PRAESENSA IP-Based Public Address and Voice Alarm System

An IP-based system can immediately accommodate changes to building use. When you add or define new areas for use, the system updates the changes effortlessly. All devices across the system are IP-connected, facilitating both centralized and decentralized setups, as well as easy interconnectivity with other systems in the network. Devices in an IP-networked system can be managed via OMNEO media networking technology, enabling PRAESENSA to deliver better audio quality and greater scalability than any other public address and voice alarm system.

Depending on the local standard, an IP-based system can often use existing IP-network infrastructure with standard cabling and network switches. This can generate considerable cost savings for system integrators, installers and building owners. Further cost-efficiency is gained through remote diagnosis and maintenance of the system via internet, reducing or eliminating the need for site visits.

IP-based technology ensures reliability from the moment of installation, with redundancy incorporated throughout the whole system. This includes all devices and IP network connections, critical signal paths and functions, which can all be constantly supervised.

The PAVA system supports smart integration of functions and backup facilities, with encryption and authentication offering complete protection against eavesdropping and hacking.

IP-based systems allow for user interfaces that are easy to use, intuitive and accessible. Basic operations such as making voice announcements, scheduling events or effectuating voice evacuation protocols can be easily performed by authorized staff, with no need for extensive training.

System control is software-based, allowing simple updates to meet future requirements, while maintaining the highest levels of protection and system security.

The same smart and simple-to-use interface can be operated on a PC, tablet or smartphone. This brings great freedom, allowing you to supervise your public address and EVAC system from your own trusted devices from a remote location, for both control and audio streaming services.

The key hardware devices in an IP-based PRAESENSA public address and voice alarm system are controlled by software, resulting in a system that is feature-rich and future-ready, with the potential for further capabilities to be added over time. IP-based systems can handle late-stage adjustments with ease, making them ideal for systems integrators and installers dealing with last-minute changes.

IP network setup is straightforward, as all system components are supplied with preconfigured and integrated Ethernet switches.

All components of the system are IP-networked for highest flexibility and scalability.

• Every device is fully interconnected via OMNEO, the advanced (read: flexible, scalable and secure) media networking architecture.
  
  • OMNEO builds upon multiple technologies and open standards, supporting AES67, Audinate’s Dante* and AES70, with additional network security from AES128 for audio encryption and TLS for real-time authentication.
  • OMNEO enables digital audio communication and complete system control across the entire IP network.
  • OMNEO supports real-time authentication and audio encryption for protection against eavesdropping and hacking.
• All PRAESENSA devices include a built-in and pre-configured multi-port Gigabit Ethernet switch. This creates a fully EN 54-16 certified system and reduces costs for third-party networking equipment.

*Audinate® and Dante® are registered trademarks of Audinate Pty Ltd.

Innovative amplifier architecture allocates power intelligently for lower cost of ownership.

• PRAESENSA adapts intelligently to connected loudspeaker loads, dividing the available output power across all channels to a maximum of 600 Watts.
• Innovative load sensing allows PRAESENSA to maximize efficiency. This means less surplus power, less supply power and fewer amplifiers are needed to cover the speakers’ power demand. Power consumption is especially reduced in the idle state (where most systems spend a great deal of time), further saving energy costs.
• Every PRAESENSA amplifier includes a spare amplifier channel. It automatically takes over in case of a failing channel, using the same redundant power supply and heatsink. This is an extremely cost-effective and space-saving redundancy measure.

No single point of failure with built-in redundancy is core to the system concept.

• All critical system elements are supported by built-in redundancy, and conservative derating of all components provides extra protection, increasing their reliability and life expectancy.
• Faults are reported to the system controller and logged, with fault notification within 100 seconds, in line with EN 54-16 standards.
• A redundant system controller can be added and guarantees the highest safety for system operations.
• All devices, network connections, critical signal paths and functions on the system are constantly supervised.
• All system devices use dual Ethernet ports, supporting RSTP, which automatically recover should a network link break.
• An integrated additional spare amplifier channel automatically takes over in case of a failing amplifier channel.
• Each amplifier channel has two loudspeaker outputs which are separately supervised and protected ensuring uninterrupted coverage in all areas.
• Twin power converters in the PRAESENSA devices work in tandem to minimize stress on the components. These, along with the battery backup facilities of the PRAESENSA Power supplies, make the entire system immune to mains failures.

