Seoul Visual Media High School benefits from smart, economical Axis network audio.

Founded in 1952 with the school motto of “Faith, Love, and Gratitude,” Seoul Visual Media High School (SVMHS) was designated as a representative high school for visual media in 2004. SVMHS accommodates approximately 450 students in 6 classes per grade, and it is currently the only school accepting applications nationwide. SVMHS is comprised of three major areas of study—visual contents, visual media, and visual media management, and it strives to develop talents with outstanding creativity in these areas. SVMHS uses its broadcasting system to conduct English listening tests to assess student progress in academic achievement. 

However, the outdated, existing analog-based system only provided low-quality sound and limited management functions. This triggered the implementation of a high-quality broadcasting system to promote a learning environment and provide students with a more reliable assessment system.

SVMHS implemented a highly cost-effective, simple, and efficient broadcasting system by bringing in an Axis network audio system, which enabled a combined system operation. Axis network speakers are all-in-one speakers and support PoE (Power over Ethernet), which allows easy and fast installation and improved sound quality. Students are greatly satisfied with the improved sound quality during listening tests. Audio management system allows an easy and combined operation of the entire system, management of live or scheduled announcement, and transmitting selected audio sources to designated zones through a one-click process.

SVMHS learned about Axis network audio system while it was searching for the most suitable replacement broadcasting system that could possibly solve the problems the school was experiencing and meet its requirements. The school principal Chul-sik Shin stated, “It was not easy to find a broadcasting system that could satisfy our students, with the school’s limited budget” and “consulting with Darwin System revealed that the total implementation cost of a network broadcasting system was significantly lower than others, and after going through the demo, we selected Axis network audio system for its clear sound and many smart features at an economical price.”

Axis network speaker is an all-in-one system combining a mixer, digital signal processer, streaming box, microphone, and power supply unit. It supports PoE (Power over Ethernet), which allows an easy and fast installation using a network cable for supplying power and transmitting audio signals. The total installation cost tends to be less than installing analog speakers, although the cost of speakers themselves may be higher, because no separate equipment is required and the cabling is straight forward. No sound experts are required to install and operate the system, and there is less troubleshooting needed, thereby reducing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

The implementation of the Axis network audio system delivered many functions that were previously unavailable. For example, various sound sources can be loaded to the system, and class bells can be scheduled to ring at the beginning and end of each class. Broadcasts are sent to a selected group of speakers by grade or zone to minimize any disturbance to other groups. Groups and schedules can be easily modified. Another helpful feature is that it allows controlling or changing the volume of each speaker either individually or simultaneously. According to Si-kwon Lee, an SVMHS teacher, each classroom and learning room has a different size, meaning the distance between the speakers and students also varies per room, and listeners take advantage of the individual volume setting on Axis speakers to choose the most comfortable level for them.

Using AXIS C8033 Network Audio Bridge which connects and combines analog and network audio systems, the entire set of broadcasting devices are connected, integrated, and controlled as one single system, and existing analog speakers are available for use of all features through the network system. This may be a game-changer for those looking to protect previous investments and benefit from cost effective features network audios offer.

SVMHS added an audio management system (which Darwin has independently developed) to the solution so every aspect of the system can be managed with one, intuitive interface. This system includes the hardware and software needed for system management and is comprised of a management server and user console for central management of device settings for network speakers, analog speakers (connected by audio bridges), and IP phones. Since it is developed to support full features of the Axis network audio system, users can easily set broadcasting zones, manage sound sources, record broadcasting contents, and manage volume and scheduling of broadcasts. Flexibility of customization based on the user’s environment is another benefit of this system.

Si-kwon Lee, an SVMHS teacher, states “the school needed a new system capable of combining different devices used in school broadcasting. The concept of a network audio system was unfamiliar to us at first; however, we were assured by Axis and Darwin’s professional, in-depth briefing that it was the right solution for the school and took into account the many critical factors involved in making such a decision.”