A case study of a two-way IP audio-video intercom, installed at The Frank Barnes School for Deaf Children in Kings Cross, central London.
The school, which uses both British Sign Language (BSL) and English, has in use Castel’s Xellip IP intercom to allow pupils and reception staff (who may also be hearing-impaired) to interact better. Xellip is described by the product firm as a full-IP/SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) solution that will operate across various IP networks. The system is also compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA.)
Besides access and exit at the reception, Xellip gives the school various options for releasing doors remotely, as well as messaging. Power over Ethernet (PoE) means a network cable can be used for powering the intercom, as well as transmitting audio, video and data. Calls to reception at the school can be diverted out of hours to multiple locations, if required.
The core function at Frank Barnes is the use of colour video cameras on the entry stations and master reception stations so that sign language can be used to communicate. Receptionists can use Xellip’s software for incoming calls.
The Frank Barnes School is noted for its early adoption of innovative technology throughout its activities, on the school campus and in its use of new types of teaching materials. Based on the SIP protocol and common codecs for audio and video, Xellip offers interoperability with other systems such as VoIP telephones and IP video the product company says.
As a full-IP solution, Xellip allows remote configuration by the installer or the client’s facility management through any internet browser using an embedded web server. This is minimising the hours engineers have to spend on-site. At other sites, coloured LED pictograms and Braille keypads assist users with visual impairments.
Stuart Hibberd, Castel’s UK Sales Director, said: “Quality of acoustic and visual signals at a school site of this kind is crucial. It’s rewarding to see our R&D benefiting a learning community where staff as well as pupils need to cope with exceptional challenges. This particular installation is a reminder that audio-video technology can be used to optimise communication in many environments beyond mainstream commercial and residential usage.”
