In-ceiling loudspeaker assembly with digital interface

Abstract

A loudspeaker system is provided herein comprising: a digital transmitter adapted to store, retrieve, and transmit digital messages over a network cable using an audio over internet protocol (AoIP), and wherein the transmitted digital messages are individually addressable using an IP address, and wherein the transmitted digital messages contain digital audio messages and digital command and control messages; an endpoint enclosure adapted to have a unique IP address pre-assigned to it such that the endpoint enclosure is adapted to receive the transmitted digital messages addressed to it and extract the digital audio messages and the digital command and control messages from the transmitted and received digital messages, and wherein the endpoint enclosure comprises additional circuitry adapted to extract the digital audio messages from the received digital messages and power from the network cable, and generate an electrical audio signal from the extracted digital audio messages; an 'N' position switch adapted to receive the electrical audio signal from the additional circuitry and output the same on one or more of 'N' output ports based on the position of the switch; and a first set of loudspeakers adapted to receive the electrical audio signal and broadcast the same as an acoustic audio signal.