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Auracast™ - ALS Architecture

If you’re already familiar with Auracast™ broadcast audio, then you’re aware of its potential to enhance our lives in many ways — offering new audio experiences at home, at work, and in commercial and public venues.  Here at Listen Technologies World HQ, the most exciting application for Auracast™ technology is, naturally, as an assistive listening system (ALS) platform.

Harnessing the power of Auracast™ for a dedicated assistive listening system would require the development of purpose-built ALS equipment incorporating the standards and specifications for Auracast™ broadcast audio as administered and licensed by the Bluetooth SIG.  Additionally, to truly qualify as an ALS platform, an Auracast™ assistive listening system should meet ADA and international compliance requirements.

If you are new to Auracast™broadcast audio, our previous articles on the subject provide a solid foundation. 

So how would Auracast™-based assistive listening work?  In practice, we’d connect a clear, intelligible audio source to an Auracast™ transmitter which, in turn, would broadcast the audio directly to an unlimited number of Auracast™ receivers.  As we know (and this is the true elegance of the technology) personal Auracast™ compatible wireless devices, such as headphones, earbuds, hearing aids, even cochlear implants would receive Auracast™ signals directly.  But what about those without a personal Auracast™-enabled device?  We would need, and want, to offer access and inclusivity for all potential users.  And, of course, ADA compliance requires assistive listening systems include specific equipment components:

* Transmitter

* Receivers (quantity based on seating capacity)

* Neck loops (quantity based on seating capacity)

* Public Notification Signage (that assistive listening is available)

 

So, an Auracast™ ALS would need to be more than just a transmitter.  To function as an assistive listening system, in addition to a transmitter, we’ll need dedicated Auracast™ receivers with associated hearing accessories (e.g. neck loops, headsets, earbuds) and compliance signage.  Ultimately, an Auracast™ assistive listening system would offer the same functional elements and connectivity available in other wireless ALS platforms (RF, IR, WiFi).

 

Up to this point, I’ve described the potential of an Auracast™-based assistive listening system in the future tense.   Well, let’s bring it into the here and now.  As you may know, Listen Technologies and Ampetronic have partnered to create a single, mighty source of magical audio solutions.   That partnership has produced a pioneering collaborative innovation… meet Auri™.

Auri™ is the first Auracast™ broadcast audio-based solution for assistive listening. Powered by Listen Technologies and Ampetronic, Auri™ offers all the components and accesssories to deliver a complete Auracast™ assistive listening solution for use anywhere an installed assistive listening system is required or desired. 

Auri™ delivers the many benefits of Auracast™ technology – optimized audio quality, ultra-low latency, and reduced power consumption resulting in extended battery life – while supporting open or encrypted mono, or stereo audio. But we didn’t stop there. Auri™ includes many other advanced features such as networked managed transmitters, multi-language support, and a complete line of accessories. Oh . . and this being Listen Technologies and Ampetronic, Auri™ meets global accessibility requirements. 

Let’s take a look at the Auri™ product line-up!

Auri™ TX2N Transmitter

Designed for professional installation, the Auri™ TX2N is a two-channel transmitter similar in appearance to a low-profile Wi-Fi access point, with a discreet front-panel Auri™ logo and multicolor status indicator. 

A concealed side-panel offers two balanced analog mic/line audio inputs for the two radios.  This combination offers an array of routing and configuration options, including single stream mono audio, true stereo audio, and dual mono streams with separate audio (e.g. content or language).  A single ethernet connection supports PoE, network/PC connection (for system management), and Audio over IP (for repeater or daisy-chain configuration).  The unit also supplies a balanced line output – you may not need it, but if you do, well, you can thank me later.  A USB-C port is available to accept power from an optional power supply, rounding out the standard connectors.  An optional version of the transmitter adds a Dante® network audio interface.  A handy-dandy ceiling/wall mounting bracket is included. 

The Auri™ TX2N broadcasts over 100 m (328ft) in all directions. If more coverage is required, the system can be expanded with additional TX2N transmitters in the repeater mode. 

Auri™ RX1 Receiver

The Auri™ RX1 receiver provides the perfect solution for users without personal Auracast™-enabled hearing devices with the added advantage of meeting ongoing global accessibility demands. Featuring the compact size, styling, and intuitive operation of our state-of-the-art iDSP and ListenTALK receivers, the RX1 delivers high-quality, low-latency audio. 

The RX1 receiver provides simple side-mounted power and volume up/down buttons. Listening is available through two standard 3.5mm output jacks – providing industry-standard connection of earbuds, headphones, and neck loops – so two users can share one receiver, if desired. The dual jacks also facilitate the connection of our integrated neck loop/lanyard for use with telecoil-equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants.

A front-panel OLED displays at-a-glance information, including channel name, charging status and battery level.  Below the display are a pair of buttons for language and channel selection for use when multiple channels are available.

 

The RX1 is powered by our LA-367 Lithium Polymer rechargeable battery, offering quick-charging and extended run time.  Battery charging is accomplished with a side-mounted USB port, or through the four integrated docking contacts.

Auri™ D4 and D16 Docking Stations

The Auri™ D4 and D16 docking stations are designed for use on a flat surface but also provide wall mounting slots.  The D4 and D16 offer, respectively, four and sixteen receiver slots (but you knew that).  Auri™ docks are much more than your basic multi-unit charging trays.  Auri™ docks all have network capability and can store receiver configurations.  This allows for central management, programming, and configuration of the docking stations and the receivers.  I guess we’ll need some spiffy software…

Auri™ Manager Software

Auri™ Manager is Windows-based software, with automatic device discovery, that makes it easy to access and configure Auri™ transmitters, docking stations, and docked receivers over your network.  From single device setup to large system programming, Auri™ Manager allows control of all device options and parameters.  So, one can easily make a change to, say, a single docked receiver, or push firmware updates to all devices on the network. 

Auri™ Manager also makes it easy to create and name device groups, manage receiver inventory, designate open or secure broadcasts, push firmware updates, and keep an eye on system health. 

Auri™-Compatible Accessories

As the long-time leader in wireless assistive listening systems, Listen Technologies has developed a complete line of ALS accessories, and continues to do so. 

Our selection of ADA-compliant signage allows venues to make sure their visitors are aware of ALS availability, while also meeting regulatory requirements. 

As mentioned above, the RX1 receiver allows for connection of users’ personal wired earphones.  Our complete line of wired earbuds and headphones are also perfectly compatible with the RX1, as is our line of neck loops for use with telecoil-equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Listen assistive listening accessories also include cables, cases, chargers, cleaners – even stuff that doesn’t start with a ‘c’!

 

This all adds up to make Auri™ more than a platform… it’s truly a complete system.

 

So now you know Auri™, the inaugural collaborative solution from Listen Technologies and Ampetronic.   One down, the future to go.

Three separate ListenTALK receivers in a row with different group names on each display screen.
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