Auracast is the future and it’s available now
What is Auracast?
Auracast is a new feature of Bluetooth that enables high-quality audio to be broadcast by one device and picked up by an unlimited number of other devices, without needing to go through a pairing process. In technical terms, a transmitter broadcasts an Auracast stream which is picked up by receivers.
Auracast is a mainstream technology that is designed to make accessible audio available to everyone. This means it can improve everyone’s experience, even people who don’t realise they have been missing out.
People can listen to an Auracast stream using the type of receiver that is best for them.
- Recent hearing aids from all major manufacturers now support Auracast.
- Consumer headphones and earbuds from many manufacturers, including Samsung, Sony, Sennheiser and JBL, are Auracast-enabled.
- Standalone receivers provide access for people without Auracast-enabled devices.
Auracast transmitters are also available from several manufacturers. The right solution for your venue will depend on several factors. These include the size and layout of your performance space(s), your existing infrastructure, the types of shows you put on and the needs of your audience(s).
Crucially, because Auracast is an industry-agreed standard, whichever manufacturer you choose, you can be confident that your customers’ Auracast-enabled devices will be able to pick up the signal.
Feedback from users is that the sound quality of Auracast is far superior to other assistive listening systems they’ve experienced.
I enjoy it [using Auracast at the theatre] much more than I thought I was going to be able to. I can only think back to when I previously went to the theatre, which was probably 15 years earlier than that. And it was a struggle. It was Mamma Mia, so I knew the songs, but I didn’t hear the words that were said. So yeah, it’s much better now than it was back then for me.”
– Customer using Auracast at Delfont Mackintosh Theatres
Auracast can support multiple access needs, not just assisted listening
Several Auracast streams can be broadcast in the same area at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to provide assistive listening, Audio Description and language translation during the same show.
Listening to an Auracast stream through noise-cancelling headphones can also help neurodivergent audiences by removing distracting sounds to help people focus and by reducing overall sensory input.
Auracast makes ‘bring your own device’ access easy
Customers with compatible devices, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, earbuds and headphones, will be able to arrive at your venue and ‘tune in’ to the assistive listening system without borrowing any equipment. In fact, they do not even need to make themselves known to venue staff. This is considered ‘gold standard’ accessibility – users do not need to take any special action which could make them standout.
Did you know? Hearing loops are the only other assistive listening technology to offer this ‘gold standard’ feature. See: Auracast can be installed alongside existing system(s) for more on how hearing loops and Auracast can be used together.
The most common way to select an Auracast stream is via a user interface on a smartphone. With Auracast-enabled smartphones, this functionality is built-in to the Android operating system – the smartphone itself can scan for broadcasts. With legacy smartphones, including Apple’s iOS devices, a custom app is provided by the manufacturer of the hearing device. In this case the hearing device scans for broadcasts and passes the list to the app to display.
An even faster way to select an Auracast broadcast is to scan a QR code – this directly opens the phone’s settings or Auracast app and selects the desired stream. QR codes could be printed, for example, on tickets, signs or instruction sheets.
Standalone Auracast receivers provide access for all
The Auracast rollout is well underway and accelerating. In due course, Auracast-enabled hearing devices will be ubiquitous. Meanwhile, standalone Auracast receivers can give people access now and in the transition period.
These portable (handheld) devices receive an Auracast signal and have a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack. This can be used with wired headphones, a neck loop, ear hooks or to connect to a proprietary wireless accessory. Customers can be lent these devices to access assistive listening or Audio Description.
Some customers may decide to purchase their own standalone receiver so they can bring it with them, but this should not be expected.
See Receiver selection for more details on standalone receivers.
Auracast is cost-effective and easy to install
Installing Auracast requires minimal wiring – in some cases a single ethernet cable is sufficient. It does not require disruptive modifications to the building or décor.
The relatively low price of the electronic equipment and the ease of installation mean that the total installation cost is likely to be less than you expect.
Auracast can be installed alongside existing systems
Whatever system you have, adding Auracast will widen access and future-proof your venue.
See Offering multiple assistive listening options for more details on maintaining multiple systems.