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Interactive Retail Signage: Beyond the Static Screen

by | Aug 4, 2026 | Business Development, Digital Signage, Retail, Uncategorized

Originally published in 2025. Updated August 2026.

Remember the days of static images on unchanging displays? They served their purpose, but in today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven world, they tend to fade into the background. This is where interactive digital signage – a dynamic and engaging way to connect with your audience – can mean the difference between “background noise” and true engagement. Interactivity transforms passive viewers into active participants.

But what exactly makes interactive digital signage so beneficial and how does BrightSign make it easy? Let’s explore:

interactive displayAmplified Engagement and Memorability:

Imagine walking past a screen that responds to your presence, allowing you to tap, swipe, and explore.  This is how we engage day to day with our phones, and it’s become the standard when it used to seem like science fiction (think Minority Report). By actively involving users, you capture their attention in a way static displays simply can’t. This heightened engagement leads to better information retention and a more memorable experience with your brand or message. Think about browsing a digital product catalog on a touchscreen versus glancing at a printed flyer – which are you more likely to remember?

Richer Data Collection and Insights:

Interactive displays offer a goldmine of data. You can track what content users are most interested in, which buttons they tap, and even gather valuable demographic information (anonymously, of course!). This data provides invaluable insights into audience behavior, allowing you to refine your content, optimize your messaging, and make more informed business decisions. Imagine understanding which products in your digital showroom are getting the most attention – that’s powerful information!

personalized experiencePersonalized and Relevant Experiences:

Static signage delivers the same message to everyone. Interactive signage, however, can be tailored to individual needs and preferences. Through touchscreens, QR code scanning, buttons, connected apps, or even motion sensors, you can offer personalized content, targeted promotions, and customized information. This level of relevance makes the experience more valuable and increases the likelihood of conversion or desired action. Think about a digital wayfinding system that adapts based on your selected language or a retail display that suggests products based on your previous interactions.

interactive kiosksStreamlined Information Delivery and Self-Service:

Interactive kiosks can empower users to find the information they need quickly and efficiently, reducing reliance on staff. From wayfinding in a complex building to accessing product details in a store or checking in for an appointment, interactive signage provides convenient self-service options. Most people are used to shopping online, so extending that experience to a retail location where they can lay hands on the product is the next evolution. This not only improves the user experience but also frees up your team to focus on more complex tasks.

Enhanced Marketing and Sales Opportunities:

Interactive digital signage opens up exciting new avenues for marketing and sales. Imagine a digital storefront that allows customers to browse products, view detailed specifications, watch videos, and even make purchases directly from the screen. Interactive displays can also be used to run engaging contests, collect leads, and deliver targeted advertising based on user interactions.

How BrightSign helps move interactivity forward:

BrightSign’s free software, BrightAuthor:Connected offers a drag and drop approach to “programming” interactive content, opening the door to those that may not have the technical capabilities to create content using HTML and Javascript.  These tools offer the ability to create interactive content for use with touchscreens, control systems, fire alarms, buttons, motion sensors, keyboard, card readers, GPS sensors, etc. without the need for programming knowledge.  In the video below, I create an interactive presentation with touch, UDP and button control, including a playback counter, all in around 2 minutes.

The Future is Interactive:

Interactive digital signage is more than just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how we communicate and engage with audiences in physical spaces. By moving beyond static displays and embracing the power of interaction, businesses and organizations can create more engaging, informative, and ultimately more effective experiences.

To learn more about interactive signage and how BrightSign can help, contact me at [email protected], or visit our website AlmoProAV.com for additional information.

If you enjoyed this blog, check out Todd’s earlier blog “Monetizing Digital Signage.” and watch his “Getting Started with BrightSign | Digital Signage Management 1st Steps” tutorial on YouTube.

