Abstract: Automation is effected for various remote circuits. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, environmental characteristics are monitored at each of a plurality of remote systems located at different geographical regions (e.g., remote agricultural systems, or other equipment) and controlled by one or more local/master systems. Data indicative of the monitored environmental characteristic is communicated and used for controlling operational equipment, based upon operational instructions communicated from the master system. These communications are carried out by monitoring communication characteristics of communications paths between the master system and the remote systems, with some communication paths including one or more of the remote systems via which communications are passed (e.g., relayed). One of the communication paths is selected based upon the monitored communication characteristics, and used for communicating the operational instructions with the remote systems.

Abstract: Speaker control systems are implemented using a variety of systems and methods. In one such system, an audio signal is distributed to at least one speaker selected from a set of speakers. The system includes a set of audio-distribution circuits for distributing the audio signal to the set of speakers. Logic circuitry is used to automatically determine an impedance-based parameter for use in distributing the audio signal to the at least one selected speaker based at least partly on a load-tolerance parameter for an audio source and on an impedance of the at least one selected speaker. The logic circuitry controls distribution of the audio signal to the selected speakers based at least partly on the impedance-based parameter. One or more of the set of audio-distribution circuits are used by the logic circuitry to distribute the audio signal to the at least one selected speaker.

Abstract: Audio signals are processed in a manner that facilitates control for overpower conditions. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, an audio processing circuit is configured and arranged for controlling an output audio signal as a function of an output power and/or clip condition. The audio processing circuit is adapted to approximate output power from an amplifier independent from output load and varying line conditions. When an overpower and/or clip condition is approximated, a signal is generated to reduce the output power by, e.g., reducing the signal gain and/or disconnecting the output.

Abstract: An example embodiment is directed to use in a facility benefiting from the distribution of audio throughout different facility zones (“audio zones”), with each audio zone receiving an audio signal from a remotely-located audio distribution controller. For controlling audio at a user-controlled speaker load located in one of the audio zones, a circuit arrangement includes isolation circuit, speaker load circuit, user-input device and an audio control unit. The isolation circuit generates a transformed audio signal by provide an impedance-matched termination and by permitting one of a number of impedance-matching circuits to be set wherein each impedance-matching circuit provides a different amount of electrical power to the speaker load. The speaker load circuit delivers, in response to the transformed audio signal, audible signals in the audio zone.

Abstract: A signal distribution and communication arrangement includes a main control unit remotely located and electrically coupled to a volume control panel. The volume control panel is located near a speaker, and the main control unit sends substantially continuous audio signals or an interrupting audio signal to the volume control panel for playing via the speaker. These signals can be sent on the same conductor or separate conductors. When the interrupting audio signal is present, a voltage or current source provides a level from the main control unit to the volume control panel to indicate that a volume override circuit should be engaged. Upon engagement of the volume override circuit, the interrupting audio signal is passed through to the speaker at a prescribed signal level, regardless of the volume control setting on the volume control panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distribution system for audio and video services from a centralized source using lightwave signals generated from terminal equipment through an optical carrier to multiple locations in a facility. The terminal equipment reversibly convert audio, video, and control signals from electrical into lightwave signals. The terminal equipment also provide for electrical output at the remote locations with the appropriate format for various audio and video speakers and displays. A controller selects and converts audio communication signal into a standard audio format and directs the signal to the desired remote location in response to the control signal.