Without question, video surveillance has become a powerful and effective tool for securing people, premises and assets. Given continued advancements in image quality, video analytics, compression and other capabilities, the role of video in security will only increase in the future. As effective as video alone is, incorporating network audio as part of a security solution has been shown to increase a surveillance system’s overall ability to deter crime, increase safety and improve situational awareness ensuring proper response.
What can audio bring to security?
Audio enables near instant response, which can serve as a deterrent. Video surveillance cameras are so prevalent today that many people take them for granted, whether it’s because we’ve become so accustomed to these cameras or don’t notice them anymore. There’s also no way to tell by looking at a camera if it is even working, and if it is, whether the resolution is high enough to capture faces or other identifying details — or if a person is actually watching the live video feed.
With audio delivered through a network speaker, end users can literally send a message that the camera is in fact working and that someone is indeed watching. Whether triggered by audio or video analytics, alerts or announcements can come in the form of a prerecorded message stored in the IP speaker or an operator talking directly to the premises, both of which have proven to be highly effective deterrents in real-world applications.
For example, if someone has entered a location without authorization and is about to commit a crime (or is simply engaging in dangerous or unsafe behavior), hearing a voice speaking directly to them could serve almost as a substitute conscience. Reminding them of the potential ramifications of a poor decision they’ve made or are about to make is usually enough to cause an individual to rethink their actions and leave the premises as quickly as possible.
“Adding audio to a traditional network security system changes the whole dynamic. You transform a passive forensic security system into an active deterrent end to end solution,” said Chris Wildfoerster, Audio Business Development Manager, Axis Communications Inc. “What better way to deter crime and enhance safety than informing an individual his or her actions are being watched and may have consequences.”
The ability of live announcements or recorded messages to deter a crime or avoid an accident or other event from happening can also directly translate into cost savings. By preventing incidents, organizations avoid monetary loss from theft, vandalism, and significant administrative time and resources required for resolution.
Making audio easy with design service
Axis Audio Design Service, a new offering from Axis Communications, is developed to put integrators in the comfort zone by simplifying the task of identifying and designing the best network audio solution to fit the unique requirements of each client.
Utilizing state-of-the-art acoustic simulation software, an Axis engineer delivers a complete network audio design for installers and integrators to propose to their customers. This report includes speaker type, number of speakers, layout in various areas and heat maps illustrating decibel coverage. The main benefit of Axis Audio Design Service is helping installers become more comfortable proposing and selling audio to enhance their customers’ experience while increasing revenue.
“Our service empowers partners by providing knowledge, education and designs they can count on and can feel confident about when talking with their customer,” said Aaron Andino, Solutions Engineer, Axis Communications. “Going into a project the next time, they may not necessarily need our help, or maybe they’ll have a better idea of what they need so they can give us better information for designing that next system.”
Ready to propose a network audio solution or incorporate audio solutions into an existing system? Let Axis Communications help. Submit your request today at: https://www.axis-communications.com/audiodesignserviceSSINA
