Listen Technologies, a provider of assistive listening, multi-language audio transmission and live streaming audio solutions, has announced that its Listen EVERYWHERE and ListenRF assistive listening systems have been installed at The Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts in Orange, Texas, US.
Enabling audiences to fully enjoy the theatrical experience, the technologies will aid in improving the hearing of guests, performers, and crew, already receiving positive feedback from customers.
As interference from the 1,500-seat theatre’s LED screens increased, Lutcher Theater chose to replace its 30-year-old infrared assistive listening system. For the benefit of Lutcher Theater patrons and to give them a choice for the best-individualised experience, Full Compass, a national leader in the supply of pro audio, video, and lighting equipment based in Madison, Wisconsin, suggested Listen Technologies’ Wi-Fi and radio frequency (RF) assistive listening systems.
Options for audiences
Customers who wish to access audio for performances on their smartphone can use Listen EVERYWHERE, which broadcasts audio over Wi-Fi through a customisable app. Before the performance, audience members download the free app, log on to the guest Wi-Fi network at Lutcher Theater, choose the channel to hear the audio, and listen to the performance through their headphones or earbuds connected to their phones. No assistive listening devices are required for rental to audience members at theatres utilising Listen EVERYWHERE.
Audiences can also opt to wear Listen Technologies‘ ListenRF receivers that are compact, unobtrusive, light, and simple to use on lanyards around their necks or belt clips. ListenRF employs radio frequency to deliver audio and is used with headphones or earbuds attached to the receiver.
Neck loops are also offered for clients who use cochlear implants or hearing aids. For customers who would rather not use their smartphones, ListenRF is perfect.
During each performance, the Lutcher Theater typically checks out 15 to 20 assisted listening devices, rising to as many as 50 to 60 requests for assistive listening equipment on some performance nights.
To give customers who wish to utilise a conventional assistive listening device the best possible experience, David Boehme, the technical director at the Lutcher Theater, chose ListenRF 5200 iDSP receivers.
Boehme recognises how these high-end receivers normalise the volume and enjoys how that improves the user experience, saying: “I can confidently hand out the ListenRF receivers at the beginning of a performance and know that they’ll work without interference and with the best quality audio. Plus, our patrons are delighted with the improved sound quality. One couple was visibly excited and repeatedly said these devices sound so much better than the old system.”
Accessible audio for all
As part of the transition, any new assistive listening devices utilised by the venue needed to operate effectively and make it simple for customers to access crystal-clear audio.
“With the ListenRF system, we appreciate the straightforward arrangement of the charging cradles, especially the extra slot for an ID. Also, not needing to remove batteries for charging is awesome. Most amazing is the feature of the devices starting up on their own when removed from the charger – no power-on button pushing needed.” adds Boehme.
The quick change wardrobe section of the theatre also makes use of the Listen EVERYWHERE system. For actors to hear the play offstage and know where they need to be, Lutcher Theater connected a portable speaker to an iPad streaming the performance audio using the Listen EVERYWHERE app. The audio from the show is available throughout the entire theatre if the smart device is connected to the network, allowing visitors who leave the theatre and enter the lobby or other nearby places to hear the performance audio.
Listen Technologies’ vice president of global sales Sam Nord adds: “Lutcher Theater has a long history of hosting the best in world-class entertainment and delighting patrons with outstanding performances,”
“Inclusion and accessibility are hallmarks of the Lutcher Theater experience and we’re honoured they have selected Listen Technologies’ solutions to provide superior audio experiences and offer patrons a choice of assistive listening options to suit their needs and preferences best.”
Listen Technologies’ chief experience officer Jonathan Stanley recently talked with blooloop about inclusion, the power of shared experiences, and the future of assistive technology.
