Franklin ISD Implements Audio over IP in 2 Schools

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 06/09/08

Franklin Independent School District (ISD) in Franklin, TX has begun using Barix AG Exstreamer 100 Audio over IP decoding devices for school-wide voice, music, and bell-tone distribution in two schools. The solution provides administrators and teachers with a control system that interfaces with audio and video devices in the schools.

The Barix devices integrate with CampusSV for audio distribution, including bells, music, live PA announcements, and automated school-wide alerts. The CampusSV system from SchoolView Technologies provides an interface for users to distribute audio, video, and control signals throughout the schools. Audio amplifiers from Calypso Control Systems communicate with the Barix devices to play audio over speaker sets in classrooms, common areas or the entire school. All audio is delivered over a 3 Gigabit IP network backbone and can be scheduled and automated over the CampusSV system.

"We were actively seeking technology that would put us at least 10 years ahead of the technology curve while building the new and renovated schools," said Joe Squiers, director of instructional technology at Franklin ISD. "The goal was to standardize on a system that would require few changes beyond adding an occasional piece, without having to completely overhaul the system backbone. We truly believe this is the way of the future."

The SchoolView Technologies CampusSV platform also enables live and recorded video delivery from a central location to any number of classrooms using the same backbone. In the classroom, CampusSV integrates with Calypso interface equipment for control of multimedia and presentation devices from the teacher's computer, including projectors and DVD players. Calypso Control Systems also provides an integrated wall-mount button panel, allowing teachers to control the same devices from the front of the class.

The system was designed by consultant Elert and Associates for Franklin High School and Franklin Elementary School and will be replicated in the district's renovated middle school, scheduled to open for the beginning of the 2008-09 school year. Squiers said that the Barix and SchoolView interoperability opens the door to scheduled emergency drills and add pre-recorded messages in the event of security incidents.

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About the author: Dian Schaffhauser is a writer who covers technology and business for a number of publications. Contact her at dian@dischaffhauser.com.

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