2. Why Use IPAS Instead of a Direct Speaker on a Camera?
2.1 Traditional Approach – Camera Audio Out + Analog Speaker
- 1:1 relationship – one camera > one speaker/area.
- No concept of zones or groups; changes require rewiring.
- Limited integration – usually only that camera can control the speaker.
- No built-in storage or scheduling on the speaker side.
2.2 IPAS Approach – IP-Based Audio
With IPAS, each speaker is an IP endpoint with its own amplifier, storage, and logic:
- Network-based: Speakers are discovered and controlled over IP (PoE/PoE+).
- Addressable: Each speaker belongs to a zone or group managed by a controller.
- Event-driven: Audio playback can be triggered by camera/VMS events. Other systems (e.g., access control, fire alarms) may trigger playback via relay integration.
- Flexible routing: One event can play different messages in different areas.
2.3 Benefits of IPAS
- Scalable zoning: Add / remove speakers and reassign them to zones via software, not cabling.
- Centralised control: BGM, scheduled broadcast, priority rules, and monitoring from a controller or server.
- Multi-system integration: Audio playback can be triggered by events from Wisenet VMS platforms (e.g., WAVE, SSM) or other systems via supported interfaces such as HTTP relay integrations or SIP paging (PBX).
- Better deterrence: Talk-down and targeted messages make CCTV proactive rather than purely forensic.
