Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Hearing Impaired systems

This is topic Hearing Impaired systems in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Mike Babb (Member # 1379) on 12-13-2002, 04:59 PM:

Ok, I haven't looked into this much yet but I thought I might cheat and get an answer here easily. I was working in a theatre that has Ultra Stereo transmitters and a mixture of Ultra Stereo and Arkon headsets. The Ultra Stereos work fine, Arkons work but with static, to the point that I wouldn't want to use them. These are basically the same headset as far as looks but my question is, can I do anything to make them compatible? Also I've never tried Williams headsets but they also look much the same and I wonder if they would work with other systems?

Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 12-13-2002, 05:50 PM:

Hello Mike,
Most IR units for theatres run at 95KHz and are compatable. The outer shells are all pretty much the same on the Williams, Phonic Ear and our Ultra brand. The Ultra IRH-601 has the electronis designed by Ultra and have a little better audio quality as compaierd to our IRH-501, which has the same basic electronics as Williams and Phonic Ear. I have never seen a pair of Arkon receiveras that do not have some static in them. I you like you can call me at 805-549-0161 to discuss IR emitters and receivers in more detail.

Posted by Dick Vaughan (Member # 540) on 12-14-2002, 04:12 AM:

We recently had to buy Williams radiator panels to replace our old Sennheiser units as we needed to keep the 95khz set up as we have so many headsets at that frequency.

Sennhesier stopped making 95 khz units and now use a Mhz range, can't recall exact frequency.

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 12-14-2002, 05:03 AM:

How is an IR hearing impaired system configured? What route does the signal take from the processor`s HI output to the listener`s ears?

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 12-14-2002, 09:12 AM:

On most movie theatres...a simple 2-cond. shielded cable goes from the processor's "H.I." out directly to the IR (or FM) modulator.

The Modulator can be part of the emitter, like Ultra Stereo's or it can be a two-piece system...like Williams 800 series.

Many booth monitors now also have an "H.I." output if your main processor doesn't have one.

A properly designed processor based HI output is preferred since they are pre-EQ and should emphasize the center channel for improved dialogue.

Steve

Posted by Jason Black (Member # 684) on 12-14-2002, 09:49 AM:

That's odd that you guys hear static on the Arkon units. I've got them at my place and the only iisue I've had with them is the power supply going bad....I've never heard or experienced a static issue....Mine are the IR type.

Posted by Mike Babb (Member # 1379) on 12-14-2002, 06:23 PM:

Jason, the Arkons had static with the Ultra Stereo transmitter but as far as I remember, they did not when used with an Arkon transmitter in another location. I'm going to try a Williams headset with Ultra Stereo and Arkon transmitters just to satisfy my curiosity.

Thanks Clint and everyone else...