In the interview below, TOA Corporation UK director Ian Bridgewater assesses the state of the commercial audio and security equipment sector and how this technology is developing.
He answered our questions about the company, its latest products, target sectors, methods of distribution/deployment, standards and compliance, and how their products are conducive to effective ‘invacuation’ or lockdown strategies in schools, shopping centres and other buildings.
IFSEC Global: Hi, Ian. Do you want to kick off with a bit of background about the company?
Ian Bridgewater: In 1934, in the Japanese city of Kobe, Tsunetaro Nakatani inaugurated the TOA Electric Manufacturing Company in order to produce horn speakers, microphones and amplifiers.
TOA is now one of the world’s leading specialists in the research, development and sale of commercial and professional audio and security equipment such as public address and voice address (PA/VA), voice evacuation, intercom system and radio microphones. The UK division has been established for 41 years.
IG: Tell us a bit about your latest products…
IB: TOA constantly seeks to improve its technological capabilities and has consistently developed market-leading products and systems.
Our VX-3000 is a cost effective, robust, reliable and energy efficient system that combines all of the important functions for PA/VA in one unit. Its limited number of components makes design and installation easier, saves space, reduces cable complexity and enables rapid system configuration.
A wall-mounted version of this system – the VX-3000WM – can be linked to the standard VX-3000 range but also used as a stand-alone unit in reception and building entrance areas.
Alarms can also be triggered based on audio sounds above a specified decibel level
Another focal point is our IP-1000 internet protocol (IP) network audio management system, which can support up to 1,000 IP addresses and consists of network amplifiers, speakers, microphones, and interface units.
Management and operation software allows user to make instant and scheduled broadcasts through a single PC and its in-built flexibility allows easy system expansion beyond conventional system coverage.
The VX-3000
IG: How much flexibility does IP provide?
IB: There have been massive developments in terms of technology in recent years thanks to the use of IP based systems – and, as the VX-3000 demonstrates, audio is no exception. Thanks to IP, it is now possible to control a wide variety building services over one infrastructure.
IP-enabled speakers provide clear, long-range speech for remote speaking in surveillance applications and, as well as enabling an operator to remotely address people and deter unwanted activity, they can also play a pre-recorded message when it is manually or automatically activated in response to an specific event.
Alarms can also be triggered based on audio sounds above a specified decibel level and IP audio also provides real-time confirmation of an intrusion – providing organisations with an effective way of keeping people, property and assets safe.
As each speaker has its own IP address, devices can be isolated – so when it is only necessary to communicate with a person, or people, in a specific area, this can be achieved without utilising the entire system. A user can literally select which speaker or group of speakers to use for announcements and change configurations very easily because everything is software-based.
It is also possible to have messages built into a speaker that is connected to a local sensor. So, if someone opens a door, it can trigger a message built in to the nearest speaker rather than going back to the control centre.
IG: Which sectors might be interested in these products?
IB: This type of flexibility serves a wide range of applications including educational establishments, car parks, building sites, hospitals, car dealerships, industrial estates, warehouses, utilities, and public spaces such as parks and recreational areas.
IP audio also has less obvious benefits in terms of ensuring health and safety. For instance, in high density areas such as shopping centres, sports stadia and even music festivals it can be used to make announcements that avoid bottlenecks.
IG: The terror threat presumably makes these kinds of systems invaluable…
IB: Yes, the threat of terrorism has certainly shifted the focus towards the benefits of voice as part of an overall life safety system.
Just as importantly, the word ‘lockdown’ is now being used to refer to situations where ‘invacuation’ is more appropriate than evacuation as a means of preventing people moving into danger areas and keeping them safe.
A terror attack, traffic accident, intruder, air pollution, nearby fire, or even a dangerous roaming dog can trigger a lockdown
Schools, in particular, are starting to develop lockdown strategies and, as well as terrorism, a traffic accident, an intruder, air pollution, a nearby fire, or even a dangerous dog roaming around outside can necessitate this type of action.
An integrated alarm and communication system can help protect occupants. In a school lockdown it is possible to keep children in a classroom safe and secure until a coded message is issued telling them to come out.
Two-way communication with classrooms can also be configured as part of the package.
https://youtu.be/sZGJQ4P9ktY
IG: Which standards are you expected to comply with?
IB: There is now a definite demand for audio products used as part of a life safety infrastructure to be EN54 compliant. For instance, EN54-24 regulates loudspeakers for PA/VA systems and certification ensures the speaker circuit integrity is maintained in the event of a fire, and that audibility and intelligibility of the loudspeakers meets the required standard
Surprisingly, there is no statutory requirement to have a lockdown policy or procedure. This contrasts with Germany’s DIN VDE V 0827 standard for emergency and danger response systems.
Implemented in July 2016 with the aim of providing technical assistance for emergencies and dangerous situations, it outlines requirements for governing the technical systems that trigger alarms in dangerous situations.
IG: Why should a prospective customer want to work with you?
IB: TOA is renowned as the provider of more solutions for more markets than any other company. We have 2,000 different products and can provide a completely integrated solution.
Furthermore, our global approach and attitude means that TOA is committed to adhering to the highest recognised standards across all areas of our operation. For example, ISO 9001 certification ensures that all requirements for product planning and development, as well as for production, installation and subsequent services, are met.
IG: How do you distribute your products?
IB: TOA has a worldwide network of certified distributors, which ensures immediate access to products across its seven key product groups – voice alarm systems, intercom systems, speakers, professional sound, distribution products, wireless systems and conference systems. We also sell our products through specialist installers and integrators.
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