Enforce Push-To-Talk

[CrtxReavr]

Give us a server-side option to mandate push-to-talk. Please! >=]

-CR

[CrtxReavr]

Will no one else agree this is needed?

:confused:

-CR

[SatanClaus]

would be a nice feature, but perhaps a lot of noobs won't understand what they're doing wrong if they can't talk...

[Gryphon]

I was just coming to suggest this feature myself. The client could get an alert that tells them that they must set push to talk if the server or channel (preferably) is set to push to talk only mode and they join with voice activation.

[wonderworld]

yes i really want that feature.
voice activation can be a PAIN !

[MoSW_NHMadmax]

would be handy

[***666***]

It would be nice to have this server selectable forced push-to-talk, but I would also like to see Push-to-talk be the DEFAULT when first setting up the program (just use F12 or Left Control as the default talk key) because I can not tell you how many times we find ourselves yelling "Turn off push to talk" while a newbie coughs, talks nasty to the wife, etc. not realizing he is transmitting. :rolleyes:

[N. Werensteijn]

Hmm different perspectives :)

I think push-to-talk is the last resort when all else fails.

Granted newbies usualy dont have their mic's set correctly for voice activation, but once that is sorted out, voice activation is 10 times more usefull than push to talk (IMHO).

That's why its enabled by default.

As for servers enforcing it.. Well, maybe in the future :p Not high on list right now.

[wonderworld]

It's

*SUCH* a pain to explain it over and over and over and over again to new users.

And a single user who got a bad setup can kill the experience for ALL others !


greets
wonderworld

[parkov]

Originally posted by N. Werensteijn
Hmm different perspectives :)

I think push-to-talk is the last resort when all else fails.

Granted newbies usualy dont have their mic's set correctly for voice activation, but once that is sorted out, voice activation is 10 times more usefull than push to talk (IMHO).

That's why its enabled by default.

As for servers enforcing it.. Well, maybe in the future :p Not high on list right now.

Exactly. Newbies don't have their mic's set correctly, but once it's sorted out, voice activation is 10 times more useful.

That's why voice activation should be an advanced feature, while push-to-talk should be the default.

[wonderworld]

asking for a key to press @ first start. so ther'd be co confusion

[SatanClaus]

I don't like the thought to be forced to use ptt just because there are some noobs who don't know how to set their mics...
I always disable my mic when I'm talking to someone else or when I have to cough... and normally my breath doesn't activate my voice-stream. So why do you want to force me to use that stupid "hey, there are two guys with weapons right behind you." "they are behind ya" "turn around"... "too late"... omg I forgot to press that button.... I never liked it and I'll never like it, and now you want to piss all advanced TeamSpeakers just because there are noobs who are too stupid to set their voice-activation correctly?

also I don't like the thought that ptt is default and you can switch to voiceactivation... because that would force advanced players to tell noobs how to use voiceactivation correctly even if their mic is set correctly by accident.
and what about all those who forget which key they used to talk?
"can someone hear me?" - "no".

why don't you just password-protect your channels or do anything else to prevent noobs from entering your channels and destroying your experience :p

cu
SatanClaus

[CrtxReavr]

Originally posted by SatanClaus
So why do you want to force me to use that stupid "hey, there are two guys with weapons right behind you." "they are behind ya" "turn around"... "too late"... omg I forgot to press that button.... I never liked it and I'll never like it, and now you want to piss all advanced TeamSpeakers just because there are noobs who are too stupid to set their voice-activation correctly?

First of all, tuning your system and mic to make voice-activation work, doesn't make you an advanced TeamSpeak user.

Second of all, just because you're an idiot who forgets his push-to-talk button, means TS server admins can't have this option?

I use TeamSpeak for in-game communication. . . to emulate a radio. I want a realistic gaming experience. Pilots who use radios, do not use voice-activation. They have a push-to-talk button on their control stick. Soldiers using radios, don't use voice-activated microphones. They use push-to-talk.

If you wanna use voice-activation on your server, then by all means do it.

I'm asking for an option here. . . AN OPTION. I'm not looking to ruin how you use TeamSpeak. But you're looking to ruin how I want to use it.

[grimdoa]

THIS IS NEEDED bigtime!!!

Here in lies the problem....

1. Constructive critisim here, not a bash on your software, I personally think your program is the best of the genre, but just like anything there are upsides and downsides. Fact are facts, your voice activation is the pits, it pics up the slightest noise while in VA mode and there is little anyone can do about it except you. If you use VA and it works, GREAT! but for those that it doesn't we need this...Pure and simple.

2. You have max users and a few of them are on voice activated. They step all over the other users with breathing, speaker sound, etc...disrupting someone who is actually saying something.

This issue is not about trying to nueter TS, but more about giving your ardent supporters options, and not locking something down that does not work for all....Pure and simply.

Any help you TS developers could give your users would be GREATLY appreciated. We just want it to work the way that is best for us, Give us the tools to do this and I think everyone will be happy, you having users that are happy with your software, and users that have options to combat that which does work all that well.....

