Retail store with VoIP paging and BGM

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This system design template shows how Vocia products can be used in a typical retail store setting. In such a setting, the shopping experience can be enhanced with background music suitable to the environment. Paging is also an important element as it can be used for communication throughout the store for paging employees, announcing special promotions or sales, and as a general means of communication.

In this example, the retail store has three main areas: men’s clothing, women’s clothing and household items. There is also a common warehouse area. There are three music sources selectable from the wall remote controller in each zone, and the volume of each zone is adjusted automatically depending on the background noise. A message server provides a VoIP interface that allows employees to initiate a page from the in-house phone system to a particular zone or the entire store. The system also provides the ability to announce scheduled, pre-recorded messages for sales, promotions, etc.

Store design

Store Functionality Scope:

Three music sources available to all zones
Four 70V distributed ceiling loudspeaker zones
Automatic level adjustment depending on the background noise in each retail zone
Source selection and volume control from the wall remote controllers in each retail zone
Pre-recorded message playback triggered from VoIP or scheduler
VoIP paging capabilities to each zone individually, the entire retail area (minus the warehouse) or the entire store

Equipment list

Below is the list of Biamp equipment used in this project:

1 - Vocia VI-6
1 – Vocia VA-4300CV
1 – Vocia MS-1e
3 – Vocia ANC-1
3 – Vocia WR-1
Apart CM60DTD

Six channel audio input networked expansion device
Digital networked four channel constant voltage 300 Watts amplifier
Networked message server with VoIP paging interface
Networked ambient noise compensation device
Networked wall remote controller
6.5" two-way, thin edge ceiling loudspeaker, with back can. 70V transformer power taps in watts 60-30-15-7.5-3.75. (Quantities as needed to meet project scope)

Note: other non-Biamp equipment is required, including ambient sensing microphones, a POE Switch, and Program sources.

Example files

The example file for this system design template is set with four zones required for the retail store:

Zone 1 - Men's clothing
Zone 2 - Women's clothing
Zone 3 - Household
Zone 4 - Warehouse

Six page codes have been provided to allow for flexible paging throughout the zones and have been assigned to different extension numbers in the MS-1e:

Page Code 1 - Men's clothing
Page Code 2 - Women's clothing
Page Code 3 - Household
Page Code 4 - Retail areas
Page Code 5 - Warehouse
Page Code 6 - All Call

Inputs 1-3 of the VI-6 have been set as the background music sources. Channels 1-4 of the amplifier have been set to each of the four zones. Each zone has been assigned to be controlled by an ANC-1 except for the warehouse. ANC-1s and wall remote controllers are assigned to the appropriate zones and labeled accordingly.

Sample pre-recorded messages have been added and assigned to the scheduler events. One occurs every day, 15 minutes before closing, while another announces that the store is closing. A third message is set to occur once a week to announce a special promotion.

The .zip file below contains the example Vocia configuration files for this retail store application.

File Download: Retail Shop.zip

Networking details

Vocia supports two modes of network communication depending on the network topology. To access the system via Vocia software, one mode requires a direct connection to the CobraNet® network, while the other mode requires an IP-based connection to the MS-1e Message Server. Since this system includes an MS-1e, the latter method must be used. The system is also small enough so an isolated network with PoE will suffice for communication and audio transport between Vocia devices.

Setup Requirements:

Network switch with sufficient ports for CobraNet connections
802.3af (Class 1) PoE injector for powering the WR-1s (unless the CobraNet switch provides PoE)
802.3af (Class 2) PoE injector for powering the ANC-1s (unless the CobraNet switch provides PoE)
802.3af (Class 3) PoE injector for powering the VI-6 (unless the CobraNet switch provides PoE)
VoIP network access via SIP trunk for MS-1e
Optional: infrastructure network access for MS-1r control port

Note: The control port LAN-1 of the MS-1e is used for programming, monitoring and control of the Vocia system. If the system needs to be accessed from multiple locations, it can be connected to the building network infrastructure. If a single computer will be used, a direct connection to the MS-1e will suffice.

Audio setup

All Vocia devices are set by default to unity gain. This allows the system to start working once the file is loaded with minimal adjustments.

Setup Requirements:

Connect music sources to VI-6 and verify levels under the VI-6 Audio & Live Control tab
Select output voltage on the VA-4300CV amplifier to 70V or 100V as needed
Select background source for zones from a wall remote controller or via Vocia software
Configure the ANC-1 for each zone following the ANC-1 Setup Guide
Adjust amplifier output level as needed for each zone
Ensure VoIP is setup and MS-1e is receiving calls for paging. Test both live paging and pre-recorded messages

VoIP setup

To support VoIP paging, the MS-1e needs to communicate over an SIP Trunk with the SIP VoIP Server. This will allow multiple telephones to reach the MS-1e for paging.

Biamp VoIP interfaces have been tested and/or certified to work with the VoIP telephony systems listed here. Biamp VoIP interfaces may also be able to work with other SIP-based VoIP systems, but they haven't been tested or certified with those systems.

When integrating Vocia with one of the tested/certified VoIP systems, it is best to follow the detailed instructions in the appropriate article to ensure a successful deployment.

Detailed instructions can be found in the following articles:

Configure the VoIP Interface by opening the MS-1e properties page, selecting the general tab and clicking “Enable VoIP” under “VoIP General”.

Click to see the MS-1e configuration dialog

Required fields in the MS-1e Configuration Dialog under the General tab must be filled out correctly for successful VoIP paging:

VoIP General:
- SIP User Name and Password: the user name and password required by the phone system (if desired).

VoIP Network Settings:
- Network LAN to use: allows using the control network connection (LAN-1) or a dedicated network connection (LAN-3) on the MS-1e.
- IP Address / Subnet Mask / Gateway: if the dedicated network connection is used, network settings are entered here.

VoIP extensions have been already programmed in the sample file but may be modified as needed under “VoIP Extensions”. More information can be found here