Auracast™ LOCATION PROFILE
Blackfriars Theatre
About this location
Key stats
Location: Rochester, NY, United States
Venue type: Theatre
Seating capacity: 126
Equipment installed: HomeSpot Broadcaster
Installation type: DIY installation
Blackfriars Theatre, located in Rochester, NY, is a 126-seat professional theater with a rich history. In addition to its mainstage productions, Blackfriars offers educational workshops and a summer program for high school seniors and college theater majors. Deeply rooted in the local community, the theatre draws its audience from Rochester’s vibrant arts scene.
The problem statement
Before deploying an Auracast™ solution, Blackfriars relied on an FM transmitter system paired with receivers to support assistive listening capabilities. Signal quality was inconsistent and unreliable, and the setup was cumbersome, requiring users to manually tune to the correct frequency. Recognizing the limitations of this outdated system, the theatre sought a more modern, user-friendly solution to enhance accessibility for people with hearing loss.
The Auracast™ solution
Deployment
The decision to explore Auracast™ broadcast audio stemmed from a discussion on the ControlBooth web forum, where theatre professionals share insights and experiences. Dave Baxter, the theatre’s technical director, was intrigued by the positive feedback and decided to conduct a trial with a nominal investment. “Early reviews in ControlBooth indicated that the range, sound quality, and latency of the system were excellent,” said Baxter.
The theatre selected the HomeSpot Broadcaster BA210 and acquired a pair of compatible headphones. Although the system has not yet been used during a live performance, the initial setup is complete. Baxter is collaborating with a local audiologist to finalize the installation and develop user instructions, ensuring a smooth rollout for future audiences.
Benefits
While still early in the deployment process, the anticipated benefits of Auracast™ broadcast audio are promising, expecting to offer superior sound quality, improved range, and lower latency compared to the previous system. Additionally, the Auracast™ solution is compatible with modern hearing aids, allowing users to customize their listening experience through smartphone interfaces. This integration represents a significant step forward in accessibility, making it easier for patrons to enjoy performances without the hassle of external receivers.
A look ahead
Although measurable improvements are yet to be observed, early testers have expressed enthusiasm about the system’s potential.
Looking forward, Blackfriars Theatre aims to fully integrate Auracast™ broadcast audio into its operations, replacing the old FM-based assistive listening system. The team plans to gather feedback from users during the upcoming season and refine the setup based on real-world usage. “I encourage other small to mid-sized theaters to consider Auracast™ broadcast audio as a cost-effective and impactful upgrade,” said Baxter.
As the first theater in the area to adopt Auracast™ broadcast audio, Blackfriars is dedicated to providing an inclusive and high-quality theater experience for all members of the community. The theatre will soon register its Auracast™ location on Google Maps to increase visibility and accessibility.
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