When it comes to public address in schools, your present situation doesn’t have to dictate your future, and a rip-and-replace approach doesn’t have to be in the cards. As a systems integrator, we deploy PA and Mass Notification systems for everything from new construction to aging infrastructure. One product line that lends itself to both of these situations is Telecor.
For more modern facilities, deploying a public address system can be relatively straightforward. Assuming an ethernet network is already in place, a PA System – such as the Telecor eSeries – can pass power and data over the facility’s Ethernet, ensuring simplified network planning and easy installation. And, because no head-end, central server or control equipment is required, the configuration eliminates a central point of failure.
For older facilities, the presence of analog technology may be concerning to administrators who may think a PA system upgrade means starting from scratch. Fortunately, this is not true – at least for Telecor eSeries. The product enables a hybrid approach, allowing existing hardware and cabling to be re-used with an upgraded ethernet-based head end. This provides mass notification coverage and increased speaker/display coverage, while achieving an affordable, methodical approach to modernization. Over time, as parts fail, the hard-wired/head-end designed components can be replaced with Ethernet-based devices.
In both instances, system enhancements can be made over time:
- System accessories – intercom, paging, clock/time management, speakers and message displays – provide coverage throughout the school.
- Software options – Visual Console, Master Clock, and Alarm Manager – provide advanced functionality.
FEATURES
Public Address & Intercom Capabilities
Both the ethernet-based and hybrid solutions provide integration to existing phone systems, enabling messages to be broadcast – either on demand or pre-recorded.
Additional integrations which are available via Visual Console include IP security cameras for live video feeds and access control for lockdown capabilities.
District-Wide Paging & Mass Notification
There is also an optional District-Wide communication overlay (DW Connect) which allows for the district / central office to notify one or all schools of an emergency. Each school has local authority to issue notifications, as well. The platform automatically distributes notifications when an emergency or noteworthy event occurs at a facility, and notifications can be sent by text or email to a pre-defined group.
Emergency Displays
A variety of emergency displays are available. For example, an all-in-one display (e2444-LD) combines a speaker, strobe, message and clock/calendar into a single device which saves installation labor and time. And, a communication platform (VuAlert) works with existing HDTV displays to communicate routine digital messages, emergency alerts and synchronized time.
Panic Buttons
A variety of panic button options are available.
- Fixed: Classrooms and common areas can have physical call buttons for routine messages, as well as strategically-placed panic switches for use in an emergency.
- Mobile: Pre-determined mobile users can have quick access to messages, plus the ability to activate the public address and mass notification operations. With just a single activation, an entire school can be locked down in a instant. In addition, email and SMS messages are delivered to custom lists of recipients, including security and law enforcement personnel.
- Virtual: Via the eCall virtual call station, any work station can be turned into a panic button. The virtual call button on the laptop initiates a call to an administrative console and when answered, voice communications are instantly established with the caller. The application can be deployed on both fixed and mobile PCs and will follow the teacher from classroom to classroom when the user registers their room location. This is an economical way to provide panic/call stations in classrooms without having to hard-wire stations to the wall.)
Note: The virtual eCall station can include a button on the workstation for immediate lockdown in the event of an emergency.
Alarm Management
This tool (Alarm Manager) provides real-time classroom status during a lockdown emergency. Occupants can report their status, and responders can view color-coded classroom status on a room-by-room basis. The system helps identify trouble areas in one glance and can enable 2-way communication between classrooms and first responders.
A covert-listen feature is also available, if needed.
Dashboards
The Visual Console is a Windows-based, graphical interface that provides full system control, from daily operations (routine call processing, paging, audio program distribution, bell scheduling) to emergency operations (lockdown, live video feeds). Facility floor plans can be displayed on a PC screen, providing a visual overview of the facility at a glance.
The eMH Message Host and Master Console is a network-based graphical interface which schedules events, synchronizes secondary clocks, and manages events. Additional features include unlimited bell schedules, pre-recorded voice messages, customized volume and paging assignments and supervision of network devices with email and text alerts of system issues.