3. Key IPAS Features and Differentiators

3.1 Group Playback & Audio Zones

Speakers can be grouped as zones (e.g. “Entrance”, “Warehouse”, “Platform 1”). A controller manages which audio source plays in which zone(s). One event can trigger playback to a single zone, multiple zones or speaker groups, or an all-call broadcast.

Figure 3 – Group Playback & Zone Control Interface

3.2 Centralised Broadcast & BGM

IPAS devices can store BGM, chimes, and pre-recorded messages internally. Scheduled BGM and announcements can be configured on the controller or speakers for opening/closing hours, safety messaging, and regular reminders.

Figure 4 – BGM Playback and Audio File Management Screen

3.3 Talk-Down & 2-Way Audio

When integrated with Wisenet WAVE, operators can use talk-down to speak live through IP speakers using the microphone in the client.

2-way audio is also supported with Milestone XProtect and Genetec Security Center (Sipelia). Support for 2-way audio in Wisenet SSM is planned to be available by the end of December 2025.

Figure 5 – WAVE layout with microphone button highlighted for talk-down.

3.4 Flexible Trigger Sources

IPAS can be triggered from multiple types of systems:

VMS-driven events from Wisenet platforms (WAVE / SSM).
Camera-based events (motion, analytics) via HTTP(S) requests or relay output.
Contact inputs such as buttons or relay outputs from third-party devices.
SIP PBX systems support live paging to IP speakers.

3.5 Remote Management & Monitoring

Each device provides a web UI for configuration, firmware upgrades, and diagnostics. Through Wisenet Device Manager it allows IPAS bulk discovery, password assignment, IP configuration, and firmware management across speakers, microphones, and IPAS controllers.

Figure 6 – Wisenet Device Manager Overview