Having a network audio solution as part of a surveillance system can help provide more flexibility in how audio is used to support security and safety objectives.  Gilles Ortega, Global Business Developer for Axis network audio explains how the Axis audio technology can help enhance a security surveillance set up.

"With network audio users can make both live announcements and broadcast pre-recorded messages via speakers from any phone or microphone in the setup – essentially offering the ability to decide which messages get heard where.

Your surveillance system can be set up to activate a pre-recorded message when it detects indications of undesirable activity. Additionally, it can be configured to trigger alerts that tell operators to visually assess a situation and then speak directly to the individuals involved via your speakers."

Audio is also an invaluable complementing tool when delivering up to the minute information and instructions in emergency situations to help keep people safe. Signals, pre-recorded, or live messages can be used to safely and reliably deliver clear warnings and crucial safety information to direct people away from dangerous areas.

Ortega adds that there are also other uses for the technology. "Outside of critical situations, audio can also add value. Marketing and customer experience objectives can also be supported by the right type of audio content. For example, in a retail context you can use in-store speakers to share relevant promotion and even background music to create the right ambience."

Strong, clear sound precisely where you want it

Sound quality is important to ensure messages are received and sent with minimal distortion or interference. Network audio systems aren’t sensitive to electrical noise and other kinds of interference that can cause distortion and unwanted sounds. "As a result," explains Ortega, "you can count on clear, easy-to-understand messages every time, regardless of the cable length. Sound signals travelling from the source to the speaker remain strong rather than get weaker with distance."

Network audio solutions can also be set up to divide premises into zones. Instead of broadcasting a message to all areas, you can tailor messages depending on the location. This is all handled within the audio management software.

He describes an example. "For instance, in a retail setting it may be desirable to share information to shoppers about specific offers. Using zoning capabilities, you can target specific messages to shoppers in the same area as the products to enhance the likelihood of a sale."

Scalability and flexibility

Business needs can and will change depending on market demands. Simple installation and audio management make it easy to grow and adapt a solution to meet new use cases as they arise. New devices like speakers, call-out microphones, and audio bridges, can be added as well as adding and adjusting zones as needed. What ever is needed it is designed for simple configuration and adjustment within the audio management software.

Beyond this, when enhancing customer experience, it can also be integrated with an access-control system to greet customers with a cheery pre-recorded welcome such as “Good morning!” when they walk through the door.

Less space, maintenance, and risk

In addition to the wide range of use cases where network audio solutions add value, these complete audio systems come in a single unit with all the hardware and software components to suit requirements. With two-way audio users can even carry on a conversation via the speakers.

"Compared to traditional analogue systems, network audio solutions require less equipment, no central rack, and no technical room," adds Gilles Ortega. "These solutions are connected to a standard network, which enables easy installation, configuration and management without the need for dedicated audio cabling – only a single cable is needed for both power and connectivity.

Without physical speaker wiring (circuits) there is less risk of complications when trying to identify an issue. In a network audio system, every individual speaker is addressable and monitored over the network. This means, you can use IP based health monitoring and configuration of the complete system. If there is a problem, there is an easy way to find out and have the tools to take immediate action."

Built-in audio management software adds up to fewer components which also results in less time spent installing and managing devices. "Ultimately, this makes it a more cost-effective option," says Ortega.