AI Audio Talkdown
Anava's AI Audio Talkdown feature enables real-time, AI-generated voice announcements through your Axis camera speakers. When an event is detected, Anava can automatically generate and play context-aware audio messages to deter intruders or provide instructions.
Key Capabilities
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Real-time Generation | Audio generated in under 2 seconds from event detection |
| Context-aware Messages | AI generates appropriate messages based on event type and location |
| Multiple Voices | Choose from various voice profiles to match your security tone |
| Multi-language Support | Generate announcements in 30+ languages |
| Low Latency | Optimized streaming for immediate playback |
How It Works
Event Flow
- Event Detection: Camera detects motion, person, or other configured trigger
- Context Collection: ACAP gathers event metadata (location, time, camera name)
- Cloud Processing: Event sent to Anava Cloud via secure MQTT
- AI Generation: Gemini TTS generates appropriate voice message
- Audio Streaming: Audio chunks streamed back to device
- Playback: ACAP plays audio through camera's built-in speaker
Audio Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sample Rate | 16,000 Hz |
| Bit Depth | 16-bit |
| Channels | Mono |
| Format | Linear PCM (WAV) |
| Typical Duration | 3-8 seconds |
| Max Duration | 30 seconds |
Voice Options
Anava supports multiple voice profiles through Gemini TTS:
| Voice ID | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Puck | Authoritative, clear | Security warnings |
Charon | Calm, professional | Business hours |
Kore | Friendly, approachable | Customer-facing |
Fenrir | Deep, commanding | After-hours deterrence |
Aoede | Warm, reassuring | Residential |
Example Announcements
Intrusion Detection
"Attention. You are on private property and are being recorded. Security has been notified. Please leave the premises immediately."
After-Hours Access
"This facility is closed. Access is restricted to authorized personnel only. If you require assistance, please contact security."
Loitering Alert
"Notice: This area is monitored 24/7. Loitering is not permitted. Thank you for your cooperation."
Configuration
Audio talkdown is configured per device group through the Anava Console:
- Navigate to Settings → Device Groups
- Select your group
- Enable AI Audio Talkdown
- Configure:
- Voice profile
- Language
- Volume level (1-100)
- Message templates (optional)
Message Templates
You can provide custom templates that the AI will use as a base:
{
"intrusion": "You have entered a restricted area at {location}. Leave now.",
"loitering": "Please move along. This area does not permit loitering.",
"afterHours": "This business is closed. Normal hours are {hours}."
}
The AI will adapt these templates based on context while maintaining your preferred tone.
Requirements
- Axis camera with built-in speaker or connected audio output
- Anava ACAP v3.0 or later
- Active Anava subscription with Audio feature enabled
- Camera audio output enabled in VAPIX settings
Latency Breakdown
| Stage | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Event to Cloud | 50-100ms |
| AI Generation | 800-1200ms |
| Audio Streaming | 200-400ms |
| Playback Start | 100-200ms |
| Total | 1.2-1.9 seconds |
Privacy & Compliance
- Audio is generated on-demand and not stored unless explicitly configured
- All audio transmission uses mTLS encryption
- No voice biometrics or audio analysis of responses
- Configurable quiet hours to prevent announcements during specific times
- Audit logs record all audio events with timestamps
Related Documentation
- How It Works - Architecture overview and flow
- Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions
Last updated: December 2025