Intercom Systems
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 CLEAR COM INTERCOM SYSTEM MODEL TWC 10A  US $35.00
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 New Radio Shack Wireless EXPANDABLE Intercom System US $49.99
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 Archer Intercom System US $6.00
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My name is Stuart Richardson - I've been installing custom Audio/Video systems in Southern California for over 15 years (L.A. and Orange County), and have seen a lot of good and bad along the way. If you're interested in learning more about the best in whole-house A/V and lighting automation, read on to fill-up on the latest and greatest...
Probably the best place to start is at the beginning, with a description of some of the things you should expect from a modern whole-house system: the electronic heart of today's luxury home is the Low Voltage Distribution Panel - this is a centralized in-wall enclosure (usually made from formed steel) which houses the 'home runs' of most of the TV, telephone, and network cabling for the house. When I say 'home run', that means any group of cabling that begins in one single location and fans out from there - this is the preferred cabling method by today's standards (although not all cabling needs to be home run...). Along with the cabling, this distribution panel will also contain various termination equipment for each type of signal: RG6 cabling for TVs will terminate into an RF splitter and/or amplifier, telephone cabling (usually CAT5) will converge into a variety of phone blocks, and Ethernet cabling (again CAT5 or CAT5e) will go into a network switch or hub (in combination with the router or gateway device).
Audio/Video cabling is typically home run to a different central point, usually within close proximity to the home's main home theater system. This includes speaker cabling to as many different rooms as can be imagined, in combination with various control cabling (usually CAT5) for remotely controlling centralized A/V equipment. Most home systems are strictly for distributed audio, but today's top-of-the-line systems also offer distributed video - this allows, for instance, someone in one of the upstairs bedrooms to watch a DVD from the main system downstairs, and simultaneously listen to the audio from in-wall/in-ceiling speakers.
Of course the Home Theater system is key - the best systems will feature a projection or plasma display. If it's a projected picture, the screen can either be fixed (perhaps behind a motorized curtain, like in big theaters) or one which automatically extends when the projector is switched on. Speakers can be any combination of in-wall, in-ceiling, or conventional cabinet-style speakers - this includes the latest in thundering subwoofers (which can also be hidden behind walls or ceilings - or under the floor...). The sound processor should be able to decode a variety of signals, including AC3, DTS, and a few other less popular formats.
Remote controls have come a long way, and high-end systems should include what's now called "positive control": this type of system actually gets feedback from the various system components (via a mesh of tiny wires for current sensing, signal sensing, etc.) to determine the power status, then uses if/then/else logic for conditional control. Here's one example: you come into the theater room to watch a movie, and simply press 'Watch DVD' on the remote control. This sends the signal to a processor, which discovers that someone left the tuner on and the TV off. It compensates for this by turning on the TV, switching the tuner input to 'DVD', and pressing 'Play' on the DVD player. It then dims the lighting by 90%. This is what's considered a 'smart' system, and can be found with names like Elan and Niles.
And that brings us to lighting control - the big name is Lutron. This company offers a few different systems and methods to dynamically control the lighting in any home - the most popular of which uses the RadioRA controllers. These include high-end wall plates and/or table top remote controls which use RF (Radio Frequency) to wirelessly control lighting relays from a distance, and can be controlled by Audio/Video remotes for that real theater experience. One of the other benefits of Lutron's wall plates is the ability to control up to 5 switches in one single-gang unit.
Other features of the latest whole-house systems include distributed surveillance: imagine being in the back room of a very large house and the doorbell rings. Instead of dropping everything just to find out it's a pushy solicitor, you just look at the 7" color wall controller in front of you and see who's there. Pick up the phone and talk to them (through a speaker in the doorbell mount) - without even getting up. Then tap the touch screen once to see if the baby is awake on camera 2, or watch all four cameras in one single quad-view!
It's obvious that we've come a long way since the rotary volume controls you see on the walls of many older homes - these can still be useful and save you some money if you're not hungry for features.
About the author:
In an attempt at becoming a modern Renaissance/Vitruvian Man, I have tried to open my mind to all forms of learning for as long as I can remember. My first interests were science and music, when I studied biology and cosmology, and learned to play the piano, guitar and saxophone. I went on to study electronics/electromechanical control in the military, after which I got a start in the Audio/Video and Home Automation industry.