Todd Heberlein
About the Author

Todd Heberlein | CTS, DMC-D-4K, DSCE

Senior BDM – Technical Lead

Supported Manufacturers: Absen and Brightsign

From Lobby to Guest Room: The Top Hospitality Display Trends AV Integrators Shouldn’t Miss in 2026

by | Jul 9, 2026 | Business Development, Consumer TVs, Digital Signage, Hospitality, Uncategorized

From Lobby to Guest Room: The Top Hospitality Display Trends AV Integrators Shouldn’t Miss in 2026
As guests’ expectations evolve, the hospitality industry continues to adopt future-forward audio-visual solutions that enhance the hotel experience. And when it comes to TVs and digital signage, these eye-catching innovations are essential in turning new visitors into repeat customers.

Ashley May-Smith and Liz Wheeler, Business Development Managers at Almo, discuss key trends in the hospitality industry and the importance of digital signage when creating a memorable guest experience.

Digital Signage Displays in HospitalityWhat are some TV and digital signage trends in hospitality spaces?

“Digital signage and in-room display technology in hospitality are rapidly evolving into intelligent, experience-driven platforms,” Liz said. “Key trends include interactive self-service solutions like kiosks and wayfinding, and seamless integration with property management systems.”

And with the rise of hybrid work environments, many hotel meeting rooms require technology to support modern collaboration.

“Conference rooms are also seeing a major shift, with advanced displays and digital signage supporting collaboration through wireless sharing, hybrid meeting capabilities, and real-time scheduling tools,” she explained.

“At the same time, hotels are introducing Direct View LED in lobbies to create high-impact, immersive first impressions that elevate brand presence. Combined with cloud-based content management and more sustainable display technologies, today’s solutions are transforming screens into dynamic, connected touchpoints across the entire guest journey.”

How has digital signage become an essential piece of hotel infrastructure?

“Digital signage has shifted from a supplementary feature to a core component of hotel infrastructure, serving as a centralized communication and engagement platform across the property,” she detailed. “It enables real-time distribution of information such as events, directions, and promotions, while also enhancing conference room functionality with digital room scheduling, meeting visibility, and collaboration tools.”

Along with increased guest engagement, digital signage solutions elevate the hotel brand by crafting a cohesive visual identity.

“In high-traffic areas like lobbies, large-format and Direct View LED displays act as both informational hubs and visual anchors, delivering impactful content that shapes the guest’s first impression,” she explained. “Beyond communication, signage improves operational efficiency through self-service solutions and supports revenue generation through targeted promotions, making it an essential, scalable system that connects guest experience, operations, and brand storytelling.”

How are digital signage solutions working to create a more accessible environment for guests?

“Digital signage is playing a critical role increating more accessible and inclusive hospitality environments by making information easier to find, understand, and interact with,” said Liz, detailing the many ways that digital signage solutions create a more accessible space for guests.

“Wayfinding and interactive displays simplify navigation throughout the property, including conference and event spaces.

Digital room signage outside meeting rooms provides clear, real-time visibility into schedules and locations, reducing confusion and improving flow for attendees.

Self-service solutions reduce reliance on staff interaction, supporting guests with varying communication preferences or needs, while high-resolution displays with clear visuals improve readability.”

“Together with real-time updates, these technologies help create a more seamless, user-friendly, and inclusive experience for every guest,” she explained.

How have guest expectations changed as we move towards personalized in-room entertainment and streaming?

“Guest expectations have evolved a lot over the years,” said Ashley. “In the past, in-room entertainment was more limited to options like local channels and pay-per-view.”

“So much of the content we consume now is viewed on a multitude of streaming services, and for the most part, guests want the ability to log in to their own account and pick up right where they left off in their favorite show,” she said. “There’s a comfort in being able to access a piece of home while you’re away.”

How have digital signage and self-service experiences improved efficiency for guests and hotel staff?

“Digital signage allows hotels and hotel staff to be much more agile than in years past. Think back to the days of paper menus – if the cost on a food item changed, for example, the hotel would need to re-print those menus, which is costly,” she explained.

Along with improving efficiency for guests and hotel staff alike, these solutions allow for tailored guest experiences.

“Many hotels also utilize self-service kiosks now, which allows guests to do things like book dinner reservations, or even request late check-out,” she detailed. “Digital signage gives guests flexibility, and staff the ability to react quickly and easily to changing circumstances.”

smart tvs hotelWhat are the benefits of cloud-based content management?

