The IDA8 is based on the successful IDA4, which is well established in the market. Over the five years since IDA4 was launched, tens of thousands of units have been sold internationally. But technology and what users expect from equipment in the exacting PA/VA sector has changed, so work on a next generation version began 18 months ago, says the company.
With extended DSP memory and communications capability, the IDA8 is more technologically sophisticated than its predecessor but it is also easier to use and set up. Neil Voce, sales director of Ateis UK, says the big breakthrough is having all key system components in a single unit.
"In a typical installation IDA4 was the central controller but it had to be connected to a network and a loudspeaker line monitoring device," Voce explains. "That was three separate devices but now all those functions have been combined into one box, the IDA8."
The IDA8 master system controller features eight analogue audio inputs and eight analogue outputs. There are eight alarm control inputs and eight output relays, which can be programmed according to priority and the requirements of the user.
The master unit is set up from a PC, which can then be disconnected, allowing the IDA8 to run independently. IDA8 slave units can be added to expand a system, according to the size of an installation. Master and slaves each offer up to four hours of WAV format audio capability, with an option for uploading message files using Ethernet link.
IDA8 can run on Ateis-Net networking technology, creating either a Local Network, handling up to 256 priorities for a maximum of 256 zones, or a Global Network, connecting up to 32 Master units covering 32 x 256 zones. Units can be connected using copper, fibre or IP circuits.
The new system complies with the main industry standards, EN 54-16 (VACIE&FACIE), BS 5839-part 8 and ISO 7240-16, and is currently with accredited testing houses awaiting EMC compliance.
IDA8 was seen in prototype form at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt but it is now in its final production version, with UK deliveries due to begin during September.
"We've looked at what the IDA4 could and couldn't do and listened to what customers needed to do in an increasingly demanding market," comments Neil Voce. "Our experience of how the IDA4 has been used has led to new features, such as IP interactivity and control, with integrated networking. What we have now with the IDA8 is a better set of specifications that will take us, and our customers, into the future."
(Jim Evans)