Regards

[Shadicus]

Simple things such as:

n00b + bad o chips = disaster.... yes this has happened.

someones phone ringing... once again we suffered friendly fire

mouth breathers...

so what is really easier for a n00b? explaining ptt or explaining how to properly set mic levels for each persons own varibles?

BTW I love you guys ya kick much ass!

[grimdoa]

Since I have a zip file explaining the ins and outs for PTT, in my specific case, PPT is easier to explain. But as it is the VA option is default...and that is the problem. All we want is the option to enforce the PTT. That is all....

Thanks.

[Cutter]

I agree, there are some that can't seem to get their mic set up correctly no matter how many times you try to help them or maybe they just refuse to set up their mic up correctly. This would solve that quite nicely on my servers. The current fix of muting that player doesn't work as you inadvertently end up talking over them and having to repeat yourself.

[Cstar_maxim]

I agree this would be helpfull, but let me add something here.

I would like to see only unregistered users PTT and those that do get approved to register can change this to VA. (or something like that)

[Brain]

I don't see why anybody wouldn't understand the concept of push-to-talk. It's like using a walkie-talkie. If you don't know how to operate a walkie-talkie...

[Cutter]

I think ultimately it should be left up to the server administator. If they are running a server and don't want folks to have access to voice activation then they should be allowed to make that call. It is ,after all, their server and their bandwidth that is being used here. Give them the choice. If I want heavy breathers in my ear, I'll publish my telephone number publicly. :)

[majorwilson]

this feature is seriously needed, not just for noobs but for practice for channel commanders

i have lost count of the number of times i have had to listen to someone having a conversation with their misses etc

it would be awesome if it could be setup so PTT was default (unchangeable setting for anon users) and changable for SA & CA' etc

it would make ts so much better for all in the community

[xTweaker]

/sign

I strongly agree with this!

[xTweaker]

Originally posted by N. Werensteijn
Hmm different perspectives :)

I think push-to-talk is the last resort when all else fails.

Granted newbies usualy dont have their mic's set correctly for voice activation, but once that is sorted out, voice activation is 10 times more usefull than push to talk (IMHO).

That's why its enabled by default.

As for servers enforcing it.. Well, maybe in the future :p Not high on list right now. That is so very wrong!

When you have over 10 people in the same channel, all playing a game with loud speakers, or people that play with their mic too close to their mouth..... it's a mess!

You hear everyone's mic clicking on and off all the time, and you can hear yourself talking through their mic.

Trust me on that, I've been using TS in online gaming for many different games, and NOWHERE have I seen "voice activation" either recommended or allowed at all. Everywhere I've connected to, Push-To-Talk was mandatory and you had 10 guys telling you to set your push to talk at the same time when you logged on.

Voice activation is good for mic's like the army is using... the ones that you tie around your neck and get the sound from the throat around the vocal cords.

You'll see that any other organisation using radio comms always have some sort of push to talk when the surrounding environment is loud in average (pilots, police, firemen, etc...)

That feature would really be a good addition, and is not something very hard to to I'm sure. Simply set a variable to on or off if the client connecting to the server has his push to talk enabled or not. If he has it to off, then mute his mic with a special icon on it showing push to talk is required.

[mispunt]

Originally posted by xTweaker

You hear everyone's mic clicking on and off all the time, and you can hear yourself talking through their mic.

You can solf this problem by using headsets, then you can't hear your self anymore ;) (I have a lot of experience with this ;) )

[Dumptruck]

Maybe When setting up a channel in your server it would give you the option to set a PTT enforced for that channel only

[majorwilson]

no more news on this i take it :(

[SRQHivemind]

Agreed, a PTT enforceer is NEEDED.

I am the TS admin for mt local LAN party group, we enforce Push to talk amongst our users, but some refuse, notably the one person who pushes the issue, our webmaster is a user of VA himself and refuses to switch, denying he uses it, i know this by shouting across the room and hearing his mic activate (hearing it in my headset).
the hypocrites need to be weeded out.

[Peter]

Hmmm,

PTT vs Voice Activation is getting some kind of a war =).
If the only way you can find out if your mate is using voice activation or not is by shouting through the flat, then DONT CARE about it!
And this is not about "weeding out" people that like this or that setup.
Our plan for TS3 will be a more advanced sound wizard thingy, that will run you through the setup of the sound system, and try and give hits (like very loud background noise -> use PTT).
My hope is that this will reduce the amount of "constant transmitters" "mic breathers" "echo bots" etc. greatly, since the programme will be able to detect the situation, and guide the user through fixing it, plus optimizing the settings to prevent the problems from being overly disturbing.

[wonderworld]

why not implement such a feature.
SA's can decide forthemselfes then...

Greets wonder

(i'd really need that)

[m&m's]

yep i only allow press to talk in my t-s . end of dusscition your kicked with resson come back when you set push to talk ! i hate hearing the game loud explosions , phone ring and there conversation with there old lady screaming at hubbie to come eat, get off the pc , or what ever ... or when i need to say something 3 seconds latter i hear myself comeing back thru there speakers !!! and head sets suck to wear for hours at a time , i do allow a few headset peps to stay , such but only if i cant hear the surounding room sounds , needles to say there are few that fit in this group :rolleyes: but you still hear them take it off and set it down to p or get a snack !

