Cisco Cisco Unified MeetingPlace Audio Server Maintenance Manual

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Cisco MeetingServer 5.1 System Manager’s Guide   
 
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Cisco Systems 
 
March 2003 
For example, direct T1 digital connections to the PSTN often produce the 
cleanest sound quality. If the system is separated from the network by a 
PBX, or is separated from the PSTN by additional gear, there is a greater 
chance of impaired sound quality. 
Acoustic Treatment of Conference Rooms 
Large conference rooms are challenging because of the likelihood that sound 
echoes around the room several times before being reintroduced into the sound 
system. High ceilings, glass walls, and hard tables may all produce this type of 
acoustic echo problem. 
To improve acoustics in conference rooms, consider the following 
recommendations: 
 
Obtain advice from an acoustic consultant. 
 
Invest in a high-performance acoustic echo canceler. Echo cancelers are 
designed to cancel acoustic echo signals. 
 
Modify conference room decor. For example, acoustic tiling, window 
drapes, and flowers can reduce room echo. 
Room Calibration 
Even if a room has been equipped for improved acoustics, operating 
conditions can change significantly from day to day. Room temperature, 
participant movement, and line connections can all change the acoustic 
performance of echo canceler gear. 
We recommend performing room calibration before starting a conference 
call if the room has previously suffered from bad sound quality. Contact your 
MeetingPlace support representative for details. 
Background Noise Muting 
The meeting intelligibility and overall experience may be enhanced if a low 
background noise level is maintained.  
 
Tip: To prevent background noise from entering the meeting, 
participants can use the mute feature when they are not speaking. 
To activate muting, participants press #5 on their touchtone 
telephone. When they want to contribute to the meeting again, 
muting can be turned off by pressing #5 again.