FOCUS - AUDIO SOLUTIONS

Step into the future of audio – a smart and easy network solution By David Needham, Sales Manager UK and Ireland David Needham: www.linkedin.com/in/david-needham-4b37482a/ This year Axis has launched a series of products in the field of networked-based audio. I decided to find out more about what audio really is and what it means for the industry, an industry that is rapidly moving towards a world of IoT. I met with Håkan Hansson, Product Manager for our audio products and based at our Swedish headquarters.

For customers that want to integrate security with other business functions, the addition of audio provides that added value they are seeking. Not only is audio a perfect addition to a physical security system, but Axis has redefined the concept of network-based audio to include announcement and background music capabilities. Innovation is in our nature. New developments are always on the horizon and Axis leads the way in the development of cutting-edge network security technology. IoT and network audio are no longer visions of the future. They exist today, and we are beginning to see real benefits. What is the Axis audio offering? To illustrate our audio technology, we must break it down into three distinct areas.

Håkan Hansson Audio Product Manager

Håkan, what is Axis’ vision for network-based audio? A couple of years ago, we started to study the world of network audio technology and quickly came to the realisation that the field suited our Internet of Things (IoT) strategy for network-based security products. That is because network-based audio is the perfect addition to an existing security solution. At Axis, we are always on the lookout for new opportunities and we are confident that by developing network audio products, we have created a flexible and future-proofed solution that benefits both installers and end users.

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Audio for security A network-based audio system is the perfect addition to a video based security installation. Perimeter protection is a great example of this. Imagine if a potential intruder climbs a fence; the camera alerts a security guard to give a warning to the intruder - “We can see you, you are trespassing”. More often than not this type of warning is sufficient, preventing the need for additional security measures. Another usecase can be within loss prevention, when for example a person access the wrong door - “wrong way”. A public-address system In certain environments, including schools, retail stores, hotels and public buildings, there is a need for informative messages and updates to be sounded. This may be as simple as calling a teacher or student to a classroom, such as “Student/teacher X to classroom 2”. Never has this been as easy as it is with network audio technology. Furthermore, messages can be automated when used in conjunction with queue management software.

Background music Our audio technology can support retail stores and hotels, among other, in their need for background music. With pre-set volume and music choices, the solution allows for central and remote control, meaning better management of background music. The music can be combined with scheduled and live announcements, further helping to enhance the customer experience. Research has shown that productivity, mood and behaviour are positively influenced by music, something that can be actively exploited in retail and manufacturing environments. What are the advantages of network-based audio technology? Our audio solution is a complete all-in-one system. No additional hardware is required, meaning a smooth installation process with minimal storage space needed. Fewer components also mean lower costs. The system has no controls, which is a great benefit to a system’s maintenance as fewer mistakes can be made. System management and fault search are both easier to control. Each speaker can be directly integrated within existing data network. This can then be managed remotely via a PC or laptop. Products can be added and removed easily and effectively. PoE (Power over Ethernet) means only one cable is needed per product to supply power to the unit and transmit sound and data.

We strive to make innovative technology simple and accessible. This simplicity is a great advantage to our customers; if you can install a network camera, you can also install an audio system alongside it. It is easy to add and remove speakers as configuration takes place centrally. For example, in an office environment the customer does not have to set sound zones and volume levels in advance. This process can be managed afterwards. This means the customer is not tied to a system which becomes expensive and difficult to renew and refine. At Axis, we understand flexibility is critical. Since Axis network audio systems are based on open standards, they can easily be integrated with other system for optimal efficiency. From our kettles to our fridges, in today’s high-tech society intelligence is at the centre of what we do. That is why we have developed network-based audio products with intelligent functions. These applications can be loaded into our devices via the Axis ACAP platform. One example is sound analysis which can detect abnormal sound levels, such as a scream or gun shot. In this scenario, the audio system can generate an “alert”, which provides security teams information about abnormal activity which may require further investigation. Read our White Paper – An introduction to audio: www.axis.com/files/whitepaper/ wp_audio_intro_71069_en_1709_ hi.pdf

Traditional analog speaker system:

Axis network audio portfolio Music streaming

@ Offline playback

Scheduled announcements

MP3

Event triggered announcements

Axis network speakers

Complete high-quality audio systems in a single unit. They’re perfect for background music and for live and scheduled announcements in stores. > All-in-one speaker system > Quick installation with just one network cable (PoE) > Easy music streaming > Scheduled and customized playlists > Scheduled or live voice announcements > Future-proof with openness and integration

> Clear, long-range speech > Simple installation with network cable and PoE > Easy integration with major video management software > Supports SIP (VoIP) > Ensured reliability with Auto Speaker Test > Outdoor-ready

> > > > >

A simple-to-install outdoor loudspeaker that provides clear, long-range speech for remote speaking in video surveillance applications.

Axis network speaker system:

All-in-one

Line level audio cable Tone control / Equalizer Network cable

Streaming box Network cable

> Play your music 24/7 > Play recorded announcements > Schedule playlists with music and announcements

2N SIP Mic

Amplifier

Line level audio cable

An audio application for playing background music and announcements in stores. It comes pre-installed on Axis network speakers and has everything you need to schedule playlists with music and announcements.

AXIS C3003-E Network Horn Speaker

Speaker Speaker audio cable

AXIS Audio Player

Network PoE switch

AXIS 2N SIP Mic is an all-in-one network microphone console that give you a smart and easy way to turn your Axis network speakers into a complete public address system. All-in-one microphone console 12 configurable buttons for 12 zones Pre-recorded or live announcements Quick installation with just one network cable (PoE) Future-proof with openness and integration

AXIS C8033 Network Audio Bridge

A smart and easy solution that connects and combine analog and network audio systems. You’ll be able to play music from analog sources in your Axis network audio system, and add Axis network speakers to your analog system, which means you can reap the many benefits of our speakers while protecting the value of your investment in analog audio equipment. > > > >

All the benefits of network audio PoE for easy installation Based on open standards Easy integration with other IT systems

Network switch

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