VoIP delivers all of these features today; we just have to do things a little differently than in the past to make use of it.

It’s completely possible to run VoIP within your own facility and across your own network while still using legacy methods for PSTN connection. You’d be making a mistake by not investigating and taking advantage of some of the new PSTN connection paths and their very aggressive pricing, but you don’t have to make that move yet.

I suggest you connect using multiple methods until you’re comfortable with a particular strategy. The value of multiple providers and redundant paths in emergency situations also shouldn’t be ignored.

At the 2011 NAB Show, Comrex introduced the STAC VIP, its IP-based phone system.

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In the past, many decisions about phone systems were made because of the phone instruments themselves. People decided on a system because of the look, the feature set or the cost of the phone sets. But now that the system lock in is gone – the requirement to use products from a single vendor – you can choose the end point type based on your facilities’ needs and wants without limitations.

End points are telephones, soft phones (computer apps) and appliances. They are what you talk into, and what you hang up. Our company, Telos Systems, has created end points that address the unique requirements of on-air use, including an entire multi-line on-air system (The Telos VX). Others will certainly follow.

The Telos VX emulates VoIP SIP phones, while adding important features that broadcasters need. These needs include phones with advanced screening features, high quality audio inputs and outputs with digital audio processing, a softphone with built-in recorder/editor, multiple program on hold inputs, and routing features that create the ability to move phone lines between studios effortlessly.

Once you’ve identified what end points you wish to use, a switching platform should be chosen. You need to decide how much control and responsibility you wish to take on or whom you give it to. Delegating is good, but so is control. Traditionally, phone vendors performed installation and moves and changes. More than likely, you’ve taken on some IT duties over the past few years and are pretty familiar with the landscape. I’d say that the question to ask now is, “Do I want more control or less responsibility?”

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