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S e l e c t i n g t h e b e s t l i s t e n i n g s y s t e m t e c h �
n o l o g y f o r t h e j o b
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 technolo-gies 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 technolo-gies, we are able to help our customers select the best technical solution for their particular facility, application, and installation needs.
S e l e c t i n g t h e b e s t l i s t e n i n g s y s t e m
t e c h n o l o g y f o r t h e j o b
I n d u c t i o n L o o p l i s t e n i n g s y s t e m s — d i g i · l o o p
A d va n ta g e s
Users with t-coil-equipped hearing aids do not need a sepa-rate receiver.
More discreet for users with hearing aids and t-coils
No receiver management requirement if all users have hear-ing aids
Phased-array designs can reduce the “spillover” into adja-cent rooms.
Can be used in any country, no license requirement
D i s a d va n ta g e s
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.
Susceptible to electromagnetic interference from other electrical equipment
Limited audio quality — frequency response and signal/noise ratio
D i s a d va n ta g e s
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).
B e s t A p p l i c a t i o n s
Conference rooms
In-home
Classrooms
Small- to medium-size seating areas
I n f r a r e d L i s t e n i n g S y s t e m s — s o u n d p l u s ®
A d va n ta g e s
Excellent sound quality – frequency response and signal-to-noise ratio
Normally not susceptible to radio interference or interfer-ence 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
Hearing aid users can use a neckloop and receiver if they have a t-coil
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
Multiple channels can be used· Can provide hearing assistance and audio description for the blind· Can provide multiple languages
Compatible with home TV listening systems
D i s a d va n ta g e s
Difficult and expensive to cover very large seating areas (ie, stadiums)
Emitters cannot be concealed · Potential architectural issues · Potential National Heritage site issues
D i s a d va n ta g e s
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.
Some receiver management is needed ·Batteries ·Earpads ·Distribution and collection of receivers
B e s t A p p l i c a t i o n s
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
Schools and universities
Auditoriums
City centers that have heavy radio (RF) interference
Facilities with electrical interference that precludes use of an induction loop
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 P A ®
D i s a d va n ta g e s
Transmission is not secure for privacy
Radio interference from other services is possible
Limited number of channels available · Adjacent rooms need to be on a different frequency · Users must select the correct channel
Listeners need a receiver
Some receiver management is needed · Batteries · Earpads · Distribution and collection of receivers
B e s t A p p l i c a t i o n s
Stadiums or other large seating areas
Houses of Worship
Auditoriums
Schools and universities
Portable systems
Outdoor applications
A d va n ta g e s
Can easily cover very large seating areas
Simple installation
Lowest installation cost
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-to-noise ratio
Works outdoors in direct sunlight
Highly portable
Multiple channels can be used · Provide hearing assistance and audio description for the blind · Provide multiple languages
Hearing aid users can use a neckloop and receiver if they have a t-coil
D i s a d va n ta g e s
Some countries have license requirements
Different countries require different frequency bands
Signal can carry beyond the intended area
D i g i ta l R a d i o L i s t e n i n g S y s t e m s — D I G I · WAV E ®
D i s a d va n ta g e s
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 availableo Adjacent rooms need to be on a different frequencyo Users must select the correct channel
Presenter must wear a transceiver and microphone
Listeners need a receiver
Some receiver management is neededo Batterieso Earpadso Distribution and collection of receivers
B e s t A p p l i c a t i o n s
Boardrooms
Courtrooms
Classrooms
Tours
Small auditoriums
A d va n ta g e s
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 systemo Solves architectural problemso Solves aesthetic/historic site problems
Excellent sound quality – frequency response and signal-to-noise ratio
Works outdoors in direct sunlight
Multiple channels can be usedo Can provide hearing assistance and audio description for the blindo Can provide multiple languages
Hearing aid users can use a neckloop and receiver if they have a t-coil
Digital transmission avoids most radio interference
Provides secure/private transmission
Permits two-way operation for Q&A
Permits multiple presenters