Talking House is a low-power AM radio transmitter that a Realtor or homebuilder can use to broadcast pre-recorded advertising messages to cars as they stop outside a home for sale. They simply record a message using a handheld microphone, and put the transmitter inside a home — it can be hidden in a closet or even the attic — and plug it in. The whole system can be set up in less than 10 minutes. A yard sign instructs home shoppers to tune in a specific radio frequency as they stop in front of a home.
Q: How big is the transmitter?
A. Talking House is about the size of a small VCR. The transmitter weighs four pounds and operates on standard 120-volt AC power.
Q: Will the radio signal interfere with other stations?
A. Talking House will not interfere with other radio stations, or with any other electronic equipment in the home, or in near-by neighborhoods.
Q: What kind of antenna is used?
A. The basic antenna is an eight-foot long rubberized wire. With a signal range averaging more than 300 feet, Talking House can deliver a crisp, clear radio signal to drivers listening parked on the street in front of a home. Signal range will vary with installation style and environmental factors such as line-of-sight, and other interference.
Q: How do you install a message?
A. The message is loaded onto a five-minute digital chip simply by speaking into a handheld microphone. Or, a professionally produced message can be downloaded using a cassette or CD player. The message can be up to five minutes without any dead air time, and can be changed as often as the customer wants.
Q: Do Realtors or builders need a separate license?
A. No. The Federal Communications Commission, under Part 15 of its radio regulations, authorizes Talking House and users do not require a separate license. It broadcasts on any frequency on the entire AM band (560 to 1700 AM.) Changing the broadcast frequency is as easy as changing a car radio. Radio Technologies LLC, the distributor of Talking House, has applied for a patent for the unique one button tuner. Because there are no commercial radio stations operating in the United States above 1600, it is always easy for a Realtor or builder to find an open frequency.
Q: Is there any kind of security against unwanted broadcasts?
A. Yes. There is a special key-lock feature that prevents unauthorized frequency or message changes.
Q: Why is it AM?
A. Three reasons. First, almost every car has an AM radio. Thus, almost every car can hear the messages. Second, FCC regulations are much more restrictive on similar FM devices. On FM, the FCC only permits a similar device to broadcast about 60 feet, an inadequate distance for most applications. Finally, the device needs to broadcast on an open frequency to function properly and there are many open AM frequencies in most areas.
Q: What is the cost of the AM transmitter?
A. Between $300 and $800, depending on quantity purchased.