Hybrid paging systems give you the benefits of both analog paging systems and IP paging systems.
Wait, let’s back up. Paging systems come in two basic flavors: analog and IP.
Analog paging systems are the traditional PA systems with speakers, amplifiers, microphones, zone paging controllers, and so on running over a separate system with dedicated wiring.
IP paging systems are like VoIP phone systems in that they’re built on internet technologies. They run over the IP network and can be unified with IP/VoIP technologies like telephony, video conferencing, access control, intercom, and so on.
We’re not going to get into the details here. If you’d like to know more about paging systems, check out our clear, detailed Paging Systems Buyer’s Guide.
Both analog and IP systems have their advantages and disadvantages. Both are in wide use. But there’s a middle road that gives you the benefits of both type.
Hybrid Paging Systems
Hybrid paging systems integrate both analog and IP paging devices into a single, unified system.
This is typically done by having an IP paging system as the core with analog paging endpoints connected via IP paging adapters or gateways like the CyberData 011579 Hybrid SIP Paging Amplifier (pictured above).
In a hybrid paging system, analog speakers aren’t directly controlled by the IP system. Instead, the system controls the adapters, which translate IP signals into analog signals.
It’s kind of like how you can set up a home audio system with old-school speakers to play music from your smartphone. You have an adapter — in the home audio case, an integrated amplifier — that translates signals.
With a hybrid paging system, you control the whole paging system on a computer via the IP paging system’s user interface.
Why Establish a Hybrid Paging System?
IP systems are much more flexible, scalable, simple to control, and feature-rich than analog systems. They have always accurate time, greatly simplified zone paging controls, and so on.
Sounds great: why not have a totally IP system? IP speakers are, unfortunately, more expensive than comparable analog speakers.
Analog paging speakers are less expensive and still perfectly effective. They can offer exceptional bang for the buck with excellent sound quality. There are outdoor-ready analog horn speakers for broadcasting audio in open spaces, analog ceiling speakers for office buildings and hospitals, and on and on. Analog PA speakers also have the habit of lasting for a long, long time.
Because you only need the speaker to broadcast audio, you don’t need to worry about the speaker not having features, like you would with a VoIP phone vs an analog telephone.
Also, many buildings already have analog endpoints like PA speakers installed. Why replace all these perfectly functional speakers if you don’t have to?
Hybrid paging systems are also often used to help with migration from an analog system to an IP system. Rather than replacing everything at once, you can start with an IP paging system core, then replace analog speakers over time.
To sum up: Why consider a hybrid paging system?
- Save money with analog endpoints
- Extend lifetime of existing devices
- Migrate from analog to IP at your own speed
- Have the improved management and features of IP paging