Page 88 - Security Today, September/October 2022

Campus Communication
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exit points. They can also be employed within school parking lots, which typically are outside of a school’s entrance and exit areas. Once activated by the user, campus security can pull up a video feed to see and hear who wants access to the school or needs assistance.
Post-event, audio recordings from intercoms or PA speakers can help to correctly re-create the incident and the response. An indi- vidual’s recollection of an event can often be unreliable. How often have we heard someone say: “I don’t recall,” or “I didn’t see it”? Audio from the intercoms can add clarity to the event and the investigation.
Clear Intercom Communications
When evaluating intercom and public address solutions, it’s impor- tant to ensure that they provide clear and intelligent communica- tions, no matter the environment. Advanced solutions can also clear- ly detect voices, high noise levels, or other sounds.
Creating clear communications requires intelligent software fea- tures that adapt to the nearby environment. They include acoustic echo cancellation, which enables both people to talk at the same time, even at high volumes (95dB). Automatic gain control will take a voice that is too loud or too weak and level it out to an undistorted and clear signal. Automatic volume control will listen to the noise level in the area and automatically adjust the volume to ensure voices are eas- ily heard. Noise cancellation reduces the background noise and means that the user does not need to speak directly into the micro- phone in order to be heard.
For the very best audio quality, the physical design of the intercom matters, too. A traditional intercom speaker design will include two overlapping stainless-steel plates, which will trap some of the sound waves between them and create distortion. Instead, the speaker grille should incorporate an anechoic, circular design where there’s no reflection of sound waves as they pass through the station’s faceplate. The result is crystal clear audio at any volume.
The exterior should also feature a solid aluminum, die-cast frame and an acoustically transparent poke screen to defend it from tampering.
When the intercom features built-in video, the camera should incorporate a wide-angle lens and strong low-light performance to deliver excellent image quality, day or night. A wide Field of View will capture more of the area around the intercom station, and a 30-per- second frame rate provides a natural look for any movement caught on the camera.
Lastly, the intercom stations and IP speakers should feature a fast data processor, which translates into stability, uptime, and a long prod- uct lifetime. That efficiency in data processing also provides the oppor- tunity for additional product integrations and future development.
It is meaningless to install an intercom and communications system if the audible announcements and messages being delivered can’t be heard or understood in every situation. It’s time to embrace a solution that offers audio and voice technology that allows people to hear, be heard and be understood, in every situation. Overall, by investing in a communications platform that provides the best possible audio qual- ity, you are equipping security teams with a powerful tool that can mitigate security threats and provide value for many years to come.
What is the value of clear communications in schools? It’s the abil- ity of all individuals to be heard. As humans, we all deserve it. Will the students, faculty, and visitors in your school be clearly heard this year?
Kelly Lake is the Director of Strategic Alliances at Zenitel Americas, responsible for managing the strategic alliances program that supports manufacturer partners who integrate Zenitel's intelligent communica- tion solutions into their business. Lake holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music from Boston University and Arizona State University, respectively. Lake recently was recognized as part of SIA’s 2022 Women in Security Forum Power 100.
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