[vizionblind]

Devs PLEASE, let there be an option for server admins to enable PTT only, if they so choose.

[Peter]

yep i only allow press to talk in my t-s . end of dusscition your kicked with resson come back when you set push to talk ! i hate hearing the game loud explosions , phone ring and there conversation with there old lady screaming at hubbie to come eat, get off the pc , or what ever ... or when i need to say something 3 seconds latter i hear myself comeing back thru there speakers !!! and head sets suck to wear for hours at a time , i do allow a few headset peps to stay , such but only if i cant hear the surounding room sounds , needles to say there are few that fit in this group :rolleyes: but you still hear them take it off and set it down to p or get a snack !

Well, all you are describing is (sound) setup problems. You should not use speakers with TeamSpeak, it will cause echos. And you should bind yourself a key to mute your microphone...When I take off my headset to go fetch some food, I just hit the mute microphone key, and unmute when I am back and the headset it mounted on my head again...Also if somebody comes into my room or maybe I have to sneeze etc., I press mute mircophone, and voila - nobody gets disturbed.
So, what you peeps really want, is not to force everybody to use push-to-talk. What you wan't is a good (sound) setup, and in TS3 we will try very much to guide every user through the steps necessary to get it.

[m&m's]

Well, all you are describing is (sound) setup problems. You should not use speakers with TeamSpeak, it will cause echos. And you should bind yourself a key to mute your microphone...When I take off my headset to go fetch some food, I just hit the mute microphone key, and unmute when I am back and the headset it mounted on my head again...Also if somebody comes into my room or maybe I have to sneeze etc., I press mute mircophone, and voila - nobody gets disturbed.
So, what you peeps really want, is not to force everybody to use push-to-talk. What you wan't is a good (sound) setup, and in TS3 we will try very much to guide every user through the steps necessary to get it.


but the rest of the world is not as conciderate as you "muteing mic" , and while in a game day after day you get sick of saying the same thing to diferand pepole about how to set up there ts the right way... and as far as useing speakers i got onboard sound directed to t-s ,and a creative audigy 2zs 7.1 for gameing ... so i got 10 speakers hook to this system and noone has ever said anything to me about crudy sound or echos from my t-s .. 2 ts speakers atop moniter mic sticky taped under moniter no echos . you will only get echos from someone elsees mic picking up the sound from there own speakers , and whiles you may beable to set your mic for voice actavtion using a headset easyer then with speakers you still are going to hear the kids screaming and phone ring .like most peps have a phone at there desk .. and you dont know when it's going to ring so muting mic can only happen after the fact , lol if they rember to mute it at all

[Brain]

The best solution would be a larynx mic like the mil guys use. But I guess something like that isn't widely available or cheap :)
And probably you'll need a special pre-amplifier so you can hook it to your sound card.

[m&m's]

The best solution would be a larynx mic like the mil guys use. But I guess something like that isn't widely available or cheap :)
And probably you'll need a special pre-amplifier so you can hook it to your sound card.


the larynx mic's i have seen are press to talk it's on you neck to block out the background sounds , guns shooting, explosings , weather ie rain, thunder and wind !!! and so a soldier in deep sh*t can call for help without shouting or have to repeat him self becuse of background nosies and die befor help can get to him becuse he is still repeating him self or looking for the mic he droped when the sh*t hit the fan !!!!

[Cstar_maxim]

@pwk.linuxfan - Thats a great idea and I am looking forward to having a better sound set-up wizard thingy built into the TS3 install.

I still think that giving the server admins a way to set a server or channel as PTT can cut back a lot of bandwidth usage and unwanted signal(noise) as well as providing a feel of walky-talky/CB-radio/FieldComm type communication set-up, specially If the "clicks" were also selectable.

I will concede that PTT is inferior to VA in many aspects non as much as it causing the user to have to provide a physical input of some sort to Vox but to denigh the server admin this basic option in his/her server is unjustified unless it is allot of work on the TS Team to try and incorporate it into TS in the future.

To help all of us to understand that it is not just a simple thing to add. The server would have to send to the client this "PTT" attribute to each and every client upon joining a server or channel and exert some control over the client software (or the client would have to read this attribute upon joining). This is not being done now because the client selects PTT him/herself for their individual situation. This in itself is cause for serious consideration as to validity and/or necessity.

I would still like it though... ;)

[Brain]

Another idea: you could leave it on voice activation, but use a contact mat to break/close the microphone line. Since in most cases you don't use rudder pedals you'd have something to keep your feet busy with too :)
I have no idea if that would actually work, I've never looked into contact mats and their electrical properties.

[Straeph]

lots of heated debate over something that was proposed as a what?

oh yeah...



AN OPTION!!!

[WuphonsReach]

No kidding...

I think it's a good server-side option to have. Especially if it's on a channel-by-channel basis (maybe?). I personally always use PTT, and find it annoying when you hear people's kids in the background or other noises due to VA.

