Preston described a tiered approach that aligns to facility size, complexity, and code drivers:
Legacy replacement and compact analog options (Dynacord U-series): Smaller footprint, power-efficient amplification intended for straightforward paging, background audio, and simple override use cases.
Entry-level zoned paging (PAVIRO): Positioned as a cost-effective way to get many paging zones, often aligned to education and light commercial needs.
IP-based PA/VA (PRAESENSA): The flagship platform for distributed, networked deployments where supervision, redundancy, and integration are critical.
A significant portion of the presentation emphasized availability and trustworthiness of the communications path.
System availability and fault tolerance
Every device is supervised, from call station microphone elements through to speaker lines.
Redundancy is designed into multiple layers: network paths, power architecture, and amplifier behavior.
Amplifiers include spare-channel concepts so a failed channel can be replaced automatically while maintaining operation, with faults reported for service follow-up.
Security posture
Preston emphasized encrypted communications so that audio and control traffic cannot be manipulated or injected once inside the system.
The practical point for stakeholders: if the system can be used to issue emergency instructions, it must be treated as a protected operational technology asset, not “just audio.”
Standards context
He referenced UL listing expectations for mass notification and related applications, underscoring that the design goal is “no single point of failure” when the system is used for emergency communications.
Preston highlighted ecosystem growth in two directions: smaller deployments and more integration points.
System controller options: A “small” controller option intended to bring PRAESENSA functionality to projects that do not need large zone counts or large amplifier quantities.
I/O expansion: A GPIO interface module adding supervised inputs/outputs for tying in alarms, triggers, external controls, and notification appliances.
Audio interface expansion: A module enabling supervised analog audio in/out for interoperability with legacy systems or third-party voice/mass notification sources.
Ambient noise sensing: A dedicated SPL (sound pressure level) sensor used for automatic volume adjustments without functioning as a “listening microphone,” intended to maintain intelligibility as ambient conditions change.
Wall control panels: IP-level control of background audio levels that preserves emergency override behavior, avoiding classic “attenuator defeats evac” design pitfalls.
A key STF-adjacent thread was integrating voice with video, intrusion, and other sensors:
Voice endpoints can be used for operator talk-down, stored message playback, and event-driven notification (for example, triggered by analytic detections or intrusion events).
The practical design concept: use rules/logic to convert detections into clear, authorized instructions—while ensuring priority control so emergency messaging can always override routine audio.
Preston also addressed the physical deployment side:
IP horns/speakers: Positioned for outdoor or high-noise applications where talk-down and intelligible alerting matter.
Ceiling speaker portfolio updates: Aesthetic and installer-driven improvements such as bezel-less looks, magnetic grilles, improved wiring access, standardized cutout strategies, and variants that align to evacuation and certification needs.
Treat voice as a security response tool, not just paging. The strongest value is realized when voice is tied to sensors, alarms, and operator workflows.
Specify for continuity of operations. Demand clarity on how the design survives channel failures, network failures, and power disruptions while remaining supervised end-to-end.
Write cybersecurity into PA/VA requirements. Emergency communications over IP should be engineered and governed like other OT security infrastructure.
Right-size the platform. Use simpler architectures when the risk and scope allow, and step up to fully supervised, redundant IP PA/VA when mission requirements demand it.