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Doorbell interrupt for stereo system?

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Depends on type of doorbell.

I don't have links but I have seen this many times: Using wired/wireless signals to fire off another signal that controls a device.
 
You could go down to the bike junkyard and pull a stereo off an old Goldwing or, Venture Royale. What you're looking for is built in. A rider wearing a mike (or, a doorbell ringing) automatically cuts the music off and turns it back on when the noise stops. Pick up a twelve volt power source and you're good to go.
 
Ahah, found the official name for what I'm looking for: Audio Matrix Switcher. Unfortunately they tend to be in the $1500+ range, although I've found some cheapies on eBay. Also found a really good article on Engadget for a DIY SSD A/V switcher:

http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/13/how-to-make-a-solid-state-a-v-switcher/

Thinking of more projects for automatic switches like this. With timered relays, you could setup some low-cost whole-house audio systems with doorbell interrupts, intercom interrupts, computer interrupts for notifications, etc. Jeff's audio override box seems like the best foundation:

http://jeffmccracken0.tripod.com/AudioBox/audiobox.html

Next step would be to see if a volume ramping system could be integrated, so the music reduces in volume, plays the override input, then ramps back up to full volume.
 
Stereos with RS232 interfaces should be able to react to 12V signals as well.

Found an interesting one here:

http://www.smarthome.com/81823/Xantech-Audio-Sensor-Module-SMAUD01/p.aspx

$37 in-line RCA signal detector. Delay & sensitivity are adjustable. Output is to a 3.5mm control jack.

Still seems like there should be something inexpensive & off-the-shelf for this type of thing. Sonos is pretty nice, although expensive, but doesn't offer full switching capabilities like I'd like.

Edit: Just thought to look at musical stuff - mixers. Mixers can join multiple signals and adjust the volume of each line in without frying the sources. So a priority-activation system via line detection with signal mixing and timered relay switching. Yowza :awe:
 
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