“Cloud-based content management allows hotels to streamline operations while improving guest experience,” she said. “From customized brand messaging to contactless check-ins, cloud solutions can help hotels scale services without the need for expensive on-prem infrastructure.”

By allowing hotels to easily scale their offerings, cloud-based content management promotes a cohesive brand image while maintaining efficient hotel operations.

“This remote access means having the ability to make changes on the fly across properties without having to physically go to each property, saving time and money.”

Let’s Elevate Your Next Hospitality Project

Whether you’re refreshing guest rooms, designing a lobby experience, or planning a full-property rollout, Almo is here to help you choose the right displays, integrations, and platforms.

To explore the full portfolio of future-forward hospitality solutions, visit Hospitality.AlmoProAV.com.

Ashley May-Smith | [email protected]

Liz Wheeler, DSCE | [email protected]

Designing Secure AVoIP Systems: Bandwidth, Latency and Network Best Practices for Enterprise Signal Distribution

by | Jul 2, 2026 | Business Development, Networked AV, Uncategorized

If you’re working on AV-over-IP deployments today, performance is only part of the picture.

What we’re seeing more often is that the real challenges come down to the network. Not just how much bandwidth is available, but how traffic is managed, how systems are secured, and how everything is designed to work together long term.

The systems that succeed are not just well installed. They are well planned.

This is where focusing on bandwidth, latency, and network design together, with security built in from the start, makes all the difference.

Start with the Network, Not the Endpoints

connectivity bandwidthIOne of the biggest shifts in AV-over-IP is where success is determined.

It is no longer at the endpoint. It is at the network.

That means thinking about:

  • How traffic is segmented
  • How devices communicate
  • Who has access to what

Security and performance are closely tied here. When AV traffic shares a network without proper structure, both reliability and security can be compromised.

This is why early coordination with IT is so important. When the network is designed with AV in mind, systems perform better and issues are easier to avoid.

AV-over-IP Bandwidth Requirements: What You Need to Know

One of the most common questions is also one of the most important: “How much bandwidth is  needed?” It can also be one of the most overlooked.

Bandwidth determines how much AV data your network can reliably transport at a given time.  Proper planning is critical to ensure performance, reliability, and also scalability.

Key factors that impact bandwidth:

  • Video resolution (HD vs 4K or higher)
  • Compression level (compressed vs near-zero latency)
  • Number of simultaneous streams
  • Available network and switch capacity

How to estimate your required bandwidth:

  • Determine the bandwidth required per stream
  • Calculate the maximum number of simultaneous streams
  • Plan for peak usage, not just average
  • Verify the available network capacity (1gb, 10gb, etc.)

General Rule of Thumb When Estimating Bandwidth

  • 1GB Network can be suitable for most compressed 4K solutions
  • 10GB is often preferred/recommended for larger AV deployments and allows for multiple streams without congestion.
  • The true determination depends on number of endpoints, encoders/decoders, platform being used and other variables that will differ per project

Failing to address bandwidth requirements early can lead to dropped streams, latency, and network congestion.

From a security standpoint, bandwidth planning also supports better traffic control. When networks are not overloaded, it is easier to monitor activity and maintain stable, predictable performance.

AV Network Latency: Causes and How to Fix It

f something feels off in your system, latency is often the reason.

Latency is the delay between when a signal is sent and when it appears on screen. Even a few milliseconds can cause noticeable issues in conferencing or live environments.

Common causes of AV-over-IP latency:

  • Encoding and decoding processes
  • Network congestion
  • Switch performance and configuration

What to check first:

  • Is AV traffic prioritized with QoS?
  • Is the network overloaded?
  • Are switches designed for real-time AV traffic?

Most latency issues come down to network performance, not just the AV equipment.

Latency and security also intersect here. When traffic is not properly prioritized or segmented, AV streams can compete with other applications or be impacted by unnecessary network exposure. A well-managed network reduces both risk and performance issues.

Designing for Secure Signal Distribution

network securitySecurity is no longer something that gets addressed at the end of a project.

In AV-over-IP environments, it needs to be part of the design from the beginning.

