Auracast™ LOCATION PROFILE
The Ropetackle Arts Centre
About this location
Key stats
Location: Shoreham‑by‑Sea, United Kingdom
Venue type: Community center
Location size: 200 seating capacity
Auracast™ equipment installed: HomeSpot
Installation: DIY installation
Ropetackle Arts Centre is a community‑focused arts venue located in Shoreham‑by‑Sea, UK. The center hosts a wide range of cultural programming, including live performances, cinema screenings, festivals, and community events, serving audiences from the local area and beyond.
As an actively used performance venue, accessibility is a core consideration, particularly for patrons with hearing loss. Ensuring clear, reliable sound throughout the auditorium is essential to delivering an inclusive experience, whether for regular film screenings or special events such as Deaf‑friendly festivals introduced in British Sign Language and spoken word.
The problem statement
Prior to deploying Auracast™ broadcast audio, Ropetackle relied on an aging infrared assistive listening system. Over time, the system began to fail, with no replacement parts or spares available. Signal coverage was limited, requiring users to sit in the center of the auditorium to maintain a reliable connection.
The center’s primary goal was to replace failing assistive listening headphones. However, when quotes for traditional loop systems came in at around £10,000 GBP, the cost presented a significant barrier. While accessibility remained a priority, finding a practical, affordable replacement was a challenge.
The Auracast™ solution
Deployment
Prompted by a recommendation to try Auracast™ broadcast audio, and informed by a tech contact installing the technology in a nearby church, Ropetackle decided to run a low‑cost trial. The centre installed a HomeSpot Auracast™ kit, consisting of two BA210v2 broadcasters and four headphones, supporting both headphone and hearing‑aid connections.
Deployment was straightforward. Using simple XLR splitters, the broadcasters were connected directly to the sound desk. The Auracast™ solution was implemented as a full replacement for the obsolete infrared system with no need for complex configuration or specialist training.
Benefits
The practical benefits became clear almost immediately. Steward training was dramatically simplified — volunteers needed only around five minutes to learn how the Auracast™ headphones worked. In contrast, the previous system required staff and users to understand loop channel selection settings that were often confusing.
Users strongly preferred the new headphones, which eliminated the lanyard, cable, and external receiver worn around the neck.
Feedback from patrons has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers praised the sound quality, simplicity, and, most notably, the range. The Auracast™ signal coverage far exceeded expectations, removing previous seating limitations altogether.
While awareness of Auracast™ broadcast audio among hearing‑aid users is still growing in the UK, two patrons have already connected directly via hearing aids to the Auracast™ broadcast and reported significantly clearer audio.
A look ahead
For Ropetackle Arts Centre, Auracast™ broadcast audio delivered more than a replacement — it provided a modern, affordable accessibility upgrade well beyond initial expectations. While many UK hearing‑aid users are still unfamiliar with the technology, the early results demonstrate strong potential as awareness grows.
With a low barrier to entry and immediate benefits for both staff and audiences, Auracast™ broadcast audio offers a practical path toward more inclusive cultural experiences.
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