Axis introduces network loudspeaker for remote speaking in video surveillance applications

26 Mar 2015

AXIS C3003-E Network Horn Speaker is a simple-to-install outdoor loudspeaker that provides clear, long-range speech for remote speaking over a network. When used together with video surveillance, AXIS C3003-E enables an operator to remotely address people and deter unwanted activity. The loudspeaker is ideal for enhancing video surveillance installations in outdoor areas such as parking structures, construction and critical infrastructure sites, and public squares. 

Axis Communications, the global leader in network video, today launched AXIS C3003-E, the first open standard, network loudspeaker for remote speaking. AXIS C3003-E is simple to install and integrate into a video surveillance system or an IP telephony system, making announcements possible from anywhere with network connectivity.

“AXIS C3003-E is really an IoT (Internet of Things) device that provides many advantages because it is connected to an IP network,” says Peter Lindström, Director of New Business at Axis. “For instance, you can assign a regular phone number to the loudspeaker and simply dial in to it to get heard. It enables integration with just about anything.”

Complementing Axis’ network video offering, AXIS C3003-E was developed in close cooperation with customers in the video surveillance industry. The loudspeaker’s benefits include lower installation costs, easy integration and ensured reliability. It allows customers to easily add a remote speaking function to their surveillance system to deter crime or other unwanted activities.

“Horn speakers allow our operators to immediately intervene when video analytics alerts us of trespassing at customer sites,” says Lars Kämpe, Business Development Manager at Securitas, which equips virtually all of its outdoor perimeter protection installations with loudspeakers. “Normally, a trespasser will flee the scene when notified of his detection. This saves cost for our customers due to reduced damages and also no unnecessary callouts.”

AXIS C3003-E is a self-contained loudspeaker that offers signal transmission, decoding, amplification and speaker all in one unit. Unlike many analog speakers, there is no need for AXIS C3003-E to connect to a separate amplifier or to a network camera to plug into a network. As a standalone unit, AXIS C3003-E can be placed anywhere, enabling a flexible, scalable and cost-effective approach to system design. An external power supply is also not required, thanks to the speaker’s support for Power over Ethernet (PoE). With one network cable, AXIS C3003-E receives power and plugs directly into a video management system and/or Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony system. 

The loudspeaker offers a high sound pressure level for intelligible speech over long distances. It enables high-quality voices, thanks to advanced signal processing. An innovative feature in AXIS C3003-E is the unique Auto Speaker Test, which can check that the speaker is in working order by providing audio feedback to the system. 

“Securitas has worked with analog loudspeakers until now,” says Kämpe. “With analog loudspeakers, there is always an uncertainty since there is no way to remotely detect if they are actually working correctly. AXIS C3003-E allows us to remotely monitor the heartbeat of the speaker and check the sound quality. The speaker also supports PoE, which makes it easier to install and lowers installation costs. It also gives us the possibility to use pre-recorded messages. With Axis’ loudspeaker, our customer proposition is greatly enhanced.”

AXIS C3003-E can play a pre-recorded audio file when it is manually or automatically triggered in response to an alarm event. The speaker comes with pre-recorded audio files such as trespassing and emergency messages, and allows users to upload their own audio. 

The loudspeaker easily integrates with video management systems. Compatible software include those from Aimetis Corp., Genetec, Milestone Systems and NICE Systems, as well as the forthcoming AXIS Camera Station 4.20, which is aimed at small and mid-sized installations. AXIS C3003-E also integrates with VoIP telephony systems that use SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), enabling users to call the loudspeaker and make announcements even from their mobile phone. As a network product, each AXIS C3003-E can be selectively addressed since each has a unique IP address. 

AXIS C3003-E will be available through Axis distribution channels on 9th April.