Along the way I became increasingly interested in spirituality and ancient religion - my involvement became more and more esoteric as time went on. I am now a practicing Qabalist and Alchemist, although I find it difficult to focus on these things as I'm constantly bombarded by the incessant stimuli of the modern world.
As an author, I have written two books (as of 2007): "The Marriage of Religion and Science" (non-fiction) and "The Aelf Club" (historical fiction). I plan on turning the latter into a multi-volume set.
I'm also very interested in movie-making - I've produced many family and music videos, and hope to make a feature film someday.
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Furuno LH-3010 Intercom Speaker List Price: $30.00 Used From: $4.98  |
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Intercom SpeakerThe LH3010 is a two-way Intercom Speaker with call button for use with the LH3000 Loud Hailer. Desktop bracket and mounting hardware are included.Product : FURUNO LH-3010 INTERCOM SPKR W/ CALL BACK BUTTON F/ LH3000 Manufacturer : FURUNO PARTS Manufacturer Part No : LH-3010 |
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We Control / Ruff Sale Price: $1.78 |
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Here's The Power / Odysseus Sale Price: $1.78 |
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Honeywell RCWL300A1006 Premium Portable Wireless Door Chime and Push Button List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $32.88 Used From: $25.54 |
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The Honeywell RCWL300A P3 Premium Portable Wireless Door Chime and Push Button makes it easy to replace your home's generic doorbell ring with a chime tune that better fits your individual style. This chime is also compatible with a wide range of optional security accessories that can help you safeguard your home and family, and it comes complete with a pre-programmed bell push button... |
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Honeywell RCWL330A1000/N P4-Premium Portable Wireless Door Chime and Push Button List Price: $69.99 Sale Price: $44.94 |
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The Honeywell RCWL330A P4 Premium Portable Plus Wireless Door Chime makes it easy to replace your home's generic doorbell ring with a chime tune that better fits your individual style. This chime is also compatible with a wide range of optional security accessories that can help you safeguard your home and family, and it comes complete with a pre-programmed bell push button... |
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Lorex LIVE SD9 Wireless Digital Security System - LW2902 List Price: $499.95 Sale Price: $299.99 Used From: $254.49 |
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Sla 12v 18ahupg 85977/d5745 sealed lead acid batteries (12v; 18 ah; ub12180). Specs: used in ups backup systems, spotlights, flashlights, exit lighting & other equipment; 12v; 18 ah; ub12180. Refurb: n... |
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Dale Be Not Proud Sale Price: $1.99 |
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Sonic Alert DB200 Combination Doorbell/Telephone Wireless Signaler List Price: $109.95 Sale Price: $98.00 |
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The DB200 combination model features a built-in telephone signaler and outlet for connecting a lamp. Just plug the telephone cord into a modular telephone jack (does not draw from phone line power). (Optional extra sensor must be purchased for intercoms... |
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Intercom System $547.99 M&S SYSTEMS DMC-10KIT DMC10 SERIES INTERCOM SYSTEM PACKAGE |
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M&S Systems / 5 IN INDOOR INTERCOM SPKR / DMC3R $60.67 M&S Systems - 5 IN INDOOR INTERCOM SPKR - DMC3R |
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M&S Systems / INTERCOM ROOM STATION / DMC-10RS $60.67 M&S Systems - INTERCOM ROOM STATION - DMC-10RS |
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M&S Systems / INTERCOM & STARTR PACK / DMC1PACK $735.35 M&S Systems - INTERCOM & STARTR PACK - DMC1PACK |
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5 In Indoor Intercom Spkr $52.99 M&S SYSTEMS DMC3R 5" INDOOR INTERCOM SPEAKERS (3 WIRE) |
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Intercom & Startr Pack $717.99 M&S SYSTEMS DMC1PACK INDOOR INTERCOM & SOUND STARTER PACK |
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Intercom Door Station $44.99 M&S SYSTEMS DMC-10DS DMC10 SERIES INTERCOM DOOR STATION |