[HHxbl4ze]

Alot more people are hands free then you think. I am sitting in a quiet room on a headset. Speakers are muted. Works like a charm. To mandate it would shy tons and tons of your loyal ts talkers to run to ventrillo! :(

[Brain]

... or run to a server that doesn't enforce push-to-talk. There is more than one you know :)

[Iceone]

I vote Yes to this.

Short and concise.

[grimdoa]

I think Blaze among others has missed the point....AGAIN.

It is not about FORCING people to use PTT by TS and there being no voice activation option at all. If you have a clan or squad that can use voice activation, then all the more better for you. Use that option by all means. When you have a clan or squad that NEEDS push to talk, or the admin REQUIRES PTT on thier server then the admin for that server should have the option of enforcing it and disallowing voice activation. It is not about limiting TS at all. It is about giving clans and squads "options" and the tools to enforce the options that the admin finds best for THIER servers. It really is quite that simple...
:D


***THIS IS NEEDED FOR INDIVIDUALS RUNNING TS SERVERS FROM THIER HOME CONNECTIONS LOOKING TO MAXIMIZE SOUND QUALITY AND MINIMIZE BANDWIDTH USAGE***(IE using the highest codec possbile and not having VA in use)

That is where this is the VERY MOST needed IMO. Your milage at home of course may vary.

Regards

[Maximillian]

If it is possible for a server or channel setting to force a client into one mode or another I would love it.

I run a DC clan and we all use VA 99% of the time for general play and pickup games. We hang out in the default channel and everyone tries to keep the noise down, and chatter at a decent level.

But when we get into a match or a scrim, things get loud, and important communicatoin goes out the window. If I could have a match channel, that when the SA puts you into it, forced your client into PTT mode and then let the client revert back to its previous setting when you were removed again.

Now that would be cool.

[m&m's]

it would be cool to have a check box in the edit channel X push to talk only and the client trying to get in the channel could get a pop up box saying you need to switch to ppt. or your mic gets muted till you do , there are a rare few i let use VA but not many if i hear anything and i mean anything , your told to fix your setting or switch to ptt . if player is not doing so i kick with reason "fix your mic", he comes back and still not ppt i kick 1 last time then i ban , but it is a pain in the butt to walk players thru that dont know were anything is or whats it does and your in a game , with some NoOb's mic picking up the tv sounds , kid screaming in the back ground , wife or mom talking on the phone etc etc . or you hear every shot they take ......while there in a game .. and to top if off you cant give directions to someone ehcoing back at ya

there is now way i should have to put up with that on my server "i dont i kick" becuse the dev's have a hard-on for VA , but they know how to use it so they do see a proublem , but being most player don't even know there is a manual to teamspeak you know they dont even know what your talking about some times lol .... push to talk "whats that " "how do i set that up " "where is it " i wish i had a doller for each person that has come in with VA set up wrong i would be a rich M_Fer :D

[grimdoa]

So, what you peeps really want, is not to force everybody to use push-to-talk. What you wan't is a good (sound) setup, and in TS3 we will try very much to guide every user through the steps necessary to get it.


Not to be disrespectful and I do appreicate your efforts to decipher what is is that we are asking for but, no actually what we really want is exactly what was asked for. The ability to enforce push to talk on our servers. NOT an option to hold peoples hand through the setup up so they can maximize thier VA option let alone defaulting to that option. I would have no problem whatsoever if in TS3 the VA option was disabled completely, but I do realize that is unrealistic.

[Cutter]

Is there some reason the dev's are so dead set against giving us, those people that run TS servers, the option to disable VA on our servers? Is there some programming difficulty in achieving this or some problem with the code that won't allow you to implement this feature.

I know that you TS guys think VA is the greatest thing since sliced bread but even set up correctly and running at optimal efficiency there are those of us out there that think it's worthless. I don't care how good they set it up, if they sneeze, cough, scream at the kid/wife/dog we have to hear it. If their speakers are at ear shattering levels, which they always seem to be at, the mic will pick it up.

I think TS is a great app and that you guys do a fantastic job. That said, can you just give us the option to disable VA. At least on the channel level. It would be greatly appreciated.

[Acidshock]

Agreed, its definately a much needed feature. I understand the Teamspeak Staff for not wanting to add this feature in as it could lead to most servers not allow voice activation. Nonetheless I think this should be an optional feature that is not enabled by default.

One example I would like to give on why the PTT method is much preferred is in my Planetside Outfit. We want PTT and not VA because it limits how much people can say at once and makes people think before they speak. When VA is enabled users tend to give too many "play by plays" and clutter the teamspeak server with useless chatter. Also again, it only takes 1 user to come in and not have their sound configured properly to ruin everyones time. Even with any new tuning features, unless they are completely active all the time they probably are not enough. Also even with the best tuning features nothing can make up for a crappy mic or someone with their speakers blasting.

[Mr Mister]

i dont think we should be forced to push to talk...

it gets irretating, and i really dont think we should get banned for it, like LA did to me and my friend that were just trying to play a game.... and we werent even bothering any1 so i really would like back on and if its just a time thing then plz dont do it again we did not deserve it

[Cutter]

If someone is providing you a server to use at no cost to you then courtesy dictates that you follow their rules. You are a guest in their house, so to speak, and should be respectful of their wishes. If you can't then you should seek out another server to use.

