SITUATION
In preparation for the Euro 2004 football championship, the city of Lisbon commissioned a major upgrade for its underground train network. The project required a completely revamped audio paging and emergency notification system in 11 new tube stops, as well as transitioning the 40 stations already on the network. The system needed to interact with the existing audio PA system while not holding back performance in the newer stations.
SOLUTION
Audium designed the upgraded system around an array of Biamp's® AudiaFLEX DSP units, chosen for their ability to manage the new system while integrating seamlessly with the older equipment. Since each AudiaFLEX system operates as a single network over CobraNet™, installation requires fewer materials and resources. This design provides enhanced paging and excellent sound, along with a high degree of failure tolerance and self-diagnostics, meeting the need for an emergency evacuation system as well as day-to-day use. Thanks to networked central control, the system can easily be expanded for future stations.
SYSTEM SPECIFICS
The central core of the system design consists of twin AudiaFLEX networks, performing matching functions in parallel, one primary and one redundant. Signals are then broadcast into the network on different CobraNet bundles and each station receives both bundles, automatically switching to the redundant bundle in case of failure of the primary bundle.
Organized for various levels of routing of pre-recorded and live messaging, the remote operating system is optimized to page to all stations, to all stations on each of the four train lines, to a single station, or to one zone within one station. It also handles local live paging calls at each station, permanent transmission of background music and — as part of a stepped-up security strategy — audio monitoring of any selected station zone.
The local system for each of the 11 new stations consists of a CobraNet-enabled Biamp AudiaFLEX with four analog inputs and outputs, a Biamp Audia® Logic Box, and a Crest Audio Cki 500 amplifier with Ethernet module. Audio monitoring of the amplifier output is done via a TCP/IP connection, breaking down each protocol suite into layers of general functionality for the entire system. The AudiaFLEX executes all the routing and audio processing, including a complex ambient noise compensator [ANC] system, used to overcome the high-level sound variations on station train platforms. The ANC system delivers fine frequency and volume control for small zones, offering an effective way of addressing acoustic problems at nominal cost.
At each of the 40 existing stations, an AudiaFLEX was installed on the existing rack, replacing all previous routing and audio processing equipment. All the new equipment was connected to the Metro's existing Ethernet network using fiber-optic cable, helping to reduce costs and increasing signal carrying capacity. Inside the system's central control station, Metro staff has access to all system functions, as well as pre-recording and playback of messages, thanks to custom software featuring a GUI (graphical user interface) developed specifically for the project by Audium.
Audia software loaded on a portable PC controls system maintenance, allowing remote access to every station, not only for fault diagnosis but also for adjustments to the background level, the page level, the zone level and equalization.
CONCLUSIONS
Along with the noisy station environment, the topology of the Lisbon Underground network imposes additional demands on the system. Audium's choice of Biamp AudiaFLEX equipment provides multi-tasking efficiency, improved user controls and cost-saving resource utilization, as well unlimited networking potential. Audia's reliability and flexibility enhance both station communications and security.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
