Using wifi/phones to listen to translation

[ImagineerTom]

That’s a question for the system supplier Tim but I’d guess it won’t as there’s a certain amount of multiplexing used to achieve the different channels.

 

A proper transmitter is only 50 and there are companies that do beltpack transmitters for people using the system as a tour guide aid though from memory they were £150 each

[timsabre]

It does look like this is the best option, if we can avoid radio channels we're already using. I think the audio channels are achieved just by switching frequency, but it's stereo so almost certainly not the same as ch70 radio mics. Thanks for all the suggestions and to Brian for helping me through a trial of IP audio, which had a bit too much latency for the task.

[smalljoshua]

A well setup IP audio system can get the latency to below 100ms which is no similar to being 30m away from the source of the sound (half way back in a theatre and you're getting that anyway) however it would of course be noticeable if the translator was in the same row as you.

 

The three main ones we generally look at are from Barix, Ampetronic and Sennhsiser. Each has their own distinct advantages and disadvantages however we've found them to be a good solution. The other option would be the ListenTalk system from Ampetronic. It's DECT based so 1.8-1.9GHz and very very low latency with a range of headsets/ear-pieces/neck loops available.

 

Josh

[timsabre]

Thanks for all the input everyone, we ran a trial yesterday using 10 sets of wired headphones into a distribution amp and they all loved it. As we are on a micro budget we are going to try silent disco gear next.

[HenryU]

For our church, we have developed a mobile solution Interactio.io and it spread to other churches.

Basically, you use your PC or MAC as a broadcaster and people can either using the app, web or call in can connect to the audio source.

The delay depends on the network conditions but usually, you get around 100-300ms of the delay, which for translation is not a problem.

 

Other solutions on the market:

Interactio.io

Limeonair

Heringhotspot

[paulears]

Just a thought, but phones using zello would work - you create a private group and then one phone, or dedicated radio broadcasts to any logged in users - it's even free as an app for android and IoS. People use them like two way radios and they work world wide - so people could listen in at the event, or at home. Zello is a no cost application too! There's a small amount of latency - would this annoy?

[timsabre]

Just to update, we are actually getting on quite well using silent disco gear from Silent Disco King. We are using their "Ned" receiver pack with cheap on-ear headphones. It is great to be able to just hand someone a pack before the service and know it will work - the phone based solutions had the potential for a lot of problems as people arrive 2 minutes before with their phone not charged, the app won't work, they can't get on the wifi, etc. etc. And of course they don't speak much English so explaining all this stuff is quite difficult.

The only problems we've had are people turning up the headphones too loud so everyone around gets the spill