When discussing smart cities and making cities safer, the role of audio can sometimes be overlooked. Audio however, can be used as a valuable compliment and sometimes even an alternative to cameras or other IoT sensors in cities.
Using a modern connected audio system means important communication can take place at the right time, in the right place and with the sound quality needed to keep citizens safe and secure. Here are three ways that audio solutions can contribute to smarter and safer towns and cities:
Many security incidents in a city are initiated or are followed by some sort of noise, for example aggressive behaviour with raised voices, gunshots or breaking glass. Security cameras, in combination with audio detection capabilities, can add great value to security systems covering public spaces, e.g. a park or square. The combination of both sound and video can be a powerful solution to both detect and verify a situation and enable quick, relevant action to minimise the consequences.
Each year there are many towns and cities that are exposed to emergency situations, such as natural disasters. In these situations it is important to inform citizens as soon as possible and advise them in order to keep people safe. With the use of audio speakers it is possible to reach people in selected zones quickly and effectively.
Audio announcement systems are often installed in cities in case of emergency situations. In the case that something major happens, it is crucial to have both a reliable and working system. This comes down to using the right network speaker solution, the condition of the system and the audio quality and control. Keeping constant control of the audio quality is important to ensure that messages are delivered as clearly as is necessary in an emergency situation.
Many towns and cities work with video surveillance systems to monitor their city and to manage law enforcement resources. Using video, crimes such as intrusion into buildings or restricted areas can be detected. However, in many cases police or guards do not reach the location in time to prevent theft or vandalism.
By implementing video surveillance with an audio solution, the camera can prompt an automated audio message warning to the intruder, or alert a security guard to give a live warning directly to the intruder using the audio system. In many cases, this type of warning is enough to prevent the need for additional security measures.
CIE is one of the UK's leading and most innovative professional AV distributors and are widely accepted as the experts in both network audio and conventional analogue commercial sound system design & supply.
Our professional system design team provide a unique AV system architecture service for installers and integrators to help you deliver the best in public address, background music and professional AV systems.
If you would like to discuss your next AV system or would like more information on the latest audio products, please call our team today on T. 0115 9770075 or email us now.
As one of the UK's leading experts in professional audio systems and audio-over-IP technology, CIE has been appointed as the main UK distributor for the Axis range of network audio products. Working in close partnership with Axis Communications, CIE provides expert advice and system design, product specification and integrated IP systems.