Broadcast cannot be established because one or more member devices are occupied by calls with the same or higher priority, the Broadcast is queued.

The Broadcast remains queued until either:

The conflicting call ends and the Broadcast can be established.
The Answer Timeout expires, causing the Broadcast request to be discarded.

The queue timeout is controlled by the Answer Timeout setting under Devices and Connections > Global Parameters.