That starts with a few fundamentals:

  • Segment AV traffic using VLANs so it is isolated from general data traffic
  • Restrict device access to authorized users and administrators
  • Remove default credentials and enforce proper authentication
  • Keep firmware and software up to date to address vulnerabilities

Without these controls, AV devices can become an easy entry point into the network.

The good news is that many of these steps align directly with performance best practices. A segmented, well-managed network is not just more secure. It is also more stable and easier to troubleshoot.

Multicast, Scalability and Control

As AV-over-IP systems grow, multicast becomes essential for efficient signal distribution.

It allows a single stream to be shared across multiple endpoints without flooding the network with duplicate traffic.

But multicast also requires careful configuration.

If it is not managed properly, it can:

  • Increase unnecessary traffic
  • Introduce instability
  • Create visibility challenges

This is where coordination with IT is critical. Proper configuration ensures multicast traffic is controlled, efficient, and limited to the devices that actually need it.

Like many parts of AV-over-IP, scalability and security go hand in hand. The more systems grow, the more important it becomes to control how traffic is distributed and accessed.

Where AV-over-IP Projects Typically Run Into Issues

network planningMost challenges we see are not caused by the AV equipment itself.

They come from gaps in planning.

Common issues include:

  • Underestimating bandwidth requirements
  • Lack of network segmentation
  • Misconfigured multicast or VLANs
  • No clear coordination with IT teams
  • Devices deployed with default access settings

These are not complicated problems, but they are easy to overlook when timelines are tight or responsibilities are unclear.

Addressing them early can save significant troubleshooting time later.

A More Practical Approach Moving Forward

Designing AV-over-IP systems today means thinking beyond signal flow.

It means understanding how AV traffic behaves on the network, how it is secured, and how it will scale over time.

The fundamentals are straightforward:

  • Plan bandwidth with growth in mind
  • Prioritize and manage traffic correctly
  • Segment and secure devices from the start
  • Work closely with IT throughout the process

When those pieces are in place, systems are easier to deploy, easier to support, and more reliable for the end user.

Continue the Conversation

Every AV-over-IP project is a little different, and sometimes it helps to talk through the details.

Reach out to our team to discuss your AV-over-IP design and get practical input on performance, scalability, and security.

Or, if you want additional perspective, join our upcoming webinar, AV Meets IT: The Reality of Networked AV Systems, where we’ll walk through how these challenges play out in real deployments.

The Future of Flexible Meeting Spaces in 2026: Powered by Audiovisual Innovation

by | Jun 18, 2026 | Business Development, Cameras, Collaboration, Pro Audio, Pro Displays, Uncategorized, Wireless Collaboration

In 2026, the modern workplace is no longer defined by static boardrooms and rigid layouts. Instead, organizations are embracing flexible meeting spaces – dynamic, technology-driven environments designed to support hybrid teams, boost collaboration, and maximize real estate efficiency. At the heart of this transformation is the rapid evolution of audiovisual (AV) technology, which has become a critical enabler of seamless communication and productivity.

The Shift Toward Flexibility

The Shift Toward FlexibilityThe rise of hybrid work has fundamentally changed how people gather. Teams are now distributed across cities, countries, and time zones, requiring meeting spaces that adapt instantly to different group sizes and collaboration styles. A single room might host a client presentation in the morning, a hybrid brainstorming session in the afternoon, and a global town hall later in the day.

Flexible meeting environments achieve this through:

  • Modular furniture and movable partitions
  • Scalable AV systems
  • Wireless connectivity and device-agnostic design
  • Smart scheduling and room automation

But while furniture and layout are important, it is the AV foundation that ultimately determines how effective these spaces are.

AV as the Backbone of Hybrid Collaboration

In 2026, AV systems are no longer a “nice to have” – they are mission-critical. Employees expect meetings to work flawlessly regardless of location. This demand has led to the widespread adoption of intelligent, integrated AV ecosystems.

