Picture a world where every speaker, screen, and security camera in a building is connected not by a tangle of analog wires, but through the same network that powers your office computer. This isn’t science fiction – it’s the promise of IP-based audiovisual (AV) systems, a technological shift that’s sparking both excitement and debate in the AV industry, as it was on the latest episode of AVWeek. As these systems gain traction, they’re raising important questions about the balance between cutting-edge features and rock-solid reliability, especially in critical environments like schools and emergency operations centers.
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The Promise of IP-Based Systems
A recent article by Randall Lee on rAVe Publications highlighted the potential of IP-based paging and intercom systems, igniting a spirited discussion among industry experts. These systems offer several advantages over traditional analog setups:
- Remote Triggering: As Brock McGinnis pointed out, IP-based systems can be activated from distant locations, not just locally. This feature significantly expands the possibilities for automation and centralized control.
- Integration of Visual and Audio Information: Companies like AtlasIED are developing products that combine visual displays with paging systems, particularly useful in settings like school hallways.
- Adaptive Volume Control: Some systems, such as those by AtlasIED, incorporate volume sensors that can automatically adjust output levels based on ambient noise, ensuring messages are always clearly audible.
- AI-Enhanced Security: Patrick Norton mentioned the potential of AI-driven video analysis in security systems, which can provide advanced monitoring and threat detection capabilities.
The Reliability Factor
Despite these promising features, the discussion revealed a significant concern: reliability. Heather Sidorowicz emphasized the robustness of traditional analog systems:
“You have something that’s very robust and tried and true. A speaker wire, back to a speaker, back to an amplifier. I guarantee you, I could go out in a stone’s throw away. I could probably find one of those systems that are still working from the eighties.”
This sentiment was echoed by Patrick Norton, who shared an anecdote about a firefighter preferring “Stone Age technology that never fails” in critical situations. The potential for network failures in IP-based systems raises valid concerns, especially in emergency scenarios where communication is vital.
The Complexity of Implementation
George Tucker highlighted another crucial aspect: the complexity of implementing IP-based AV systems. He stressed the importance of proper network management:
“If you’re an AV contractor and your networking skills are basic, understanding how to manage the loads across these managed switches, which these will require if you’re going to do such an intense infrastructure, you have to be aware and know what you’re doing with that, because you could muck it up and cause those outages.”
This complexity extends to power management, especially when dealing with Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices. Balancing power loads across switches adds another layer of technical challenge that isn’t present in traditional analog systems.
Cost Considerations
Brock McGinnis brought up an important practical consideration: cost. IP-based systems often come with a higher price tag compared to their analog counterparts. This factor can be a significant barrier to adoption, especially for institutions with limited budgets:
“The barrier to entry in clients that we’ve spoken with about this technology is really the cost, because these things are a lot more expensive than a traditional model analog paging system, an awful lot more expensive.”
Finding the Right Application
The experts agreed that while IP-based AV systems offer compelling benefits, they may not be the best solution for every situation. Heather Sidorowicz suggested that these systems are particularly well-suited for phased implementations or expanding campuses:
“There’s a time and place. So you’re starting in one building and building the system out over the course of three years of AV over IP and you know, you’re starting and you’re going to grow this system to multiple areas of your campus.”
The Current State of Adoption
Despite the potential advantages, the adoption of IP-based AV systems appears to be in its early stages. Heather Sidorowicz noted that in her experience, these systems haven’t yet caught on widely:
“It’s not something that’s caught on. It’s something that’s existing, and I still think in the beginning phases of that.”
This observation suggests that while the technology is available, many organizations are still in the process of evaluating its benefits against potential risks and costs.
Looking to the Future
As the AV industry continues to move towards IP-based solutions, it’s clear that a balance must be struck between innovation and reliability. The potential for enhanced features and flexibility is significant, but so too are the concerns about network dependence and implementation complexity.
For AV professionals and organizations considering the switch to IP-based systems, several key takeaways emerge from this discussion:
- Carefully assess the specific needs and risk tolerance of each environment before implementing IP-based AV systems.
- Ensure that IT infrastructure is robust and that AV contractors have the necessary networking expertise.
- Consider phased implementations, especially in large or expanding facilities.
- Weigh the long-term benefits against initial costs and potential risks.
- Stay informed about advancements in technology, as improvements in reliability and ease of implementation are likely to continue.
As the industry evolves, it’s likely that IP-based AV systems will become increasingly prevalent. However, the transition will require careful planning, expertise, and a nuanced understanding of each application’s unique requirements. The future of AV technology is undoubtedly exciting, but as this discussion highlights, it’s crucial to approach new solutions with a balanced perspective, ensuring that the pursuit of innovation never comes at the expense of reliability in critical situations.
Tim Albright is the founder of AVNation and is the driving force behind the AVNation network. He carries the InfoComm CTS, a B.S. from Greenville College and is pursuing an M.S. in Mass Communications from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. When not steering the AVNation ship, Tim has spent his career designing systems for churches both large and small, Fortune 500 companies, and education facilities.
