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Question

Cell phone surround

May 1, 2015 3:49AM PDT

Does anyone know of a set-up that will allow me to hear the audio of any cell phone call through my multi-room audio system with the option of hand-held or hands-free for incoming sound (obviously phone required for outgoing)?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Look at bluetooth enabled receivers
May 1, 2015 5:58AM PDT

Or, a simple bluetooth receiver with audio output that connects to a receiver, either via digital or analog connection.

The issue is whether or not your phone (I would probably choose an android powered cellular phone) can be configured to send out audio from calls (not just music apps) via bluetooth or not. It shouldn't be an issue with newer smartphones, since they are often paired with car/external speakers (that of course work with BT receivers).

This rig should give you an idea of what's possible. I believe an Android phone & BT receiver w/ BT 3.0 w/ A2DP is all you need. Perhaps BT 4.0 may give you better range if that's an issue. YMMV.
http://www.androidcentral.com/how-build-your-own-bluetooth-streaming-home-audio-system

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One step further
May 18, 2015 2:36AM PDT

That sounds simple enough! Thanx for the response.

Now, let's take it up a notch. What if I wanted to install a multi-room speaker system that can be programmed for all-on, single-on, specific multi-on or movement tracking-on sound? In other words, I want to be able to have the audio output to follow the user or be programmable for one room, several rooms or all rooms on a whim.

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I love your imaginations, now...
May 18, 2015 3:46AM PDT

all we need is someone willing to spend, hehe.

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Next gen.
May 18, 2015 3:49AM PDT

Maybe someday or full custom. You'll need the usual architect that will take all that down and get a team to implement it. That is, while I do know all this is possible the killer on this one is that most buyers don't want to deal with the implementation. Possible? Absolutely. Off the shelf? Not yet.

Bob

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There's always the next notch up ;)
May 18, 2015 5:00AM PDT

You are wading into the territory of customized multi-room audio functionality. Only your installer can let you know what options you have available to you in that respect.

To be brutally honest though, I see the feature of having audio follow the user (cleanly, at least) as a bit of a five headed unicorn. OTOH, given the possibilities of DLNA/AirPLay/etc. with simple iOS/Android apps over home wifi networks, perhaps it's not so far-fetched. Having sound be available via multiple rooms or at least user selectable should be trivial enough though.

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Would that be a...
May 18, 2015 7:04AM PDT

penticorn!

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How about this situation?
May 18, 2015 7:36AM PDT

different individual from different music going to have dinner in the dining room. Now who has priority to what music or do we let the system decide, but would that be fair? I am glad I don't have the money for that system. Just give me my mp3 player, hehe.

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That argument is quickly settled with a couple of...
May 19, 2015 12:56AM PDT

..samurai swords Wink (j/k)

cheers

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Thankfully
May 19, 2015 1:08AM PDT

Those were not available the last time I heard fanboys going at over Ogg and MP3.