Infrared Portable Hearing Systems

The Lord Chancellor’s department recommends infrared hearing systems for use in courts due to the security aspect. The signal cannot be heard outside the room unlike an induction loop system. Larger emitters are used in court rooms and theatres. As the size of the room and the amount of people wishing to hear increases, additional emitters and receivers will be required.

The system works in the same way as a remote control on a video or television, i.e. an emitter (the remote handset) sends out an invisible beam of infrared light which individual receivers (the TV), convert into sound via built-in headphones.

Advantages of the Infrared Hearing System

There is no loop with an infrared system – this is of particular benefit from an installation aspect where the fabric of the building, a church for example, cannot have cable attached or visible.

Infrared transmissions will not permeate walls, ceilings, or floors. This means that each room has total privacy from any other room.

Since infrared systems are not hampered by multiple frequency problems, a person wearing an infrared receiver in one room can move to another room and use the same receiver unit without switching frequencies or units entirely. You may be familiar with some museum or tour facilitiesthat use infrared systems. As you move from room to room, you automatically hear the presentation specific to the room you are in.
Infrared systems can also be set-up to provide stereo sound. This is especially beneficial in theatre, auditorium facilities, lecture halls or presentation rooms where high quality audio is being produced as a part of a video tape or laser disc.

Infrared headsets have the receiver unit built into the headset, therefore no wire or connector failures can occur Gordon Morris installs only high quality infrared equipment, from manufacturers such as Sennheiser, Toa and Audio Technica.

What Situations Are Infrared Hearing Systems Most Commonly Used?

Infrared hearing systems are used in a wide variety of locations, such as theatres, lecture halls and cinemas. They are especially well suited where confidentiality is important eg. court rooms where a loop system is not recommended due to overspill issues.

Varying Requirements of Users

Gordon Morris Ltd. understands the varying requirements that users have and can specify a system for use in almost any location. All we need to know are the approximate dimensions of the area to be covered. The system will need a mains power supply and can also be linked into a public address or audio system.

Infrared Hearing System Case Studies

Infrared system installations that we have completed include Somerset Adult Learning and Leisure buildings, and Bath Spa University. View Case Studies.

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