Avigilon Audio Analytics: An Integrated Approach to Modern Security Systems

Comprehensive Intelligent Monitoring

Modern video surveillance systems require more than just visual monitoring. Audio analytics significantly expands the capabilities of traditional video surveillance, enabling threat detection beyond the camera’s field of view. Avigilon’s audio analytics technology represents a breakthrough in the security field, detecting sound-based events where cameras cannot see, and enabling operators to respond to incidents more quickly and efficiently.

Avigilon Unity Video 8, together with the Ava, Alta, and H6A camera series, delivers a comprehensive solution that integrates advanced audio and video analytics within a single unified platform. This technology does not merely supplement but fundamentally transforms standard security monitoring practices, offering operators an unprecedented level of situational awareness and the ability to respond proactively.

Technical Aspects of Avigilon Audio Analytics

Integrated Hardware Architecture

At the core of Avigilon’s audio analytics is a well-designed hardware architecture, specifically developed to meet the demands of physical security systems. Avigilon Ava cameras are equipped with digital microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphones, offering high sensitivity and resistance to external factors. Avigilon engineers have created a compact design that protects the microphones from dust and liquids while maintaining excellent sensitivity and operational efficiency in diverse environments.

It is important to note that audio analytics capabilities are available across various Avigilon product lines. The H6A camera series, offered in both dome (H6A Dome) and bullet (H6A Bullet) variants, also features built-in microphones and supports AI-based sound analytics functions. These cameras can detect and classify audio signals, including gunshots, glass breakage, alarm sounds, and other critical noises, enhancing surveillance capabilities through the integration of video and audio monitoring.

Avigilon Ava Compact Dome, Flex, and Alta models with microphone support provide standard audio analytics, while more advanced models such as the Avigilon Ava 360 and Ava Dome are equipped with four microphones, enabling sound source direction detection. This significantly enhances system functionality by allowing not only the detection of audio events but also accurate localization of their origin.

Intelligent Audio Signal Processing

Avigilon software utilizes optimized deep neural networks to analyze audio signals. The algorithms operate in several stages:

The system is capable of detecting and classifying a wide range of sounds, including:

Ultrasonic Processing and Alarm Signal Detection

Avigilon’s audio analytics technology includes the ability to detect and process ultrasonic signals—frequencies beyond the range of human hearing. This functionality is critical for modern security systems, especially for implementing “silent” alarm alerts.

Avigilon Ava cameras and compatible Alta models are equipped with high-sensitivity microphones operating up to 20 kHz, covering the ultrasonic spectrum (18–20 kHz). In models with multiple microphones, a sophisticated algorithmic analysis is applied to accurately determine the direction of the sound source.

The audio analytics software uses neural networks trained on thousands of real-world audio recordings to accurately classify sound events and minimize false alarms. Signal processing occurs in several stages: first, the system filters out background noise, then extracts ultrasonic components, and finally analyzes their temporal and spectral characteristics to identify specific patterns.

From a practical perspective, ultrasonic alarm signals offer an exceptionally high level of security and confidentiality. Personnel can use dedicated devices or even configured smartphones to emit ultrasonic alarm signals, which can be detected by cameras at distances of up to 15 meters under standard conditions. Since ultrasonic waves do not pass through walls, the alarm signal remains localized within a single room, preventing false alarms in adjacent areas.

Integration with Avigilon Unity Video 8

Audio analytics is seamlessly integrated with the Unity Video 8 video management platform, providing a holistic approach to security. This integration includes several key aspects:

Centralized Management and Configuration

Administrators can configure microphone array orientation and select audio profiles for each camera through the unified Unity Video 8 interface. This significantly simplifies deployment and management, allowing the system to be quickly adapted to the specific needs of a facility.

Visualization of Sound Event Locations

The Unity Video 8 interface displays the location of the camera that detected the sound event on the facility map. For cameras with directional audio support, the system also shows the direction from which the sound originated, enabling operators to quickly orient themselves and direct resources accordingly.

Privacy Protection and Data Control

Avigilon places particular emphasis on privacy, giving users full control over how audio data is processed. The system supports multiple modes:

This flexible approach allows organizations to comply with privacy regulations while still benefiting from audio analytics capabilities.

Industry Applications of Audio Analytics

In the retail sector, Avigilon’s audio analytics helps protect staff and property from aggressive behavior, theft, and vandalism. The system detects raised voices and breaking glass, enabling rapid response before situations escalate. Staff can use ultrasonic distress signals to discreetly call for help in critical situations.

In educational and office environments, the technology allows detection and localization of violent incidents or conflicts anywhere in the building—even outside the camera’s field of view. Audio analytics complements video surveillance, ensuring comprehensive protection and quick response to security breaches such as unauthorized access or loud disturbances in restricted areas.

In healthcare facilities, the system helps monitor the safety of patients and staff by detecting screams, falls, and other critical sounds requiring immediate attention. The combination of ultrasonic detection and personal distress signals is particularly valuable, allowing staff to discreetly request assistance during incidents involving aggressive patients or visitors, without escalating the conflict.

A New Paradigm in Security Systems

Integrating audio analytics into Avigilon cameras creates a fundamentally new approach to security that goes beyond traditional video surveillance. The system not only expands detection and response capabilities but also delivers deeper environmental awareness through sound pattern analysis.

The combination of directional audio, artificial intelligence, and integration with Unity Video 8 provides operators with an unprecedented level of situational awareness. This enables faster incident response and even the prediction of potential threats before they unfold.

Avigilon’s audio analytics proves that the future of security systems lies in a multisensory approach, combining visual and auditory data to deliver comprehensive protection. For modern enterprises and organizations seeking the highest level of security, this technology is not just an upgrade but a necessary component of an effective protection strategy.