1. Smart Cameras and AI-Driven Video

Advanced cameras now use AI to:

  • Automatically frame speakers and track movement
  • Switch perspectives based on who is speaking
  • Provide equitable visibility for both in-room and remote participants

This ensures that remote attendees feel just as present as those physically in the room, eliminating the “second-class participant” problem that plagued early hybrid meetings.

2. Intelligent Audio Systems

Clear audio is the single most important factor in meeting success. Modern spaces leverage:

  • Beamforming microphone arrays that capture voices across the room
  • Noise cancellation and voice isolation
  • Speaker tracking to enhance clarity

These systems adapt dynamically, ensuring consistent sound quality even as people move around or reconfigure the space.

3. Wireless Content Sharing

Wireless Screen SharingGone are the days of HDMI cables and compatibility issues. Flexible meeting rooms now feature:

  • One-touch wireless presentation systems
  • Multi-device collaboration (laptops, tablets, mobile devices)
  • Real-time co-editing and annotation tools

Participants can join and share content instantly, making meetings more fluid and inclusive.

4. Unified Communications Integration

Modern AV setups integrate seamlessly with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other collaboration tools. This creates:

  • Consistent meeting experiences across rooms
  • Simplified user interfaces
  • Reduced IT complexity

With “one-touch join” capabilities, users can start meetings effortlessly, reducing friction and wasted time.

Designing for Adaptability

The true power of 2026 meeting spaces lies in their ability to scale and adapt. AV systems are now designed with flexibility in mind:

Modular AV Infrastructure

Organizations are investing in modular systems that can expand or contract based on needs. For example:

  • Adding additional microphones or displays for larger groups
  • Reconfiguring rooms without overhauling the entire system
  • Supporting multiple use cases with a single setup

Cloud-Based AV Management

IT teams manage devices remotely through cloud platforms, enabling:

  • Real-time monitoring and troubleshooting
  • Software updates without physical intervention
  • Data-driven optimization of room usage

This reduces downtime and ensures consistent performance across locations.

Sensor-Driven Automation

Flexible Meeting SpaceMeeting rooms now use occupancy sensors and analytics to:

  • Automatically adjust lighting, temperature, and AV settings
  • Optimize space utilization
  • Provide insights into how rooms are used

These capabilities allow organizations to make smarter decisions about space design and investment.

Enhancing Employee Experience

Flexible meeting spaces are not just about efficiency, they are about experience.

Employees expect meetings to be:

  • Easy to start
  • Visually engaging
  • Inclusive and interactive

High-quality displays, immersive audio, and intuitive interfaces contribute to a more enjoyable and productive meeting environment. This, in turn, drives:

  • Greater engagement
  • Better decision-making
  • Improved collaboration outcomes

Sustainability and Efficiency

Another key trend in 2026 is the alignment of AV technology with sustainability goals. Smart systems help organizations:

  • Reduce energy consumption by powering down unused equipment
  • Optimize space usage, minimizing real estate needs
  • Extend equipment life through remote management and updates

Flexible meeting spaces are not just smarter, they are greener.

What Businesses Should Consider

To fully leverage flexible meeting spaces, organizations should focus on:

  • Standardization across rooms for consistency
  • Scalability to accommodate future growth
  • User-centric design to minimize training and adoption barriers
  • Interoperability with existing tools and platforms

AI-Assisted Meeting RoomInvesting in the right AV ecosystem is key to unlocking the full potential of flexible work environments.

Looking Ahead

As we move deeper into 2026 and beyond, the line between physical and digital collaboration will continue to blur. Emerging technologies such as spatial computing, immersive video, and AI-driven meeting assistants will further enhance how teams connect.

Flexible meeting spaces will evolve from being reactive environments to proactive, intelligent ecosystems – anticipating user needs and adapting in real time.

Final Thoughts

Flexible meeting spaces are no longer a trend – they are the standard for modern workplaces. By leveraging advanced audiovisual technology, organizations can create environments that are adaptable, inclusive, and future-ready.

In a world where collaboration knows no boundaries, the right AV strategy isn’t just supporting meetings. It’s redefining how work gets done.

Whether it’s projection, displays, office furniture, or audio, Almo ProAV has a broad offering of manufacturing partners to support your business! Please feel free to reach out to me or your Almo Rep.

