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

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