The brief was to provide an integrated audio solution, site-wide PAVA and background music (BGM) system, to protect and entertain, that would be centrally controlled and monitored by the client’s operation team during the event, which ran from 1st October 2021 – 31st March 2022.

Zenitel delivered a solution combining cutting-edge hardware and software complete with on-going support for the entire event period. The system needed to fulfil several functions to ensure that operations ran smoothly. A reliable PAVA system was essential; to deliver both live and pre-recorded broadcasts in the event of an emergency. Additionally, to support the day-to-day procedures with scheduled messages across the large site. Equally, the client required a zonal paging system that would also improve internal communications for the Expo 2020 team.

On the entertainment front, there was a need for high-quality BGM, streamed from a central source via a Dante network. Additionally, Zenitel provided loudspeakers which played out the audio associated with various digital signage screens across the site. Finally, the multi-phase nature of the project meant that scalability was a key requirement, as the scope was constantly evolving, particularly in the early stages. With a demonstrated history of delivering extensive projects, Zenitel were well placed to implement a scalable solution, complete with the relevant EN 54 certification and Dubai Civil Defence approval of their products.

Zenitel were involved in the project since its inception, collaborating with the client representative, Project Management team, and other contractors to realise the site-wide audio solution. Upon completion, the entire system covered 81 PAVA zones, 40 of which were also capable of BGM. The system was decentralised, meaning that all of these zones were covered by 146 nodes, interspersed throughout the Expo.

Zenitel delivered the project in phases. The initial specification was to deliver a paging and life safety system for three of the Expo’s districts. The client then increased the scope to encompass an integrated, site-wide system. To achieve this, Zenitel sat down with the client representative and Project Management Consultant team to sketch out the integration idea and methodology. Thanks to Zenitel's proven scalability and the equipment’s Dante compatibility, all parties had complete confidence in the extension of the system. Thus, the original 3 clusters were scaled to 36.

Zenitel Solutions
Public Address and Voice Alarm

Key Products
VIPEDIA-12

Market segment
Hospitality

End customer
Expo 2020

System Integrator
Zenitel