User-centric design delivers and intuitive interface with feedback on progress and status.

• The PRAESENSA PAVA call station was developed in close cooperation with users in order to identify and solve common operator issues.
• Voice announcement progress is clearly indicated on the call station screen.
  
  • PRAESENSA guides the operators, telling them when to speak once the pre-chime or introductory message has ended.
  • PRAESENSA shows when the voice announcement has been successfully completed in all destination areas.
• All functions are easily selected from the touch screen. Areas are highlighted via keypad keys with LEDs, providing instant and accurate status information.
  
  • Access permissions to certain functions and areas can be configured per call station or user.
• Audio streaming services can be facilitated, with affordable text-to-speech in various languages supported by the Advanced Public Address License.
  
  • The system scheduler also enables automation of message management
• An Advanced Public Address License for PC/tablet control grants access to the PRAESENSA server.
  • Building owners or facility managers can use a tablet to adjust audio volume in specific areas or throughout the installation remotely.

PRAESENSA is a comprehensive public address and voice alarm system with a wide range of features that adapt easily to changing needs.

• Each hardware device is designed as a complete subsystem, requiring no additional peripherals.
  
  • The call station and power amplifier have built-in DSP for audio processing to adapt to the acoustical environment.
  • Increased flexibility is achieved through dynamic audio routing and built-in IP switches that are pre-configured, certified and secure.
  • No additional hardware add-ons are required. Amplifiers have a built-in spare channel to take over from a failing main channel and the multifunctional power supply has a built-in battery charger.
  • System functions are software-based, so that system capabilities can be updated and additional functionality added over time.
• The design approach is specifically simple, flexible and scalable.

A new class of security and safety

Tasked with protecting the entire student body of a university, facility management needs a clear oversight of indoor and outdoor campus areas at all times. In case of an emergency, it is essential to have clear and immediate feedback from the Public Address (PA) and Voice Alarm (VA) system. As PRAESENSA is an IP-based PAVA system with networked devices, it enables easy connection between widely spread outdoor spaces and campus buildings. PRAESENSA is robust yet flexible, able to change easily to cover expanded configurations, such as an increase in student numbers or additional faculty buildings. The IP-connectivity of the system ensures that new areas can be added to the network with ease, effortlessly addressing increases (or decreases) in scope.

Effortless coverage for multiple areas of differing sizes and noise levels across complex campus grounds. Easy expansion to include growing student populations or additional buildings. Choose PRAESENSA to make student life easier for facility management.

• The open interface to building management systems contributes to easy maintenance and fault handling for the facility management team.
• Simplified system operation through intuitive remote control, with touch screen call stations and touch panel PCs. This makes PRAESENSA to use for both new and experienced operators. APAS/APAL (Advanced Public Address Server-license) provides enhanced control for users, allowing easy adjustment of music/sound levels while walking around on campus grounds. The programmable message library manages multiple languages, specifically helpful for international environments.
• Practical labs can have loud equipment, whereas study areas and libraries require silence. To ensure the security of people in each different area, loudspeaker output can be tailored quickly and easily during system set-up. In addition, PRAESENSA offers phased evacuation that conforms to country-specific standards, fulfilling the safety requirements of all students in every area.
• The ultimate goal of a university is to educate, while keeping students safe and secure. Achieving this while maintaining a tight hold on budget means cost-conscious decision making. PRAESENSA is compact and energy efficient and reduces cost of ownership to an absolute minimum. The system’s low installation, operation and maintenance costs make this a highly attractive solution for universities of every size.

