Auracast™ LOCATION PROFILE
Marriott
Theatre
About this location
Key Stats
Location: Lincolnshire, IL, USA
Venue type: Theatre
Seating capacity: 838
Equipment installed: Ampetronic / Listen Technologies Auri-TX2N transmitter
Installation: DIY installation
Founded in 1975, the Marriott Theatre is a cornerstone of Chicago’s theatre scene, selling over 400,000 tickets annually. With more than 180 productions and a record-breaking 599 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations, the theatre continues to push the boundaries of artistic achievement. As part of its commitment to accessibility, the Marriott Theatre is always on the lookout for innovative solutions that enhance the audio experience for its patrons.
The problem statement
Initially, the Marriott Theatre employed an FM broadcast system that required visitors with any level of hearing loss to tune in to a specific channel. While functional, this system sometimes created static interference and offered limited mobility. “The older technology really dates itself,ˮ said John Johnson, sound supervisor at the Marriott Theatre. “It is a static-filled, distance-dependent solution.ˮ
Recognizing the need for a better audio solution, the theatre eventually transitioned to a T-Coil option more than a decade ago. This improved sound quality and streamlined audio accessibility for those with hearing loss, but it did not enhance the audio experience for patrons with better hearing health who still wished to have assisted listening.
“The older technology really dates itself. It is a static-filled, distance-dependent solution.”
– John Johnson, Sound Supervisor at the Marriott Theatre.
The Auracast™ solution
Deployment
Johnson discovered Auracast™ broadcast audio (a new Bluetooth® feature) via a patron who introduced him to the technology. Intrigued by its potential, Johnson researched its capabilities and decided to conduct internal trials alongside the Marriott Theatreʼs existing T-Coil system, hoping to provide the best possible audio experience for all visitors. “By combining an Auracast™ install with T-Coil, our audiences have multiple high-quality listening options to enhance their experience,” said Johnson.
For this initial experiment, Johnson self-installed an off-the-shelf MoerDuo Auracast™ transmitter/receiver to test the capabilities of Auracast™ broadcast audio and evaluate the sound quality compared to the loop. Pleased with the results, the threatre first evaluated, then installed the Auri transmitter on permanent basis. The deployment was straightforward, seamlessly integrating with the theatre’s existing audio infrastructure.
Benefits
This Auracast™ installation helps the Marriott Theatre provide its patrons with the latest audio accessibility experiences, promoting better living through better hearing for everyone, increasing the availability of assistive listening for those with hearing loss, and expanding applicability to audiences with all levels of hearing health.
“This new Auracast™ deployment will be used in conjunction with our T-Coil system to give patrons the best experience possible between two very powerful options,ˮ said Johnson. Not only is the sound quality superior, especially for music, the Auracast™ signal extends into the lobby. Unlike with the loop, patrons who need to step out of the theatre can continue to enjoy the show.
While the theatre is still gathering feedback on the new installation, the initial response has been promising. One patron in their 30’s who tried it with earbuds said “I actually enjoyed having it for the music… definitely something super cool to have, even as a fully hearing person!”
A look ahead
The Marriott Theatre has already registered the installation as an official Auracast™ location and updated their signage and Playbills to reflect the two systems in place. To keep the initial cost down, loop receivers will continue to be offered to those without devices compatible with either system. In the future the loop receivers will be phased out in favor of Auri Auracast™ receivers. By embracing Auracast™ broadcast audio and registering as an Auracast™ location, the Marriott Theatre sets a new standard in audio accessibility, ensuring every visitor, regardless of their level of hearing health, can fully immerse themselves in the live theatre experience.
For other venues/facilities considering deploying Auracast™ broadcast audio, Johnsonʼs endorsement is positive and enthusiastic, “thanks to Auracast™ broadcast audio, the future of audio is here,ˮ said Johnson, “and it sounds fantastic.”
“Thanks to Auracast™ broadcast audio, the future of audio is here, and it sounds fantastic.”
– John Johnson, Sound Supervisor at the Marriott Theatre.
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