You are not being forced to do anything when the owner of a server asks you to use PTT. You always have the choice of going elsewhere. If this doesn't sit well with you then host your own server and you can set your own rules.

Personally, if you are on my server and you refuse to use PTT, you will be banned every time. I think it's utterly ridiculous that you feel you can make use of someone else's resource without the slightest regard for the owner's wishes.

[m&m's]

amen brother :D

[jasonvw]

Of course you also have the problem of stupis people trying to 'trick the SA" by adjusting their settings. this would solve the problem, until you trying to play a game and hear "Mom, no, ill do that later, MOM!" It gets rather annoying but I don't think enforce PTT should be on by default though.

[grimdoa]

i dont think we should be forced to push to talk...

it gets irretating, and i really dont think we should get banned for it, like LA did to me and my friend that were just trying to play a game.... and we werent even bothering any1 so i really would like back on and if its just a time thing then plz dont do it again we did not deserve it

YES you did deserve it, and if the situation where to happen on my TS server not only would I have banned you, I would have IP banned you for not playing by the rules forever. I can only hope that is what they did to you as that would have been the very best course of action.

Never has my signature on this board been more applicable. What a total dumbass kid.... :rolleyes:

Not sure how one person can get something SO wrong while Cutter hits the nail right on the head with this.
If someone is providing you a server to use at no cost to you then courtesy dictates that you follow their rules. You are a guest in their house, so to speak, and should be respectful of their wishes. If you can't then you should seek out another server to use.

You are not being forced to do anything when the owner of a server asks you to use PTT. You always have the choice of going elsewhere. If this doesn't sit well with you then host your own server and you can set your own rules.

If mean seriously Mr. Mister (which BTW is a HORRIBLE 80's band, enough so to probably create a new profile on this BBS if it were me.) Do you pay for these guys bandwidth? Did you purchase the computer/server? Do you pay the bill every month to Online Stomping Grounds? If the answer is "yes" to anyone ONE of these questions then I would say that you would have a say in how the server is run. If the answer is "no" to ANY of these what EXACTLY do you think entitles you to say ANYTHING about how they run thier server? Absolutely nada so please shut your pie hole. Both your ignorance and age is showing....

[guldi]

I would have no problem whatsoever if in TS3 the VA option was disabled completely, but I do realize that is unrealistic.
I would have one !!!
On small servers with people knowing what they're doing, it would be a pain to be forced to use a key to talk. Once configured, this feature is a great help.

[grimdoa]

^^^^ and there is the reason why we should have an option for both. You like it, I loathe it. You realize that is why they still make both choclate and vanilla right? Freedom of choice. With the developers turning a deaf, obtuse ear to this feature (one that its users asking for in droves.) I begin to open myself up to look at Ventrillo again.

Reasons:
1. They are ahead of you guys in MAC development. (Go visit thier page.) They do have a MAC server application offered where you have a bunch of promises that as of yet go un-fullied.

2. From reading thier board they actually listen to thier users for functions they want to see in Ventrillo. I *believe* they call that feedback....Look into it sometime. :rolleyes:

[guldi]

I'd like to see this as an option as well, but as you said you'd not care about VA, I'd to give my opinion as I think this feature is still a very good one and therefore a must have.

TS vs Vent: it's your freedom to choose

[JHP_TIM]

Very well said , the key word is option

[Cstar_maxim]

I haven't been around for a while and was wondering what TS3 was going to have in regards to this issue.

Client side Option ?
We know TS has both VA and PTT as a client side option and don't expect this to change. (much)

Client side Default ? - TSTeam effort = Easy
As it sits right now VA is the default setting and PTT is the optional setting.
This IMO is the first and formost needed change and the reason for this is that PTT is better for the first time user (specially if his setup is wacked). As the user grows in experience allow him to switch to VA. An experienced user can find and change this for him/herself fast enough. The best benift to this is the drop (not elimination) of unresearched questions from inexperienced users about sound problems like "Echo". It falls in line with the KISS principal (Keep it simple stupid) *note: I personally am not calling anyone stupid*

Server side ? - TSTeam effort = Hard
Allow the server administrator to specify the default setting according to the club/clan requirements. New and unregistered members default out to server default setting while registered cleints retain there choice ( or dare I say privilege ;) ) of options available on that server. Once all options are available to a server member (wether registered or not) the client side setting is used.

ie:..Default..............-..Server default...Y....Client default..N
.....Server default.....-..Push To Talk.....Y....Voice Activ....N
.....Available Options.-..Push To Talk.....Y....Voice Activ....Y


Channel Option ? - TSTeam effort = Overwelming
Allow a channel administrator to allow/disallow one or other activation processes according to the channel politics....

ie:..Default..............-..Channel default...Y
.....Channel default...-..Push To Talk.....Y....Voice Activ....N
.....Available Options.-..Push To Talk.....Y....Voice Activ....Y


Maybe I am starting to dream but....:)
Thanks for letting me rant atleast LOL

[bn880]

I believe it is imperative to have such an option implemented, and per-channel basis. :) I know full well it is not _that_ difficult to implement either considering the existing feature set. It only needs to be a network wide flag for the channel, and a client side check and voice notification.

