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ISCEx Success
The Institute of Sound and Communications Engineers conducted its most successful ISCEx exhibition and seminars at the Park Inn Hotel in Watford on 28th February. Thirty-four companies exhibited the latest products in an industry that has seen public address systems move from message and background music systems to life safety installations which are now incorporated into more informative Fire Alarm systems.
The highly successful one day exhibition was ably supported by a series of seminars covering everything from digital audio networks, including a presentation on very low-cost audio-over IP systems that created quite a stir, to steerable loudspeaker arrays, new International Standards and the musical dimension of concert sound.
The public address industry has been subjected to a significant range of regulations including WEEE - disposal of waste and redundant equipment; RoHS - Restriction of Hazardous Substances and the fire alarm multi-part standard EN54, of which Part 24 in its present form would completely change the way loudspeakers in fire alarm installations are designed, manufactured and tested. These subjects are so important that a special additional workshop session was added to the programme, during which any attempt to treat Voice Alarm loudspeakers in the same way as standard alarm sounders was strongly contested. ISCE is fortunate to have a number of members who are also members of various Standards Committees and it is hoped that a reaction from Institute members may help to modify some of the current recommendations that are considered by many to be a retrograde step in terms of safety and quality.
Another topic that exercised the minds of those attending was the provision of induction loop systems for the hard of hearing under the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act - it had been reported that some companies who had not been trained in the provision and testing of induction loops were leaving systems that were not fully effective. President David Hopkins stated: "The Institute is hoping to embark on a certification scheme whereby companies with appropriate qualifications will be fully accepted as the competent experts in this specialised field."
The success of the Watford programme has prompted members to ask for regional seminars and exhibitions to be considered because it was felt that other members, unable to visit the South, would benefit from a similar local event.
14th March 2006
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