Handbook for Sound Engineers

(Wang) #1

1556 Chapter 42


with the patron’s T-coil. Most users report a strong pref-
erence for the dual earpiece instruments and also report
a strong dislike for an over-the-head-type headphone
because they are uncomfortable for long periods of use
and destructive to hair styles. Two types of induction
loops are available. One is a small coil that hooks over
the ear close by the hearing aid; this type is often hard
for elderly people to use properly. The more popular
loop is a lanyard type that hangs around the neck and
may be used to support the receiver.


Many theaters and churches that have installed a
system for the hearing impaired have found
normal-hearing patrons using the system to enhance
their listening comfort, which is especially true in larger
houses with seats in areas of poor natural acoustics.
These normal-hearing patrons universally prefer the
dual earpiece both because it sounds more natural and
because a single earpiece leaves one ear open to receive
the live sound from the stage with a signal-delay annoy-
ance. Depending upon the distance from the stage, this

Figure 42-18. Typical infrared system theater installation.

Stage

Wall or ceiling
mount emitter
Seats

Seats

Seats Seats

Seats

Master
emitter

Master
emitter

12,000 ft^2 Two channel

2500 ft^2 Single channel

Stage

20,000 ft^2 Single channel

Remote
emitter
slave

Large
emitter

Large
emitter

Medium master
emitter
Medium slave
emitter

Medium slave
emitter

1620 ft^2 Stereo system

Daisy chain slaves

Daisy chain slaves

Remote
emitter
slave

Remote
emitter
slave

Remote
emitter
slave

Daisy chain

Seats

Screen

Projection

1500 ft^2 Single channel

Large slave Large slave

Wall or ceiling mount

Medium area
emitter

Stage

Balcony

Seats Seats Seats

Seats

Seats
Seats

Orchestra

Single channel
large area emitter

Large area
emitter

Large area
emitter

Large area
emitter

Large area
emitter
Medium area
emitter

Medium area
emitter

Daisy chain emitters

40,000ft^2 Single channel
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