FAQ Overview
Here you can find frequently asked questions about the products that we sell and rent.

Discussion Systems

What is the difference between the CCS 800 and DCN Discussion Systems, and when should I use them?
Answer: The main difference between a CCS 800 and DCN Discussion system is that the 800 is an analog system and the DCN is Digital. The CCS 800 is an ideal system for use by school board meetings or teleconferencing where the maximum microphone count is no greater then 50 units and there is no need for voting, interpretation or and of the advanced features of the DCN system. The DCN by contrast can be expanded to provide up to 1,500 contribution units integrated with voting, intercom, video display, operator control, and dome camera control.

How easy is it to setup and operate a Philips Discussion System?
Answer: The Philips Discussion Systems whether CCS 800 or DCN can be setup by one individual in just a few minutes depending on the number of mics and the size of the venue. All units connect to on another so it is simply a matter of daisy-chaining one unit to the other. As far as operation, we find that a Philips Discussion System generally does not require a dedicated operator in a standard discussion setting. In delegate control mode, the delegates switch on the microphones themselves and the chairman's mic unit always has override control over the system.

Simultaneous Interpretation Systems

What is the difference between infrared, induction and rf interpretation systems?
Answer: There are presently three major type of transmission systems for simultaneous interpretation in use today. Infrared systems use invisible infrared light to transmit high fidelity signals to a compact receiver. The Philips infrared system conforms to ISO standards and can transmit in up to 16 channels. Infrared systems can be contained in a room and therefore can be used in multiple adjacent conference rooms with no interference. Induction systems utilize electromagnetic induction to transmit signals to a receiver from a loop antenna usually attached to the floor of the conference venue. Due to the nature of induction systems, bandwidth is usually limited to telephone quality sound and the system is subject to rf and electrical interference. As the signal is a radio signal, two systems operating on the same channel cannot be used in close proximity to one another. RF systems transmit signals over FM radio channels usually to a small portable receiver. Many RF systems are designed for use to provide auditory assistance for the hearing impaired and therefore an not meant to be used for a great number of channels, usually a maximum of four. Like the induction systems RF systems are prone to interference and concurrent system usage restrictions apply. One demonstration of an infrared transmission system will convince a client of it's superior audio quality, ease of use, lack of co-channel crosstalk, and virtual freedom from outside interference.

How do infrared transmission systems send their signal into a conference room?
Answer: Infrared transmission systems, like the Philips system we provide, utilize infrared emitters to send the signal into a conference venue. There are various models of emitters with various power outputs and dispersion patterns. ICS has been utilizing infrared transmission for over 10 years and has provided systems with up to 14 channels in venues with up to 15,000 participants. Infrared emitters are usually placed on stands in the corners of a meeting room or hung from lighting trusses in large venues, making for a neat, virtually cable-free installation. As the signal is based on infrared light, the signal behaves just like light and does not require a clear line of sight from radiator to receiver. Like light, the signal is reflected off of light colored surfaces and disperses throughout the room providing a uniform signal coverage.

Philips Digital Congress Network System

What are the benefits of the Philips DCN System?
Answer: The Philips DCN System, which is the first digital system for conference use, brings the benefits of innovative digital technology to discussion, conference and congress systems. Digital signal processing and transmission via a simple network system not only offers great improvements in audio quality, but simplifies operating and installation. The DCN control system has the option of modern, user friendly software to setup and control conferences, although it is just as easy to run in an operator-free configuration.

What can I do with computer control of a DCN system?
Answer: The DCN system utilizes Microsoft Windows software with a friendly, easy to use graphical user interface to provide a number of functions. Under computer control various software modules interact with the DCN Control Unit to provide operator control of microphones, attendance control, chip-card identification, voting control, integrated intercom, video status display and control of dome cameras for integrated video system operation.

Can I interface a video camera with a DCN system?
Answer: The Philips DCN system has a number ways to interface a video camera with a DCN system. As the DCN system is controllable with AMX controllers and AMX controllable PTZ camera can be interfaced with the DCN system. Additionally under direct control of the DCN CCU a Philips Allegiant Dome Camera and Switcher can be interfaced to provide either multiple switched fixed cameras or moving Dome camera shots when specific mics are activated. Control of multiple fixed and dome cameras are possible with the Philips DCN system.

How can I use the DCN system for my City Council Chamber?
Answer: The Philips DCN system is ideal for use in a City Council, State Legislature, School Board Room or Student Senate facility. By combining the features of the DCN system and its modular design systems can be implemented which handle microphone management, voting, delegate name and voting display, attendance, intercom facility, video logging and well as message distribution. In one system, off the shelf, with no custom programming almost all the feature required for a legislative facility can be provided and its modular design allow a system to grow incrementally.

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