Based in Tel Aviv, Israel, Bettear entered the market of assistive listening solutions in 2020 with commercial-grade Wi-Fi based solutions, focusing on accessibility, quality, and user-friendliness. Targeting concert halls, museums, and educational institutions, its solutions tried to focus on audio accessibility without adding extra staff or equipment. Naturally, the Auracast announcement was seen as a natural opportunity to expand the company's vision to work also with Bluetooth LE Audio.
"Our commitment to inclusive solutions is reflected in the B-CASTER and B-RTX," explains Itamar Gabay, CEO of Bettear and one of the company's founders, together with Yami Thor. "We are confident these products will significantly improve how people connect with the world around them through exceptional audio experiences."
To accelerate the introduction of Auracast solutions in the market, Bettear designed B-CASTER, a versatile Auracast streamer designed for both assistive listening and direct audio streaming applications. It integrates with Auracast-based hearing aids, cochlear implants, and hearables, providing a near-real-time and high-quality audio experience for those with hearing impairments. The B-CASTER also serves as a standalone Auracast access point, allowing users to stream audio directly to their devices for immersive experiences in cultural venues such as museums, theaters, convention centers, performance centers.
According to Bettear, the innovation consists in ensuring the quality of audio streaming and integration with Auracast-compatible hearing devices with the lowest possible latency. The B-CASTER streamer can operate in "Standalone Mode," broadcasting audio to Auracast compatible devices within its range, or it can operate in Auracast and Wi-Fi "Hybrid Mode." In this Hybrid mode the B-CASTER transmitter and the company's existing B-SHOW systems function as a combined system, making any venue fully accessible for everyone – both those equipped with Auracast compatible hearing devices and those without.
Bettear also created the B-RTX Auracast receiver companion to complement the B-CASTER and offer a traditional approach that can be implemented immediately, offering enhanced features and customization options for tour guides and visitors. Its intuitive interface and advanced capabilities enable superior audio quality, improved communications, and access to assistive listening systems. Perfect for use in different settings, the B-RTX units are designed to be robust and long-lasting, guaranteeing uninterrupted experiences for both guides leading groups and visitors.
Both the B-CASTER streamer and B-RTX transceiver are fully Auracast-based designs, supporting near real-time audio streaming with minimal latency. The streamer was specifically designed with the requirements of commercial installation in mind, being cascadeable with Power over Ethernet (PoE) to allow streamlined deployment and power distribution. Bettear says that it paid particular attention to the RF hardware design, in order to ensure robust and reliable wireless coverage. Another aspect is the user-friendly interface for easy configuration and operation.
"Auracast is ushering in a new era of assistive listening," says Ariel Caner, CMO of Bettear. "As a leading provider of Auracast solutions, we are committed to leveraging this technology to create a more inclusive and enjoyable audio experience for everyone."
The new Bettear systems are currently available for field trials, and sales are planned to commence in Q3/2024.
www.bettear.com
