Install Auracast
You’ve got the go ahead to dig deeper. So, what’s next?
Work out your requirements
Auracast as a technology enables lots of possibilities. But this means you will need to be clear about the scope of your project and your aspirations for the future.
What would you like to provide and what compromises would you be willing to accept?
Some things to consider are:
What spaces are to be covered?
The area that can be covered by a single transmitter depends on several factors, including the building construction and occupancy.
How many performance spaces are there? Are they fixed or reconfigurable? Should the system cover the foyer or other areas beyond the performance space? See Areas to be covered.
What streams do you want to broadcast?
Most transmitters support two channels. Reflect on the feedback from people who are deaf or have hearing loss and stakeholders with other access needs to help you decide if two channels will be enough.
For more information on the different options for broadcast channels and how to mix them, see What mix to broadcast during the show and Additional broadcast options.
How will you ensure the system is working properly?
The biggest complaint with existing assistive listening solutions is that they often do not work properly. This is a process failure. Your venue can only build trust that Auracast delivers a great experience if you ensure it is working properly every time. See System monitoring.
Find an installer
Installing Auracast can be simple. You may have the expertise to do it in-house. If you do, make sure to research your equipment options. Talk to the manufacturers, arrange a trial and make sure that you are comfortable with the available customer support. It’s vital that the system is properly commissioned. See Verify the system and System monitoring.
For most venues, a reputable installer will reduce the research burden and risk of potential issues. See Finding the right expertise.
Agree on the specification
Whether you do it yourself or bring in an installer, the final specification is critical. Make sure you’ve got a plan for how everything will connect and where each bit of equipment will be installed.
Complete the installation
If you’ve done the research, this will be straightforward. Connect it all up and configure your broadcasts.
Verify the system
Thoroughly test your system before it goes live to ensure customers have a positive experience from the first day. This includes an analysis of the audio and radio frequency (RF) elements of the system.
Make sure that the RF signal is comfortably reaching every part of the intended coverage area. Record the received signal strength on a seating plan/map of the venue, so you can refer to it if problems are reported by customers.
Check the audio quality across the coverage area, especially where the RF signal is weakest. These are the areas that will be most susceptible to interference during a show. Do this both when the venue is empty and when it’s at capacity. See Possible sources of interference.