1522 Chapter 40
The high-performance computing capabilities of
Opus include sophisticated graphic images and digital
movies as its processing speed and memory capacity
enable delivery of high-resolution video files and
CD-quality sound.
The administrative user interface allows for simple
additions and deletions of content, as well as more
complex functions, such as integration of timed audio
with video and images.
Opus comes in two formats: Opus Click™ and Opus
Touch™. The click format utilizes a keypad while the
touch format utilizes a touchscreen. The systems incor-
porate the following:
- Remote triggering and synchronization.
- Remote content activation via IR and RF technologies.
- Synchronization to external multimedia or show
control systems. - Data collection and visitor surveys.
- Software tracks user click stream.
- Customized surveys can be incorporated into the
guide’s audio/visual content. - Produces easy-to-read reports.
- Visitors can bookmark items of interest either for
on-demand printing via MyCollection™ or other
postvisit services such as e-mailing information home. - Map-driven or object-driven modes.
- Full color TFT LCD screen.
- Large, expandable memory.
- Compatible with a complete range of audio, video,
image and animation multimedia formats. - Dual-listening mode, via internal speaker and/or
through headset/earpiece. - Up to 12 h of usage between charges.
- Remote activation via IR and RF.
- Opus Content Management System—easy setup and
install, can be used by client. - Dual-listening mode.
- A fold-out loudspeaker, each player can be used
either as a true wand or as a headset unit. - Headphone integrated into strap.
- MP3 stereo sound quality.
- Range of sixteen stepped volume levels.
- 500 h of multilingual audio content.
- MP4 and JPEG visual quality.
- QVGA resolution (320 × 240 pixels) and 65,536
color depth. - 28 h of video, or 10,000 images.
- 2 GB memory; expandable.
- Holds multiple languages and tours.
- Guides can contain any combination of audio,
images, animation, or video clips.- Graphically rich user interface with menu selection
and navigation functions.
- Graphically rich user interface with menu selection
Another system is made by Tour-Mate. Its SC500
Listening Wand is 13 inches long, 1.8 inches wide, and
1 inch deep and weighs 8 oz. A carrying strap is
attached inside the wand for added strength and so it
that it cannot be unclipped by the user. The system is
powered by a rechargeable nickel metal hydride battery
pack which will deliver 10 h of continuous play from a
full charge and can be recharged in 3–4 h, Fig. 40-6.The maximum capacity of the system is 24 h of
mono sound or 12 h of stereo sound. The message can
be expanded on-site. The wand can store several tours
and/or versions of the tour. The software permits a staff
member to type in a code that locks out all tours but the
desired one. A keystroke permits one to see what
version of the tour has been selected.
The Tour-Mate editing capability software is
windows compatible. The editing software permits the
user to input tour messages or message segments and to
perform such functions as: cut, paste, parametric equal-
ization, normalization, variable gain, variable compres-
sion, insert message queues, and program message
sequences.
MyGuide by Espro is a system much like the previous
two. It uses a wand that has the tour narration down-
loaded from the storage-rack/power supply recorded
through a flash memory card. This system runs for 10 h
between charging and can have up to 4 h of audio
capacity. The bandwidth is between 300 Hz and 4 kHz
so it is particularly useful for voice only.
ExSite MP3 system by Espro can have up to 72 h of
multilingual content, uses a wide alphanumeric and
graphic LCD screen, and can be synchronized to
external multimedia presentations such as DVD and
video. It can also collect and analyze visitor usage data.Figure 40-6. Typical charger/programmer.