Axis has introduced network loudspeaker for remote speaking over a network, outdoors in car parks, construction sites and large public spaces.
When used with video surveillance, the C3003-E enables an operator to remotely address people. It’s described as the first open standard, network loudspeaker; a user can integrate the product into a video system or IP telephony, making announcements possible from anywhere with network connections. Peter Lindström, Director of New Business at Axis, says: “AXIS C3003-E is really an IoT (Internet of Things) device that provides many advantages because it is connected to an IP network. For instance, you can assign a regular phone number to the loudspeaker and simply dial in to it to get heard. It enables integration with just about anything.”
The makers say that the C3003-E was developed with customers in the video surveillance industry. The loudspeaker allows customers to add a remote speaking function to their surveillance system to deter crime or other unwanted activities. Lars Kämpe, Business Development Manager at Securitas, says the the company equips virtually all of its outdoor perimeter protection installations with loudspeakers.
He says: “Horn speakers allow our operators to immediately intervene when video analytics alerts us of trespassing at customer sites. Normally, a trespasser will flee the scene when notified of his detection. This saves cost for our customers due to reduced damages and also no unnecessary callouts.”
As a self-contained loudspeaker the product offers signal transmission, decoding, amplification and speaker in one unit. Unlike many analogue speakers, there is no need for it to connect to a separate amplifier or to a network camera to plug into a network. As a standalone unit, an external power supply is also not required, thanks to the speaker’s support for Power over Ethernet (PoE). With one network cable, the speaker receives power and plugs into a video management system and/or Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony.
An Auto Speaker Test can check that the speaker is in working order by providing audio feedback to the system.
Kämpe says: “Securitas has worked with analog loudspeakers until now. With analog loudspeakers, there is always an uncertainty since there is no way to remotely detect if they are actually working correctly. AXIS C3003-E allows us to remotely monitor the heartbeat of the speaker and check the sound quality. The speaker also supports PoE, which makes it easier to install and lowers installation costs. It also gives us the possibility to use pre-recorded messages. With Axis’ loudspeaker, our customer proposition is greatly enhanced.”
AXIS C3003-E can play a pre-recorded audio file when it is manually or automatically triggered in response to an alarm event. The speaker comes with pre-recorded audio files such as trespassing and emergency messages, and allows users to upload their own audio.
The loudspeaker integrates with video management systems. Compatible software include those from Aimetis Corp., Genetec, Milestone Systems and NICE Systems, as well as the forthcoming AXIS Camera Station 4.20, which is aimed at small and mid-sized installations. The speaker also integrates with VoIP telephony systems that use SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), enabling users to call the loudspeaker and make announcements even from their mobile phone. As a network product, each AXIS C3003-E can be selectively addressed since each has a unique IP address.
It will be available through Axis distribution channels on April 9. Visit – www.axis.com.