Angie Greene
About the Author

Angie Greene | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Panasonic Connect

Designing Hybrid-Ready Meeting Spaces: How to Build Teams Rooms That Actually Get Used

by | Jun 2, 2026 | Business Development, Collaboration, Uncategorized, Wireless Collaboration

Hybrid work didn’t just change where meetings happen, it changed what your customers expect when they walk into a room.

Today, users expect meeting spaces to just work. The same simplicity they get on their laptop. The same Teams interface they already know. No delays. No confusion. No troubleshooting. And when that doesn’t happen, you’ve seen what follows – people avoid the room altogether.

Because installing a Microsoft Teams Room is one thing. Designing one your customer actually wants to use every day? That’s where you win.

Why Some Meeting Rooms Still Miss the Mark

tech issues in your meetingYou’ve likely walked into spaces with great hardware but a frustrating experience – rooms that are inconsistent from one space to the next, difficult to operate, or plagued by audio issues.

In most cases, it’s not about the products. It’s about how everything comes together.

The reality is, many spaces are still being designed like they were a few years ago. Meanwhile, your customers are navigating hybrid teams, flexible layouts, and much higher expectations.

What Your Customers Actually Want

Your customers aren’t asking for cutting-edge AV just for the sake of it. What they really want is simple: meetings that start on time, include everyone, and don’t require IT support to get going.

They want consistency from room to room and an experience that feels familiar.

That’s exactly why Microsoft Teams Rooms has become a standard. It extends the Teams experience into the room, creating a consistent, intuitive environment that removes friction and drives adoption.

Start With How the Room Will Be Used

This is where you can truly differentiate yourself.

Before you specify any equipment, step back and think about how the space will actually be used. Consider the types of meetings that happen there, how many people are involved, and whether the room is used for internal collaboration, client meetings, or training.

When you design around real workflows instead of just floor plans, everything else falls into place more naturally.

Think in Systems, Not Just Products

MaxHub large meeting roomThe most successful Teams Rooms aren’t built piece by piece. They’re designed as complete systems.

It starts with the platform itself – the Teams Rooms environment that ties everything together. From there, every layer plays a role in the overall experience.

Audio is where most rooms succeed or fail. Clear pickup, proper coverage, and balanced sound are what make meetings productive instead of frustrating.

Video has also evolved. It’s no longer just about having a camera. It’s about intelligent features like auto-framing and speaker tracking that help remote participants feel included.

Control is just as important. If users can’t walk in, tap once, and start a meeting, the experience breaks down quickly.

Then there’s content sharing. Wireless tools and digital whiteboarding make collaboration seamless, without the delays and clutter of cables.

Behind it all, reliable network infrastructure and management tools ensure everything performs consistently and can scale over time.

Right Room, Right Solution

Not every space needs the same setup, and your customers are starting to expect that level of precision.

Huddle rooms need to be quick and frictionless. Conference rooms need balanced performance. Boardrooms demand a higher level of quality and reliability. And multi-purpose spaces need the flexibility to adapt.

The key is matching the solution to how the space is actually used without overbuilding or cutting corners.

Keep It Simple or Risk Losing Adoption

Even the most advanced system won’t succeed if it’s difficult to use.

Users expect to walk in, press a button, and get started. When that doesn’t happen, meetings run late, frustration builds, and rooms go unused.

That’s when your customer starts to question the investment – not the technology itself, but the experience.

New Expectations: Intelligent, AI-Driven Meetings

You’re also seeing expectations shift with the rise of AI.

Capabilities like intelligent framing, speaker recognition, automatic summaries, and AI-driven workflows are quickly becoming part of the standard experience.

These features don’t just enhance meetings, they create opportunities for you to deliver more forward-looking, scalable solutions.

Standardization Makes Everything Easier

When your customers start rolling out multiple rooms, consistency becomes critical.

With Teams Rooms, you can help them create the same experience across every space, making training easier, support simpler, and deployments faster.

That kind of standardization is what drives adoption at scale, and keeps projects moving forward efficiently.

