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New version increases design flexibility and leads to more optimal and cost-effective solutions.

Orlando, Florida: New Praesideo hardware has been introduced in conjunction with the release of Bosch Praesideo SW Version 3.1, including four- and eight-channel Basic Amplifiers, a call stacker, a numeric keypad, and a PC Call Station. These new devices will further enhance Praesideo's position in the competitive PA market by giving customers more flexibility in design and a more optimal and cost-effective solution. Praesideo is ideal for medium and large applications such as shopping centers, schools, tunnels, multi-purpose sports stadia, and airports.

Call Stacker
This stand-alone device is connected to the Praesideo system bus via two network connections only. The unit is used to record calls to occupied zones and automatically playback the recorded calls when the zones are free. The unit also offers the possibility of time-shifted broadcast of calls to eliminate acoustic feedback. Call stacking and time shifting are typically used at airports, in industrial plants and in offshore applications.

Numeric Keypad
The new numeric keypad is used to password protect call stations and for easy zone selection. The unit connects to standard Praesideo call stations and contains a numeric keypad and LCD with backlight. User access is via a user number and PIN. An access lock is activated after a predefined time or by a hot key when the user leaves the call station. Further zone selection functionality enables the user to make calls in predefined zones or zone groups.

PC Call Station
The new PC Call Station is a powerful tool to control medium and large-sized Praesideo systems via an open interface. The official Bosch-supported software tool can control single and multiple Praesideo systems over TCP/IP.

A unique feature of the new call station is a user interface that can be customized by the customer. A single server can handle multiple dedicated operator control panels. Functions such as predefined calls per user, status information per zone for running calls, activated Background Music
(BGM) sources, and settings are provided as standard.

Basic Amplifiers
The new Basic Amplifiers are rated 4 x 125W and 8 x 60W. They are high-efficiency, Class-D amplifiers with built-in output transformers to drive 100V and 70V loudspeakers. Standard Basic Amplifiers are connected to the Multi-Channel Interface; an analog line input is also available for low-priority local audio.

The amplifiers provide overload protected connections for separate group A and group B redundant loudspeakers in a zone and can be configured for class-A loudspeaker loop wiring. Basic Amplifiers feature a switch mode power supply with low inrush current and operate both on mains and 48 V battery power. Power supply and amplifiers are fully supervised.
Stand-alone operation is possible. Last year Bosch introduced the 1 x 500W and 2 x 250W versions of the Basic Amplifier.

Praesideo Standard Amplifiers remain in the product range for applications which demand Digital Signal Processing functionality such as delay, equalizing or automatic volume control.

Audio over Internet Protocol
The demand for real-time audio transmission over long distances continues to grow. The new Bosch IP Audio unit is a unique solution for digital audio transmission between PA systems and remote locations. The IP Audio module is a full EVAC compliant solution for audio over local area networks and the Internet. It offers an analog audio microphone/line input and line output, and built-in supervised control inputs and outputs. The units are easy to install and are configured via a standard Web browser.

TÜV tested and certified
Praesideo Version 3.1 has been independently TÜV tested to EN/IEC60849 certification for "Sound Systems for Emergency Purposes." Not only does this certification enable Bosch to ensure installers but it also guarantees fire departments, consultants/specifiers, and end-users that their EVAC systems comply with the strictest requirements for public buildings. This includes new standards for mass notification and voice evacuation outlined by the NFPA.