AudioShare: All-Digital Intercom Systems

Intercoms stink. Music distribution systems stink.

That's the motto of AudioShare, which claims to be building a better system. For starters, the AudioShare product is all digital (PCM, not IP), which enables better sound quality and greater flexibility than standard analog solutions, says founder Steve Lindsey.

It's also "networkable," meaning a local source connected to any of the intercom stations can be accessed by any intercom on the network.

Any intercom also can control the volume of remote stations, thanks to "exclusive computer-controlled volume controls," as AudioShare calls it.



The intelligent controls allow users to set default volume levels on each station for each type of audio. For example, music can be set to turn on at a low volume, even if the kids were jamming to some loud tunes previously. Likewise, if the last one to listen to music had the volume way down, a page can still come through loud and clear.

Lindsey says the audio quality through the intercom is superb, but users may wish to add one of the company's in-wall amplifiers to connect to their own speakers.

An LCD on the intercom station provides a wealth of feedback, including information about the room from which a page is made. If the teen buzzes you from the bar, you'll know it.

Built-in room-cancellation technology is ideal for AudioShare's listen-in feature. "It squelches background noise, so you don't hear humming," says Lindsey, "but as soon as it catches the baby crying, it will come through."

Lindsey says the product, which can be had for about $300 per room, is targeted at the mass market. "Does it look totally sexy? No," Lindsey concedes. "We're looking at other options while trying to keep it as cheap as possible."

He explains that the intercom station is actually a lot smaller than it looks in pictures. When people see it in person, Lindsey explains, "They say, 'It's not as big as I thought it was.'"

AudioShare is available through a handful of regional distributors.