Ensuring the comfort and safety of every guest

People travel for very different reasons: to visit family, go on holiday, to relocate or make a business trip. A hotel owner’s primary goal is to make all these people feel safe, comfortable and at home. Every owner understands how to cater for the needs of hundreds of visitors with very different schedules during their waking and sleeping hours. Whether guests are dining to the sounds of soft background music, traveling to and from their rooms in the elevator, raising their heart-rate to an energetic gym soundtrack, or being soothed by the spa, the areas on the many floors of the hotel must all be served by a system that can provide a range of music that creates the right atmosphere, as well as one that can handle emergencies. And because it will likely be used by different staff through the day and night, that system must be easy to use.

PRAESENSA meets the unique needs of the hotel industry, bringing tailored comfort and security to multiple areas and buildings with multiple floors.

• The automated background music control always creates the right atmosphere, day and night, season by season. Each area can be addressed separately.
• Intuitive software: APAS/APAL (Advanced Public Address Server license) for wireless control devices such as tablets and laptop PCs. This allows operators of all skill levels to control multi-channel background music on-site in the hotel lobby, restaurant, spa or conference areas.
• Audio control can be limited to certain areas, with quiet space provided around guest rooms.
• Announcements for special guest activities and evening events can be self- and pre-recorded on a daily basis and be added to the message library. The programmable message library manages multiple languages, perfect for hotels with multinational guests.

Creating the perfect atmosphere for shopping

The local shopping mall is often the heart of a busy community, a social space where people gather to look for bargains, meet for events, lunch or just a coffee with friends. It is a destination venue with hundreds of reasons to visit, welcoming thousands of people each day. Keeping those visitors safe, informed and comfortable is a 24-hour challenge. PRAESENSA, the new IP-based public address and voice alarm system from Bosch, rises to this challenge and complies with all necessary regional standards.

IP-based PRAESENSA fits perfectly with the diverse requirements of a shopping mall, covering widespread areas, large parking lots and long distances.

• PRAESENSA keeps shoppers entertained to enhance their shopping experience. The system tailors music for each area with individual sound and content, even for the smallest shop if required. MP3 playlists, internet streams, BGM servers or other Dante™ audio sources can all be used as music sources.
• PRAESENSA keeps shoppers informed about interesting promotions, allowing vendors to communicate their latest offers. Commercials can be played directly from a message library. The system makes it possible to schedule changing advertisements about daily specials, one-of-a-kind events or organizational issues such as building maintenance, parking problems or out-of-service elevators. Easily update your audience with personal live recordings, text-to-speech messages or audio files in a variety of formats.

PRAESENSA helps to keep visitors and building occupants safe and fully informed.

Because last-minute project changes tend to influence budget, capacity and planning, PRAESENSA was designed to be as flexible as possible, allowing you to design your public address and voice alarm system without knowing all the variables up front. Loudspeaker loads, for instance, are handled by the PA system, and areas can be added or changed on the fly. PRAESENSA comprises a cost-saving, smart system architecture connected with up to five system elements. Whatever your application, the IP-connected system adapts to your needs, so even if the project suddenly changes in size or scope, PRAESENSA changes with it.

Building occupancy and needs change over time, with refurbishments or expansion often meaning area changes in the public address and voice alarm system. These are no longer the challenging prospect they once were. Because PRAESENSA is an IP-based system, with intelligent load sensing, it adapts, seamlessly.

Bosch has decades of experience in designing state-of-the-art PA solutions, with a proven track record in the field. Here you can find some of our latest customer stories.

Explaining that the intuitive user interface is innovative and provides an easy installation for system integrators

Talking about the new IP-based system as cost-effective and user-friendly

Talking about the 19-inch designs

Reflecting on the design enclosure and integrating PCBAs

Giving his impressions on the call station design

Sharing his passion for creating new technologies

Telling his story and wish for future-proof system architecture

Expressing his enthusiasm that the right choices were made