This article originally appeared in our Term 2 issue, which you can find online here.
The traditional solution certainly has its place for a small or compact site where all the classrooms are joined and close to the office or where the announcements will be made from.
But, in most situations, an IP network-based system will cost less and be quicker to install than the traditional analogue amplifiers and speakers, and you get a lot more functionality.
And, by functionality I mean:
When you want to add or move speakers you simply connect them to the existing network, or move them to a different network connection. This is one of the main advantages of a network-based system is that usually the existing infrastructure can be utilised.
For a traditional system, you would need to install speaker cabling from the school’s office to every place you need a speaker.
An IP-based paging system allows important information and messages to be broadcast everywhere you need it, any time, and with an easy-to-use central control interface with a host of automation and convenience at your fingertips.
With IP, you get an easy-to-use interface to manage the bell schedule, (use a piece of music or any sound file for the bell), trigger lockdown and alarms, and even play different bells and messages to different zones, or even room-by-room.
Another advantage of IP audio systems is that they can work alongside conventional paging equipment and provide some useful add-ons.
For example, you can keep what is working with your old system and add a bell scheduler and alarm panel interface, lockdown triggers and more.
When new areas need speaker coverage, simply use the IP-compatible ones and leave the old speakers there.
It is easy to expand these network-based systems and add more speakers, or relocate existing speakers to new rooms.
You can relocate a speaker to another room’s network connection and it will sync back up with the controller automatically and carry on receiving broadcasts without any extra management needed.
You get a simple and modern control interface over bells, live and pre-recorded announcements, alarm and lockdown drills and also have a mechanism to trigger emergency messages, lockdowns and alarms.
The system uses your network to provide total control and flexibility over your school communications with connection through indoor and outdoor speakers everywhere; classrooms, corridors, fields and halls.
The new systems are not just for bells, paging and public address. If you need ‘classroom speakers’ for a teacher’s microphone (headset wireless microphones) or for projector and AV sound connections, they can also be compatible with the paging system and connect in automatically.
Flashing lights can be triggered as visual indicators that a message or bell is being played in special needs classes.
The installation of IP-based systems does not need to be disruptive to your classes. Speakers simply need to be screwed to the wall and a cable connected to your network, and power. The software is usually pre-configured and a dedicated mini connected to your network.
Some fine tuning, setting speaker volumes and setting up the bell schedule and audio tracks and it should be up and running.
In a nutshell, IP Audio systems:
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