IP speaker system

Abstract

An IP speaker system is disclosed that includes an IP speaker connected to one or more external speakers. The IP speaker comprises a CPU that provides an audio stream (directly or through an audio codec) to a plurality of amplifiers, including an amplifier for driving an internal driver of the IP speaker and one or more amplifiers for driving the external driver(s) of the external speaker(s). In some embodiments, the external speaker(s) are connected in series to the output of the IP speaker, in which case a single amplifier located in the IP speaker is used to drive the external driver(s) of the external speaker(s). In other embodiments, the external speaker(s) are connected in parallel to the output of the IP speaker, in which case each of the external speaker(s) includes a local amplifier for driving the external driver. Preferably, the CPU supervises the external speaker(s) so as to detect any speaker failure, disconnection, short or other change in operational status.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.