At the End of the Day, It’s About Used – Not Installed

Yealink MTRA successful project isn’t the one that gets installed.

It’s the one that gets used.

The rooms that succeed are intuitive, reliable, and aligned with how people actually work. That’s what your customers remember, and what brings them back to you for the next project.

Where Almo Pro AV Fits In

You don’t have to figure all of this out alone.

At Almo Pro AV, we work alongside you to design complete collaboration solutions, navigate Teams-certified ecosystems, and access the expertise you need to move faster from opportunity to execution.

From pre-sales support to training and enablement, we’re here to help you deliver better outcomes, and build stronger customer relationships along the way.

Let’s Build Rooms That Actually Work

You already know how to deploy technology.

We’re here to help you design collaboration spaces that are easier to install, easier to support, and most importantly…actually get used.

Want to go deeper? Download our AV Guide to a Complete Collaboration System, and connect with your Almo Pro AV rep to start building smarter, more effective Teams Rooms.

Ode to the Twisted Copper Pair

by | May 11, 2026 | Pro Audio, Signal Distribution, Sound Engineering, Uncategorized

Yesterday, my landline died.  No dial tone.  I tested the line at the interface box and confirmed that it wasn’t on my side of the demarc.  I called customer support and while they could send someone out to fix the copper line, the alternative is a cell service connection for less than one-third the current price.  Being out in-the-sticks as I am, cell service is often only a bar or two.  I don’t like my options.  Arrgh.

copper wire-based telephone systemIf I do away with the copper line, what would I be giving up?

Reliability.  And it goes far beyond just the cellular signal strength issue.  The POTS (plain old telephone system), built by the Bell System has probably been the most reliable public utility ever designed and built.  I have been with the twisted copper pair from the days of party lines.  From the days when you couldn’t own a phone, but instead you were required to lease phones made by Western Electric.  Those phones were legendary devices known for their indestructibility.  Black was standard. Unpublished numbers, colors, and the long, coiled cords were additional monthly charges.  I have paid for making long-distance phone calls and I still have three rotary phones hooked up and working.

If the power goes out, no problem.  The landline still works.  Natural disasters or national emergencies?  The old landline still works.  cell phone service issuesSome emergency preparedness documents reference the “copper wire-based landline phone” as the preferred communication option in a disaster.

I’ve used overseas operators and 411.  I’ve seen the utility bring us touch-tone, toll-free 800 numbers, call waiting, Caller ID, modular plugs and Trimline phones.  I could dial 844 and any four numbers for the current time and 936 and any four numbers for the local weather.  I remember the unparalleled rudeness of C&P Telephone’s customer service before the breakup of Ma Bell in the ‘70s.  (After the breakup, I still remember the first time one of their reps said, “Thank you”.  I could not believe what I had just heard.)

The twisted copper pair and balanced interface have carried me through all the years of my life.  Now that I’m forced to give up my landline, I’m giving up the most reliable thing on the planet due to economics.  The reduced bill comes with reduced reliability and with an added “bonus” of signal latency.

The Idea Factory book coverAs an audio person, it carries more significance.  One of my favorite books has been The Idea Factory – Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation.  Through it weaves the names of Harvey Fletcher, Wilden Munson, Harry Nyquist, Walter Shewhart, Claude Shannon and more.  Audio, as we know and use it today has its roots deep in the development of the telephone and the work performed by the many engineers at Bell Labs.  Reading it is like of tour of our audio ancestral roots.

We owe the balanced interface, transistor, Volume Indicator, Equal Loudness Contours, the definition of the decibel as well as many other foundational audio principles to the telephone.

Long before the Internet, cell phones, text and Skype, we had thoughtful conversations.  This was before communication was cheapened by wireless connections, abbreviations, acronyms and emojis.  Things that become more convenient often lose their value.  The Bell System somehow kept us more deeply connected with each other than any of these modern devices will ever be capable of.

It is indeed a most sad day.

Tom Kehr
About the Author

Tom Kehr

CTS-D, CTS-I, Network+, LEED Green Associate, ISF-C, ATD Master Trainer

In-House System Designer and Trainer

Supported Applications: System Design

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