I do not see how someone can debate such an OPTIONAL feature. I guess common sense rarely is.


Cheers

[Cstar_maxim]

I don't think it is a matter of it being hard to do....as so much as, whether TeamSpeak wants to be known as a primary Push-to-talk default gaming VoIP with option for Voice-Activation or known as a Voice-Activation default gaming VoIP with option Push-to-Talk.

To me a mere user I have my preferences in certain situations. I also feel that the reputation of TeamSpeak will be hurt more by one choice as opposed to the other ( namely making PTT the "option" ) for the complete program. I contend that PTT as default will lend itself in a favorable light to the inexperienced or new user.

However, allowing the server admin the right to make this choice is a good half step compromise if there is ever going to be one.

[CheshireCat]

Personally, I don't like PTT. The users usually push as they start talking and release as they stop so that you often seem to get clipped, unintelligable statements. It's hard if you're playing a heated fight and need to call fast instructions to team mates and don't have enough idle fingers or presence of mind to even dream of finding the right button. Or you have to give up a convenient button to give to TS. PTT reduces the cameraderie feel when you all start laughing or swearing over some game incident.
But I also agree with the Option idea, I hate someone elses opinion being forced on me. So long as enforced PTT is shown on the TS servers list, so that you can decide to avoid those servers, I'm happy enough.
I'm finding very difficult to understand why there's such a big deal being made of this, it seems a perfectly logical request.

[Gryphon]

It wouldn't be either/or. It would be the same as it is now with the option for admins to lock channels down for PTT only. I am sure it would be default to off, with the option for admins to turn it on in certain situations the same way they can password a channel, or moderate it. An option wouldn't hurt TeamSpeak in any way, only the server admins who get backlash for enabling it, and that is their prerogative.

I don't think there would ever be any other way this would be implemented, there are ways yes, but common sense and seeing their development history dictates this is the way it would be if implemented.

In the end, this is the server admins choice, not the users. If you don't want PTT, argue to your server admin, but they should have the ability to enforce it if they want.

[poofph]

yep, whole reason I just came to these forums.. to find out if there is a push to talk option to set on the server. a push to talk option would really be handy and welcomed.

[Fries]

isnt push to talk, where you push a button to talk? it seems to me it is a good idea, who would want people with their settings set close to whisper, and hear their breathing constantly, wouldnt that get annoying? it does for me, i myself use push to talk, i use my + key on the keypad to talk, since its beside my trackball mouse and its easy for me... i dont like to ise voice activation because, i like swear, and my dad plays in the ts server as well and well dont need him hearing me swear he'll crab about it even if im 17 :/ but yea... i think it would be nice to use ptt if alot of people dont know how to set up their activation levels, the right way.. because alot of people DO yell at people in background, or hear them breathing, or even hear phones ring, which ALL interupts my gameplay, which i think would be nice to have the feature, so they can control who hears, them, the people out of ts, or people inside ts at same time as people outside.... hope this is understandable im tired :/

[Ferny]

I agree with Fries, for the same reasons: with voice activation, you hear all kinds of extraneous noises, such as coughing, swearing, telephones ringing, doors slamming and so on. But it's a personal preference, I suppose, and, as long as someone takes the trouble to set up voice activation carefully, there should not be too many heavy breathers!

Ferny

[Maximillian]

Thats not really the point here. The issue is if you can have a server side setting force clients to use PTT instead of VA. There are plenty of reasons to use PTT, most of us agree on that. But there are many reasons why you might want to use VA instead.

For example, our DC clan often has more than 8 or 10 ppl on TS at the same time. Now PTT is the only way anyone can get a word in during a heated battle.
But consider this, if you setup some sub channels within a channel and everyone binds "wisper to channel family' to a key, but sets the client to VA. Then you break your group up into smaller sub groups and put them into different sub channels.
Now when you say something the 2 or 3 guys in the channel will hear it. But if you hit your bound key, the whole team will hear it. You run the risk of talking over others on the other channels, but it can work well with a little practice.

[Cutter]

Not a good solution IMHO. Since you can't hear the folks in the other channel, you WILL talk over someone at some point and I would be using the block whisper feature or muting you altogether as fast as I could get the option clicked. It would seriously annoy me if someone in another channel talked over my conversation with the people in my channel.


But consider this, if you setup some sub channels within a channel and everyone binds "wisper to channel family' to a key, but sets the client to VA. Then you break your group up into smaller sub groups and put them into different sub channels.
Now when you say something the 2 or 3 guys in the channel will hear it. But if you hit your bound key, the whole team will hear it. You run the risk of talking over others on the other channels, but it can work well with a little practice.

[Cstar_maxim]

Well I know I breath very heavy in battle so PTT has become my standard and I move to a channel in teamspeak for battle and it seems those that I do battle with mostly anymore also use PTT. I submit that PTT doesn't just stand for Push to Talk, but also Private till Talking ;) I like my privacy.