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Intercom System Hub $359.99 M&S SYSTEMS DMC-10H DMC10 SERIES INTERCOM SYSTEM HUB |
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Intercom Patio Station $68.99 M&S SYSTEMS DMC-10PS DMC10 SERIES INTERCOM PATIO STATION |
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Intercom Room Station $51.99 M&S SYSTEMS DMC-10RS DMC10 SERIES INTERCOM ROOM STATION |
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Panasonic KX-T30865B Door Intercom $38.99 "Panasonic KX-T30865 (Black) Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Panasonic KX-T30865 is the door intercom speaker used with all Panasonic KX-T digital and analog phone systems that use a central control unit (""KSU""). The Panasonic KX-T30865 is designed for two way conversation with the front gate or door and can be mounted on any flat surface or over a single-gang electrical junction box. This unit requires one pair of wires connected to the control unit and has internal wire-clamp terminals for two stripped wires. KX-T30865 Features: Door Intercom, For 2-Way Conversation w/ Front Door / Gate, Mounts on Flat Surface or Over Electrical Box, Works With The Follwing Systems: Panasonic KX-TDA50 /100 / 200 / 600, Panasonic KX-TDE100 / 200" |
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Panasonic KX-T30865W Door Intercom $38.99 "Panasonic KX-T30865 (White) Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Panasonic KX-T30865 is the door intercom speaker used with all Panasonic KX-T digital and analog phone systems that use a central control unit (""KSU""). The Panasonic KX-T30865 is designed for two way conversation with the front gate or door and can be mounted on any flat surface or over a single-gang electrical junction box. This unit requires one pair of wires connected to the control unit and has internal wire-clamp terminals for two stripped wires. KX-T30865 Features: Door Intercom, For 2-Way Conversation w/ Front Door / Gate, Mounts on Flat Surface or Over Electrical Box, Works With The Follwing Systems: Panasonic KX-TDA50 /100 / 200 / 600, Panasonic KX-TDE100 / 200" |
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Sonic Alert DS700T Wired Intercom Sensor IS100 $35.99 "Sonic Alert DS700T Brand New Includes Five Year Warranty, The Sonic Alert DS700T wired intercom sensor is used in homes where an intercom with a built-in speaker is used. It works with models DS700, DS70, DS800 and DS80 wired signalers. The DS700T sensor has been designed for use with most intercom systems. DS700T Features: Wired Intercom Sensor, Used in Homes Where an Intercom w/ Built-In Speaker is Used, Designed for Use w/ Most Intercom Systems, Works w/ Models DS700, DS70, DS800 & DS80 Wired Signalers, UL Listed for Safety" |
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PMC-2X Driver Passenger Intercom $69.99 PMC-2X Driver/Passenger Intercom from Nady Systems Includes one communicator and two headsets for communication from driver to passenger on one vehicle Optional adapter cables let you communicate with other bikes by plugging any FRS/GMRS or PMR 2-way radio with VOX into the added jack Full duplex driver and passenger talk simultaneously as though on telephones Electronic touch controls, no knobs Noise-cancelling unidirectional microphones for clear conversation, even at higher speeds Small (4” x 2.75” x .65”), rugged, lightweight case weighs just 4.1 oz. and mounts on belt, or the clip can be removed and inserted in pocket AUX IN jack for listening to CD players No cumbersome handlebar or helmet mount, and no theft worries Includes two MO-type headsets for driver and passenger Fits all helmets, no drilling or cutting required Powered by three AAA batteries or by vehicle battery with optional Battery Eliminator **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand** |
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Panasonic KX-T30865W Door Intercom Box, White. Each $34.77 Manufacturer: Panasonic. Each. Features Panasonic door phone Standard door phone Compatible with KX-TA824 and KX-TAW848 telephone systems White Customers also search for: Discount Panasonic KX-T30865W Door Intercom Box, White , Buy Panasonic KX-T30865W D |
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Panasonic KX-T30865B Door Intercom Box, Black. Each $34.77 Manufacturer: Panasonic. Each. Features Panasonic door phone Standard door phone Compatible with KX-TA824 and KX-TAW848 telephone systems Black Customers also search for: Discount Panasonic KX-T30865B Door Intercom Box, Black, Buy Panasonic KX-T30865B Do |
