Axis’ digital audio solutions for public address support a range of business requirements, and through simple connection to other IP technologies, can unlock a wide range of benefits.
Axis Communications demonstrated its IP audio solutions for public address at an online event on 23 March 2021. IP audio is fast proving itself as the successor to analogue, with digital, network-ready solutions offering many benefits from both a security and operational viewpoint. These network audio solutions have the scope to become part of a much larger security and surveillance system, with simple integration through open platforms allowing audio to complement existing video surveillance.
Axis’ Steven Kenny, the event’s host, introduced David Needham, UK and Ireland Sales Manager, who discussed Axis’ wide array of network audio products; Håkan Hansson, global product manager for audio, then explained that Axis’ IP audio products offer the complete package: there is no need for separate amplifiers, signal processors, microphones and speakers; built-in remote monitoring allows a health check to be carried out remotely; and built-in software rounds off the compact and comprehensive solution.
WATCH: Axis IP audio for public address event
The key benefits of network audio
Axis IP audio solutions facilitate real-time live or pre-recorded scheduled announcements and the ability to target single or multiple zones. Audio can be simply configured for each zone, with combinations of live or pre-recorded broadcasts and ambient music assigned through simple drag and drop functionality using dedicated software. Like all Axis products, its IP audio solutions are designed on an open platform to allow further components to be added to enhance the system, as well as interact with additional Axis products, such as an AXIS 2N Mic.
The shift away from a model which requires many separate components means that there is less installation space required and fewer possible points of failure. Online fault reporting enables any potential failures in the system to be identified remotely, and efficiently, avoiding the unnecessary cost and disruption associated with manually checking all speakers and components as one might need to do with an analogue system.
Case study: Chester Zoo uses Axis IP audio
The engaging online event offered a unique opportunity to hear from Nigel Peers, Security Manager at Chester Zoo. Nigel outlined the use of an Axis solution which comprises 600 IP devices and includes AXIS audio bridge systems to bring several existing analogue speakers online. Nigel advocated the use of IP audio over analogue audio because of its benefits of flexibility, scalability and ease of integration.
Nigel elaborated: “The Axis PA system is absolutely business critical. Whether scheduling security alerts or general announcements to the general public, it allows us to convey important messages and to stay in touch with the many visitors we have to the zoo on a regular basis. From a security perspective, we have many protected animal species on site, and the fact that we can challenge any suspicious behaviour quickly using audio technology brings peace of mind to all of our staff.”