I guess if they don't give it to me I can continue to shun those that do use VA during league battles. Why should I open myself up to preventable unwanted noise and disraction when trying to get a shoot off.

tweak my friends not the program I guess.

[PantsMan]

This is a feature I personally would like to see implemented in the new software (along with a start of transmission noise [something like a half second burst of white noise to slow the broadcaster down, avoiding cut-off], enforced "one person at a time" transmission and side-channels with proper ACL support), but I've read this thread, and I see a lot of hostility building.

No-one has yet suggested making PTT compulsory in TS, and I don't think it should be made the software default for that matter (as at least one poster suggested), but I would like to see "PTT only" checkboxes offered as part of channel creation (and for server administrators, a server-wide checkbox would make sense)

A little perspective from the online flight simulation community, where PTT seems to be the preferred method; I pilot and ATC on one of the big online flight simulation networks. I've only ever used PTT (even when I was playing PlanetSide a while back) and I recommend PTT (and using a headset) to everyone I talk with as part of the flight simulation hobby. When piloting and monitoring the UNICOM frequencies (which pilots are supposed to monitor in uncontrolled airspace) I find myself having to mute at least one other pilot during most FS sessions because (1) they have left the default announcements on for joiners/leavers and (2) they are using Voice Activation. I'd love to see our network's UNICOM channels being made PTT only.

Giving channel and server administrators a chance to say "if you want to make use of this channel/server, we want you to use PTT", seems like a sensible feature to me.

[m&m's]

thats been the chatter in this thread for a long time lol . but leaving it set as voice att as default defeats the whole game ..voice att is a more advanced setting for those that can set it up rigth ... it works well for headset users .... but no0bs that just downloaded the ts client don't read the manual or any thing else and are allways setting off therer mic's on exhale , eating potochips , phone calls , wife bit*hing , or it's a 8 year old kid with barny on tv behind them . i could go on but i think you all get my point lol ptt should be default . any moron can push a button to talk .this can be made apart of the setup instructions ...setup push any key now this is your ptt key while ts is on, the key can be change it the ts client settings tab ...end setup instructions ... only advanced users can mannage voice att ............ and setting it up corectly so why offer it to users till they grasp the bacis of the app .this is the point of most posters

[RG_Lunatic]

VOX works great if you set it up right.

Just tell your VOX users to setup the VOX so that, when they start counting from 1 to 5, starting with their quietest voice for 1, next quietest for 2, it does not pick up their voice until they reach 4.

Also make sure they set the mic up at least 2 inches from their mouth or nose, so their breath does not get picked up.

I agree it should be available as an option, but if it is please make this an option at the channel and subchannel levels.

=S=

Lunatic

[m&m's]

VOX works great if you set it up right.

Just tell your VOX users to setup the VOX so that, when they start counting from 1 to 5, starting with their quietest voice for 1, next quietest for 2, it does not pick up their voice until they reach 4.

Also make sure they set the mic up at least 2 inches from their mouth or nose, so their breath does not get picked up.

I agree it should be available as an option, but if it is please make this an option at the channel and subchannel levels.

=S=

Lunatic
thats all well and good but like i and many others have statted the n0obs to ts barely can log in.

you think they can deal with the mic setting as advanced users as soon as it is loaded to there moms pc... lol not all but enuff lol but ptt is simple to use and set up ..

you all so state counting so you can test the actavation but what do you tell someone that games with speakers and a desk top mic and the speakers set off the mic just like there voice !!! then you get there gun shots in your speakers all the time ..... as stated v att is for advanced uses who know what is what and how to set it up or you hear then when it's not needed

[PantsMan]

Regarding M&M's reply to my post

I see where you are coming from now. There are (in essence) two threads running in parallel through this discussion:-

1. Requests for a server-side PTT-only flag at the channel (and sub-channel) level. Additionally a number of us would like there to be a server level PTT-only flag.

2. What the default client-side transmit setup should be.

These are two completely separate issues. I in no way wish to diminish the discussion of 2. (as for some of you it *is* important), but personally I do not care whether it stays VA or gets changed to PTT as my usage of the new client like as not be unchanged from the current client.

Our FS network has mandated PTT only. There is currently no way to enforce this, hence the feature request. Thinking laterally for a moment, as an alternative might it be possible for a PTT-only client to be produced?

[m&m's]

no it's more please give us one of these lol i would like to see both ptt as default setting in the new client with instructions on how to use it ie set the button while loading the client & a server side flag to deny voice att users till there set to ptt on my servers , i do warn players that there settings are not correct and i can hear them , but that gets old too , i dont want to HAVE to , walk players thru the proccess of setting this up correctly all the time ! i want to play and chat with my online friends !!

[RG_Lunatic]

thats all well and good but like i and many others have statted the n0obs to ts barely can log in.

you think they can deal with the mic setting as advanced users as soon as it is loaded to there moms pc... lol not all but enuff lol but ptt is simple to use and set up ..

you all so state counting so you can test the actavation but what do you tell someone that games with speakers and a desk top mic and the speakers set off the mic just like there voice !!! then you get there gun shots in your speakers all the time ..... as stated v att is for advanced uses who know what is what and how to set it up or you hear then when it's not needed

Hmmm... once I get them hooked up to the point they are able to talk and hear, I have never had a problem walking them through the few steps involved to get their VOX to work, even with 12 year olds. Getting Volume levels correct, especially if this involves going to the windows microphone control, can be difficult - VOX level is easy by comparision.

