Selecting the best listening system technology for the job

Transcription

1 Selecting the best listening system technology for the job Selecting the best listening system tech nology for the job Williams Sound currently offers a choice of wireless technologies for hearing assistance applications: Induction Loop, Infrared (IR), FM, Digital, and Wi-Fi. By understanding the most significant advantages and disadvantages of each technology, it is possible to select the best technology for a particular use or application. All of these technologies provide a direct link between a facility sound system and the listener, bypassing background noise and room acoustics. Loop, IR, FM, Digital, and Wi-Fi technologies each have unique characteristics. By offering all available technologies, we are able to help our customers select the best technical solution for their particular facility, application, and installation needs.

2 Induction Loop listening systems digi loop Users with t-coil-equipped hearing aids do not need a separate receiver. More discreet for users with hearing aids and t-coils No receiver management requirement if all users have hearing aids Phased-array designs can reduce the spillover into adjacent rooms. Can be used in any country, no license requirement Installation cost typically exceeds the equipment cost. Not all potential users have hearing aids and not all hearing aids have t-coils; receivers are still needed. Installation (especially retrofits) can be difficult due to: Architectural issues National heritage/aesthetic issues Coverage may be uneven in seating areas. Variations in t-coil/hearing aid performance create variable results for listeners. Difficult and expensive to cover very large areas Repair can be difficult (or impossible) if there is a loop fault. Spillover likely in multiple-room, adjacent-room scenarios Cost greatly increases as the seating-area size increases Limited portability (except for counter-top loops) Single-channel only Cannot support hearing assistance and audio description for the blind Cannot support multiple languages Loop receivers are directional (orientation-sensitive). Conference rooms In-home Classrooms Small- to medium-size seating areas Susceptible to electromagnetic interference from other electrical equipment Limited audio quality frequency response and signal/ noise ratio

3 Infrared Listening Systems soundplus Excellent sound quality frequency response and signal-tonoise ratio Normally not susceptible to radio interference or interference from other electrical equipment Transmission is confined within a room where security or privacy is a concern. No spillover in multiple-room, adjacent-room scenarios Can be used in any country, no license requirement Portable systems are available Infrared energy is reflected by light floor and wall surfaces, thus increasing coverage Receiver automatically picks up the correct program in adjacent-room applications Can provide hearing assistance and audio description for the blind Can provide multiple languages Compatible with home TV listening systems Emitters need to be placed properly for optimum coverage More emitters are needed for larger areas, adding cost Most systems do not work well in direct sunlight. Opaque objects like columns can block the signal. Infrared energy can be absorbed by dark floor and wall coverings, reducing coverage Listeners need a receiver. Some receivers require line-of-sight operation. Batteries Earpads Distribution and collection of receivers Cinemas, especially multiplexes with many adjacent screens Courtrooms, especially with many adjacent chambers and where secrecy or secure transmission is needed Boardrooms where secure transmission is needed Difficult and expensive to cover very large seating areas (ie, stadiums) Emitters cannot be concealed Potential architectural issues Potential National Heritage site issues Schools and universities Auditoriums City centers that have heavy radio (RF) interference Facilities with electrical interference that precludes use of an induction loop

4 F M R a d i o L i s t e n i n g S y s t e m s P e r s o n a l PA A d va n t a g e s D i s a d va n t a g e s Can easily cover very large seating areas Transmission is not secure for privacy Simple installation Radio interference from other services is possible Lowest installation cost Limited number of channels available Adjacent rooms need to be on a different frequency Users must select the correct channel Transmitter can be concealed (but not in metal enclosure) Solves architectural problems Solves aesthetic/historic site problems Cost does not increase as seating area increases in size Receivers are not directional or line of sight. Excellent sound quality frequency response and signal-tonoise ratio Works outdoors in direct sunlight Highly portable Provide hearing assistance and audio description for the blind Provide multiple languages Listeners need a receiver Batteries Earpads Distribution and collection of receivers B e s t A p p l i c at i o n s Stadiums or other large seating areas Houses of Worship Auditoriums Schools and universities Portable systems D i s a d va n t a g e s Some countries have license requirements Different countries require different frequency bands Signal can carry beyond the intended area Outdoor applications

5 Digital Radio Listening Systems DIGI WAV E Covers small- to medium-size listening areas No installation or installation cost in portable use Minimal installation in fixed uses with Digi-Wave Dock No license required in most countries / Can be used in most countries Portable system o Solves architectural problems o Solves aesthetic/historic site problems Excellent sound quality frequency response and signal-tonoise ratio Works outdoors in direct sunlight o Can provide hearing assistance and audio description for the blind o Can provide multiple languages Digital transmission avoids most radio interference Provides secure/private transmission Permits two-way operation for Q&A Permits multiple presenters Some countries have license/use requirements Some countries require different frequency bands Multiple Wi-Fi transmissions in the same area can reduce range Limited number of channels available o Adjacent rooms need to be on a different frequency o Users must select the correct channel Presenter must wear a transceiver and microphone Listeners need a receiver o Batteries o Earpads o Distribution and collection of receivers Boardrooms Courtrooms Classrooms Tours Small auditoriums