Top Audio Trends for Security

Among the many prominent trends within the security industry this year, we found three that are especially relevant to audio applications. Check out our list below.

1. Network Audio Solutions:
   First, the transition from traditional analog audio systems to intelligent network audio solutions is making waves in the physical security world. Convincing end users that the distribution of digital audio across an IP network may take time because analog audio collection has been the norm for so long; however, as understanding of the new technology increases and more applications are engineered, more end users will come to adopt IP audio solutions. In fact, we expect that adoption will occur at an even quicker pace than it did with IP video, due to the overall maturity of digital technology. 
2. Audio Analytics Software:
   Aggression and explosion detection technology received more attention last year, as well. Because audio systems that have this detection capability help stop or deter potentially dangerous situations (either in their early stages or before they get a chance to occur), the popularity of this innovative software is steadily growing. By alerting the proper authorities when they detect critical sounds, response time is vastly improved—and this, as an industry-wide objective, has proven invaluable.
3. Alarm Verification:
   The need for better alarm verification was possibly the largest takeaway from 2019. Both false and unverified alarms can cause major issues for end-users, integrators, and local police.

Two Alarming Cases: False Alarms and Lack of Verification 

Let’s take a closer look at why this third trend—the need for better alarm verification—is such a pressing issue. 

Case 1: False Alarm, No Danger

When a false alarm is triggered, end users can potentially incur fines of hundreds of dollars. Due to recent legislation passing, as well, in many cases, the integrator may be expected to pay such fines. 

Case 2: Real Alarm, No Verification

Some law enforcement agencies do not prioritize unverified alarms. In cities where the authorities respond to a large number of urgent situations and need to make decisions about allocating resources, it only makes sense that verified alarms get attention first. 

This means that, when an incident occurs but there is no verification, law enforcement personnel may delay their response, arriving too late to be able to resolve the situation that triggered the alarm. In other words, an unverified alarm can sometimes be like having no alarm at all—especially when time is critical and seconds count.

Looking ahead, audio security systems, like those manufactured by Louroe Electronics, will see greater adoption as they have become essential elements of truly effective security solutions. The two major benefits provided by these systems being the ability to avoid or reduce the incidence of false alarms, which can be damaging to both reputation and finances, along with the ability to verify alarms, which can help defuse dangerous situations and streamline real-time response.