And it is also easy enough to provide a page explaining how to set the VOX level using the local test mode. A few images of the relevant screens/dialogs works wonders.

You are not giving the users enough credit. Improve your instructions and you will find VOX is easy to get setup right for large numbers. I've dealt with groups of over 100 and getting VOX setup right was never much of a problem.

=S=

Lunatic

[RG_Lunatic]

Regarding M&M's reply to my post

I see where you are coming from now. There are (in essence) two threads running in parallel through this discussion:-

1. Requests for a server-side PTT-only flag at the channel (and sub-channel) level. Additionally a number of us would like there to be a server level PTT-only flag.

2. What the default client-side transmit setup should be.

These are two completely separate issues. I in no way wish to diminish the discussion of 2. (as for some of you it *is* important), but personally I do not care whether it stays VA or gets changed to PTT as my usage of the new client like as not be unchanged from the current client.

Our FS network has mandated PTT only. There is currently no way to enforce this, hence the feature request. Thinking laterally for a moment, as an alternative might it be possible for a PTT-only client to be produced?

If they do add a PTT flag at the Server/Channel/sub-channel levels (if they are going to do it it should be selectable at all 3) it would be easy enough to have the client recognize this and pop into PTT mode when in a PTT flagged channel. It should remember the user's preference to use VOX and select that mode for VOX capable channels.

I have no problem with the idea of PTT flagged Servers/Channels/sub-channels, as long as VOX remains an available option at the SA/CA level.

=S=

Lunatic

[RG_Lunatic]

Thats not really the point here. The issue is if you can have a server side setting force clients to use PTT instead of VA. There are plenty of reasons to use PTT, most of us agree on that. But there are many reasons why you might want to use VA instead.

For example, our DC clan often has more than 8 or 10 ppl on TS at the same time. Now PTT is the only way anyone can get a word in during a heated battle.
But consider this, if you setup some sub channels within a channel and everyone binds "wisper to channel family' to a key, but sets the client to VA. Then you break your group up into smaller sub groups and put them into different sub channels.
Now when you say something the 2 or 3 guys in the channel will hear it. But if you hit your bound key, the whole team will hear it. You run the risk of talking over others on the other channels, but it can work well with a little practice.

This is exactly what we do for Fighter Ace Battles. We have a Channel with sub-channels within it. All players have their choice of VOX or PTT for comms within the sub-channel, and have a keybind which allows them to chat to the entire channel family (ie the channel they are in and all its subchannels). It is very easy to manage - just make a webpage with the .kbn file, a text page describing the keybinds, and installation instructions, and then put the link to this in the server (and channel) description area (where it will be clickable).

Using PTT to make it harder for an undisiplined squad's members to speak in order to reduce chatter is a poor solution anyway. TS has some powerful "whisper" features to help solve exactly this kind of problem.

=S=

Lunatic

[RG_Lunatic]

It would be nice if admins could set a flag on a user to deny him the VOX option, for those users who are not using mic/headsets or cannot get their settings right but will not use PTT when asked.

=S=

Lunatic

[m&m's]

i found that the wisper is not that great in my book being that you cant hear whats going on in the channel your trying to wisper to and you risk walking all over someone elses conversation . it would be nice to have a bind that you could hear befor you transmit a wisper or send when channel is open option

[RG_Lunatic]

i found that the wisper is not that great in my book being that you cant hear whats going on in the channel your trying to wisper to and you risk walking all over someone elses conversation . it would be nice to have a bind that you could hear befor you transmit a wisper or send when channel is open option

See http://forum.goteamspeak.com/showthread.php?t=21100 which addresses these issues.

=S=

Lunatic

[m&m's]

all ready read it i am talking about how it is now and why i dont use it , and it would be good to have in next release

[RG_Lunatic]

Thinking about it, this feature (enforced Push-To-Talk) would be very hard to seriously implement. Yes they could do it, but since the mic input is controlled entirely on the client, it would depend upon the TS client honoring the "Push-to-Talk_Only" flag. I suspect very quickly someone would introduce a hack to prevent the client from honoring that flag.

I seriously doubt the goteamspeak dev's want to invest the time and effort into dealing with this feature which would require hack prevention measures to be meaningful.

=S=

Lunatic

[Cutter]

I suspect very quickly someone would introduce a hack to prevent the client from honoring that flag.
<snip>
Lunatic

And just as quickly they would get banned.

I doubt a client side hack could be implemented to take the place of a keystroke that the server side is expecting from each client before allowing transmission. Regardless, most would not bother and switch to PTT. At least with enforced push to talk it would be easier to manange as less people would try to go around PTT.

[CrtxReavr]

Wow. . . hadn't been on here in a while.

I had no idea this thread had become such an epic discussion. I wonder what other hand grenades (http://redwing.hutman.net/~mreed/warriorshtm/grenade.htm) I could toss in this forum? >=]

-CR