Speakerphone

A speakerphone is a hands-free communication device that consists of multi-directional microphones, a speaker, a noise and echo cancellation system, and external interfaces. It is used for organizing group audio and video conferences. A speakerphone makes it much easier to manage communication via mobile phones and computers. It can also act as a voice command transmitter.

Speakerphones have been used by many companies for years. However, they have become most popular in video conferencing systems. This growth is due to the emergence and widespread adoption of software and hardware solutions for audio and video conferencing.

The Main Characteristics and Features of a Speakerphone

Speakers

The more speakers a device has, the wider the hearing range and the greater the distance at which it can clearly capture the voices of video conference participants. Video conferencing speakerphones usually have one or several built-in speakers.

Microphones

A speakerphone with a built-in microphone is suitable for video calls and video broadcasts that involve a dialogue between two people (video broadcasting typically works on a “one speaks – others listen” principle).

For group video conferences with several participants, or for virtual meetings with hundreds of attendees (divided into those who are simply watching, those communicating via self hosted chat and audio comments, and those who can see, hear, and speak), the number of microphones should be as high as possible.

Noise and Echo Cancellation System

This feature ensures clean and clear sound. In conferences with multiple participants, the system eliminates echoes and background noise that could interfere with communication.

Recording Calls on an SD Card

Enables saving important information for future use.

Full Duplex

Ensures proper operation of the speakerphone by allowing data transmission and reception to occur simultaneously during a video conference.

Volume Control

Buttons allow users to adjust volume, mute microphones, or turn sound on/off on a particular speakerphone, or across an entire chain of linked devices. Microphone muting is used to hide parts of a conversation or to prevent overloading the channel.

The greater the number of speakers, microphones, and echo cancellers a speakerphone has, the more expensive it is.

Most speakerphones can be combined into a single system to cover larger conference rooms. This is done by connecting all speakerphones in series, forming a so-called chain, which expands the communication area.