How Modern PA Systems Can Enhance School Communication

A Guide to Upgrading Your Dallas School’s Public Address System

Whether it’s a brand-new school or one with lots of history, all schools need an easy-to-use public address system. PA systems not only connect the administrative office to classrooms for important announcements, but they’re also used for bell schedules, gym classes, pep rallies, theater productions, assemblies, and alerting the school about emergencies. 

For communication to run smoothly in your Dallas school, it’s essential to have a proper speaker system that’s easy to use and delivers clear audio. From elementary school through high school and even universities, all educational settings rely on a well-running sound amplification system. 

If your Dallas, TX, school needs a new public address system, read on to see how modern solutions will enhance your school’s communication.  

SEE ALSO: Choosing a Commercial Audio Visual Integrator 

 

Signs Your PA System Needs an Upgrade 

If you’re on the committee to build an all-new school, then you’ll definitely need a new PA system. But what if your school’s been using the same audio system for years? 

When staff (and even students) have noticed that speaker audio is distorted, faint, or echoing, it’s time for a replacement. You may have spotted ‘dead zones’ where no sound plays at all. If you’ve expanded the building with any new additions, you’ll need to make sure they’re connected to the audio system, too. And if your PA system doesn’t extend outdoors, consider how helpful it would be to share important announcements on the playing fields and courts. 

 

Components of a School Sound System 

A PA system requires several parts: a microphone, sound mixer, cables, amplifiers, and speakers. 

A microphone must run through a sound mixer or DSP (digital signal processor) to optimize or EQ (equalize) the speaker’s voice and make the audio sound as it is intended – clear and intelligible. Some mixers are built into microphone units and can even add special effects or sounds. 

From there, the microphone audio must run into an amplifier, which sends audio signals to speakers. Modern PA systems operate through your existing ethernet data infrastructure, so we don’t have to run wires from every speaker to the amplifier. We recommend installing one to two speakers per classroom, with others installed in hallways, gyms, and the cafeteria. In-wall or in-ceiling speakers blend seamlessly into the walls for a clean finish. 

 

How We Install PA Systems 

Our expert technicians install PA systems with the highest-quality technology and design practices. Most modern schools are already equipped with a network deployed by the IT department. We’ll integrate your new PA system over the existing ethernet network, which will be more flexible for future installations. For example, if someday you want to add more speakers, you’ll easily connect to the PA system over existing data wiring. We also run PA systems through 70v systems, which are ideal for those that require lots of speakers. 

Large rooms like halls and gymnasiums are notorious for creating echo, but we’ll pinpoint the perfect location for speakers to sound their best. We can also incorporate speaker devices that flash specific colors for schedules, announcements, or emergencies. In the office, administrators can initiate an emergency by dialing an extension or pressing an emergency button, and red lights can flash across the school.  

 

Where to Find PA System Installations in Dallas 

If your Dallas-Fort Worth school could benefit from a sophisticated new sound system, Videotex is your destination. We provide custom installations tailored to your school’s specific needs to improve communication and safety. 

To learn more, fill out our online contact form, send us a message below, or give us a call at (800) 888-4336. We look forward to working with you!