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Sonic Alert DS80 Wired Doorbell / Telephone / Intercom $55.99 "Sonic Alert DS80 Brand New Includes Five Year Warranty, The Sonic Alert DS80 doorbell/telephone/intercom signaler accomplishes three functions in one new sleek updated case. Its advanced design draws no phone line power . With the lowest ringer equivalence number (0.0) the DS80 will not bog down your telephone service. The DS80 is designed to work with most kinds of doorbell systems and standard modular telephone jacks. It flashes a light plugged into it s outlet. The DS80 is best in studio apartments and dorm rooms that will only need one light for signaling. DS80 Features: Doorbell/Telephone/Intercom Signaler, Designed to Work w/ Most Doorbell Systems & Standard Modular Telephone Jacks, Flashes a Light Plugged Into Signaler's Outlet, Ideal for Studio Apartments & Dorm Rooms that Need 1 Light for Signaling, Draws No Phone Line Power, Work in Homes With or Without an Existing Doorbell or Chime, Lowest Ringer Equivalence Number (0.0), UL Listed for Safety" |
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Sonic Alert DS800 Deluxe Doorbell / Telephone / Intercom $59.99 "Sonic Alert DS800 Brand New Includes Five Year Warranty, The Sonic Alert DS800 doorbell / telephone / intercom signaler accomplishes three functions in one new sleek updated case. Its advanced design draws no phone line power . With the lowest ringer equivalence number (0.0) the DS800 will not bog down your telephone service. The DS800 is designed to work with most kinds of doorbell systems and standard modular telephone jacks. It flashes a light that is plugged into its outlet and also sends signals to remote receivers . The DS800 is best in studio apartments and dorm rooms that will only need one light for signaling. DS800 Features: Doorbell / Telephone / Intercom Signaler, Designed to Work w/ Most Doorbell Systems & Standard Modular Telephone Jacks, Flashes a Light Plugged Into Signaler's Outlet, Ideal for Studio Apartments & Dorm Rooms that Need 1 Light for Signaling, Sends Signals to Remote Receivers, Work in Homes With or Without an Existing Doorbell or Chime, Draws No Phone Line Power, Lowest Ringer Equivalence Number (0.0), UL Listed for Safety" |
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Indoor Remote Station - Retrofit for 4-Wire Intercom Systems $59.99 Both Designed for retrofit use with the NM100 ‘Master.’ They feature local volume control door talk/listen and room talk/listen buttons audio source selection audio source |
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Panasonic / Door Intercom / KX-T7775 $74.97 Panasonic - Door Intercom - KX-T7775 |
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CyberData 011113 Intercom $429.64 CyberData 011113 Intercom |
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Add-On Wireless Protable Intercom $60.99 ADD-ON WIRELESS PROTABLE INTERCOM |
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Nutone Radio Intercom Kit $732.99 NUTONE RADIO INTERCOM KIT |
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Westinghouse Additional Intercom For Whi-3c $23.99 WESTINGHOUSE ADDITIONAL INTERCOM FOR WHI-3C |
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Westinghouse Additional Intercom For Whi-4c $26.99 WESTINGHOUSE ADDITIONAL INTERCOM FOR WHI-4C |
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Westinghouse 4-Channel Intercom System $44.99 WESTINGHOUSE 4-CHANNEL INTERCOM SYSTEM |
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Portacom 4 Headset Intercom System from Anchor Audio $2161.95 PortaCom is a flexible, high-performance wired intercom system. built smart and simple, PortaCom gives you two channels without sacrificing power or quality. It is expandable, portable or rack mountable. It even has an optional battery supply module for remote locations. Best of all PortaCom is priced to sell to the junior high school theater, the local cable studio or the high school football coach. Includes (PC-100) power console , four dual earpiece (H-200) headsets , four (BP-200) belt packs , in a sturdy cardboard carrying case. Cables not included. 2 channel, wired full duplex systems High performance, low cost AC/DC operable Portable or rackmountable (1 U rack space) Durable Lightweight metal packs Up to 20 headset capacity Standard microphone cable / 3 pin XLR connectors Easy to setup and operate Comfortable lightweight noise canceling headsets |
