Listen Technologies iDSP Assistive Listening System Chosen for Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue in San Francisco, California
BLUFFDALE, UT, January 20, 2014 — San Francisco’s Congregation Emanu-El has been northern California’s landmark Jewish synagogue, and one of the most dynamic Jewish communities in America, since its founding in 1850. Now in its third site (a gorgeous structure dedicated in 1926, at Lake Street and Arguello Boulevard), the congregation is the spiritual home of over 2,100 households. With the temple’s membership in mind, the facility recently integrated iDSP (Intelligent Digital Signal Processing) assistive listening products from Listen Technologies Corporation, the leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of assistive listening products for over 16 years. Martinez, California-based firm Pro Media / UltraSound – a leading professional A/V integrator specializing in installations as varied as Levi’s Stadium [the home of the 49ers], the de Young Museum, the Santa Clara Convention Center, the San Francisco Opera House, corporate and worship facilities of all sizes and others – worked closely with Listen personnel on the project, completed in time for the High Holy Days.
The Listen Technologies components selected for the Congregation Emanu-El installation included LT-800-072-01 Stationary RF Transmitter (72 MHz); LA-122 Universal Antenna Kit (72 and 216 MHz); LA-326 Universal Rack Mounting Kit; LR-4200-072-P1 iDSP RF Receiver Package (72 MHz); LA-304 Assistive Listening Notification Signage Kit; and LA-381-01 Intelligent 12-Unit Charging Tray.
The systems were integrated in both the synagogue’s Main Sanctuary (1640 capacity) and smaller Martin Meyer Sanctuary (350 capacity). Pro Media / UltraSound Project Lead Patrick Waller explains how this installation came about: “Congregation Emanu-El has a number of elderly congregants and others with hearing loss or impairment. There were some assistive listening systems in place, but they weren’t compatible with certain hearing aids, or were just not effective for some members. Judi Leff, Director of Operations and Office Management at Congregation Emanu-El, is a longtime customer and friend of ours, and she contacted me about upgrading their assistive listening tools, and we explored a number of options. Products from Listen Technologies immediately came to mind, but some of our ideas were not feasible right away, because the space’s marble floors prevent wiring/looping techniques. Sam Nord at Listen let us know about their iDSP products being unveiled earlier this year. Everything clicked into place for the project, and we were able to move forward immediately. Everyone at Listen was so helpful during the planning process, and the installation was seamless and efficient.”
Pro Media / UltraSound installed and commissioned the system quickly, to have everything in place in time for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services, which are some of the most well-attended services of the worship year. Waller continues, “After the High Holy Days, we checked in with Judi to see how the iDSP systems had worked – she said that there were several congregants for whom it made a huge difference, and she even got an email from one who had been part of the congregation for decades, and said that this is the first time she’s been able to really hear the service in four years. And it was an easy installation – we basically got the system configured and handed it over to them. Plug and play!”
Judi Leff stated, “We are always trying to make sure we are compliant with ADA and offering the latest technology to our congregants. A more involved installation was going to cost many thousands of dollars, and as a non-profit house of worship, we were very concerned. When Pro Media / UltraSound figured out what a problem solver Listen iDSP would be, we were so excited, and our congregants were happy as well. One happy congregant emailed me: ‘I’m thrilled with the new system. It worked for me and I hope it continues. It’s the first time in about four years that I have been able to hear.’”
The iDSP line was introduced by Listen Technologies earlier this year. In developing the iDSP, Listen closely focused on the user experience and ease of dispensing, inventory management and battery management at the venue – all based on input from consultants, system integrators, venue owners and end users. The iDSP 72MHz receiver revolutionizes how an RF system works, offering precise clarity with 20 dB less hiss than other RF receivers. The integrated neck loop improves the experience for people who have hearing aids and cochlear implants with telecoils. The result is a significantly improved listening experience, including an integrated neck loop/lanyard; streamlined dispensing, collecting and care; and environmentally friendly advanced battery technology – in the smallest, lightest device of its kind.
