Future Media are experienced in the provision of induction loop systems. We can provide any required design, whether it be a single loop for a church hall or meeting room, a multiple low-spill loop for educational establishments, or a complex automated system for delivering audio in visitor centres.
What is an induction loop?
An induction loop is an 'assistive hearing system' that uses electromagnetic energy for transmission of sound from the source to the listener. It can take the form of a perimeter loop, the simplest possible system, or an infrared system for those who need more control over the sound they are transmitting.
Why have an induction loop?
The Disability Discrimination Act requires that any business or organisation providing a product or service to the general public will be required to install an induction loop or infrared system where it is impossible or unreasonably difficult for a deaf or hard of hearing person to makes use of a service.
There is a legal requirement to provide assisted hearing systems to aid those with a hearing disability. However, there are also many situations where you may wish to provide assistance to people who don't wear a hearing aid but nevertheless have problems hearing. For instance, there are a number of business situations which require the ability to deliver audio content to multiple users without the use of loud speakers. Induction loop and infrared systems are the usual technologies chosen for these scenarios.
Infrared Systems:
Infrared Systems can offer an alternative to loop systems in some scenarios. Infrared works in the following way: an infrared emitter bathes the room with invisible infrared light which is then picked up by a small receiver worn by the user. This signal can then feed sound into a pair of headphones or feed into the user’s hearing aid via a small wire loop worn around the neck. The option of using headphones means that use is not restricted to people with hearing aids. Other advantages of infrared systems are:
-Ability to deliver true hi-fi sound quality
-Security and privacy - as the infrared beam is contained within the fabric of the room.
-Ability to offer multiple channels. For example, to deliver multiple languages in a conference.
-Unaffected by metalwork in the building.
-No interaction between systems operating in adjacent rooms.
Counter Loops:
Counter loops are designed for use at reception desks and service counters. In these locations it is often possible to build the loop into the desk giving a very neat, convenient and economical solution. Typically, a counter loop will only cover the area immediately infront of the receptionist, but usually this is all that is required and also helps to preserve privacy. Future Media can supply D.I.Y. counter loop kits from £110 or install counter loops from £200.
Intelligent Systems:
We can provide intelligent systems that are aware of the listener’s position and automatically deliver location-specific content. The system can also provide management feedback such as location and dwell time. Typically used in museums, galleries and visitor centres.
Perimeter Loops:
The most straight-forward loop installation is a thin wire run discreetly around the perimeter of the room. In new constructions the wire is concealed inside the wall, or in existing buildings the wire is stapled to the skirting boards or hidden under the carpet with a thin copper tape. The loop system can be ‘stand alone’ or it can be added onto an existing sound system. Prices start from £800 depending on the room size.
Whilst perimeter loops are the simplest and most common form of induction loop system, there are occasions where a more sophisticated alternative may be appropriate. Perimeter loops can have limitations under the following conditions:
-Metalwork: Proximity to metalwork such as ceiling grids or steel reinforcements can adversely effect loop performance or even make the use of a loop system impractical.
-Security: A simple perimeter loop can ‘spill’ beyond the boundary of the loop itself. While the strength of the signal outside the loop is diminished, it is still possible to pick up a perfectly audible signal. In many situations this is not a problem, but if security or privacy is an issue we would recommend a more sophisticated solution.
-Room Design: In some situations the layout or decoration of a room may make the installation of a perimeter loop impractical or undesirable.
-Interaction: Multiple perimeter loops may not be installed closely to each other as they will interact. For each of the above situations we can offer a more sophisticated phased array loop design or an infrared system.
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