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Portacom 4 Headset Intercom System (with Cables) from Anchor Audio $2377.95 PortaCom is a flexible, high-performance wired intercom system. built smart and simple, PortaCom gives you two channels without sacrificing power or quality. It is expandable, portable or rack mountable. It even has an optional battery supply module for remote locations. Best of all PortaCom is priced to sell to the junior high school theater, the local cable studio or the high school football coach.Includes (PC-100) power console , four dual earpiece (H-200) headsets , four (BP-200) belt packs , four (EX-50M) 50' cables , in asturdy cardboard carrying case, and (CC-PC) cable bag . 2 channel, wired full duplex systems High performance, low cost AC/DC operable Portable or rackmountable (1 U rack space) Durable Lightweight metal packs Up to 20 headset capacity Standard microphone cable / 3 pin XLR connectors Easy to setup and operate Comfortable lightweight noise canceling headsets |
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Portacom 6 Headset Intercom System with Cables from Anchor Audio $3551.95 PortaCom is a flexible, high-performance wired intercom system. built smart and simple, PortaCom gives you two channels without sacrificing power or quality. It is expandable, portable or rack mountable. It even has an optional battery supply module for remote locations. Best of all PortaCom is priced to sell to the junior high school theater, the local cable studio or the high school football coach.Includes: (PC-100) power console , six dual earpiece (H-200) headsets , six (BP-200) belt packs , one (B3-100) branch box , seven (EX-50M) 50' cables , in a sturdy cardboard carrying case, and (CC-PC) cable bag . 2 channel, wired full duplex systems High performance, low cost AC/DC operable Portable or rackmountable (1 U rack space) Durable Lightweight metal packs Up to 20 headset capacity Standard microphone cable / 3 pin XLR connectors Easy to setup and operate Comfortable lightweight noise canceling headsets |
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Portacom 6 Headset Intercom System from Anchor Audio $3173.95 PortaCom is a flexible, high-performance wired intercom system. built smart and simple, PortaCom gives you two channels without sacrificing power or quality. It is expandable, portable or rack mountable. It even has an optional battery supply module for remote locations. Best of all PortaCom is priced to sell to the junior high school theater, the local cable studio or the high school football coach.No cables package includes: (PC-100) power console , six dual earpiece (H-200) headsets , six (BP-200) belt packs , one (B3-100) branch box in a sturdy cardboard carrying case. Cables not included. 2 channel, wired full duplex systems High performance, low cost AC/DC operable Portable or rackmountable (1 U rack space) Durable Lightweight metal packs Up to 20 headset capacity Standard microphone cable / 3 pin XLR connectors Easy to setup and operate Comfortable lightweight noise canceling headsets |
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Nolan N-COM Intercom Ebox $127.46 Nolan N-COM Intercom Ebox. |
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Panasonic / Door Intercom WHITE / KX-T30865W $39.11 Panasonic - Door Intercom WHITE - KX-T30865W |
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Linear / WESTINGHOUSE 4-CHANNEL INTERCOM / WHI-4C $60.56 Linear - WESTINGHOUSE 4-CHANNEL INTERCOM - WHI-4C |
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Panasonic / Door Intercom BLACK / KX-T30865B $42.82 Panasonic - Door Intercom BLACK - KX-T30865B |
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CyberData VOIP EMERGENCY INTERCOM 011035 $381.46 CyberData VOIP EMERGENCY INTERCOM 011035 |
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CyberData VoIP PoE Intercom 010935F $379.43 CyberData VoIP PoE Intercom 010935F |
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Westinghouse 2 Channel Wireless Intercom $37.99 WESTINGHOUSE 2 CHANNEL WIRELESS INTERCOM |
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Westinghouse 4-Channel Voice Activated Intercom $46.99 WESTINGHOUSE 4-CHANNEL VOICE ACTIVATED INTERCOM |
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Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Protable Intercom $91.99 WIRELESS INDOOR/OUTDOOR PROTABLE INTERCOM |
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Wireless Protable Intercom Voice Activated $101.99 WIRELESS PROTABLE INTERCOM VOICE ACTIVATED |
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