The Minnesota-based company has a strong history of being first in innovative solutions for their space, and its engineering team is qualified to deal with the challenges of dealing with new wireless audio and RF challenges, which Auracast deployments in the field are certain to generate. From analog FM and dedicated digital products, to infrared and Wi-Fi, Williams AV offers solutions that make the best possible use of each transmission technology in any possible configuration. A know-how that is extremely valuable when dealing with Bluetooth systems in public spaces.
The company's product portfolio includes assistive listening, wireless intercom, and systems supporting human interpretation to enhance interpersonal communication. Williams AV has a global network of distributors and integrators spanning over 60 countries. This network designs and installs the products in venues ranging from classrooms and courtrooms to houses of worship and stadiums.
The Auracast technology demonstration of potential Pro AV assistive communication applications took center stage in the Williams AV booth, and used available industry components, such as Nordic Semiconductor demonstration platforms with the added interest of being setup with both dedicated Bluetooth LE Audio source and sink devices, and an Auracast assistant.
The system, designed by Keith Carlson, Principal Solutions Architect at William AV, featured two transmission (data and stereo audio) streams, one with the sound of a TV Channel and another streaming a podcast. The channels could to be selected by the available beltpack receivers feeding connected headsets. A display promoted other applications, including selecting the sound of available TV channels on muted screens - common in a sports bar or waiting lounges. The system concept, which is not available for purchase, gave InfoComm attendees a glimpse into the technology and its potential applications in the Pro AV industry.
As Williams AV highlighted, although the new Bluetooth Auracast capabilities have been announced by the Bluetooth SIG in 2022 and have received wide promotion for applications in consumer markets, its potential applications for the Pro AV market has not yet received the same level of attention. However, Williams AV believes this technology will create new opportunities for AV professionals. In fact, most of the Auracast applications in public spaces will require the intervention of professional system integrators, including careful planning of the intended RF coverage area.
"For almost half a century, Williams AV has developed assistive communication solutions based on emerging technologies to meet the diverse needs of the AV industry. We believe there is no one-size-fits-all technology for AV applications," says Tony Braun, VP of Global Sales and Marketing. "Our goal is to provide our customers with a broad range of options that support the unique needs of each venue. Adding Bluetooth Auracast technology in the future to our suite of FM, infrared, Wi-Fi, digital, and induction loop technology is a logical next step."
As the company also emphasizes, the Bluetooth Auracast platform has many potential benefits, including simultaneously delivering up to 20 audio broadcasts to an unlimited number of people and delivering audio directly to an Auracast receiver, reducing latency and providing high-quality sound. These benefits will help AV professionals provide better audio for those with hearing loss and broadly deliver audio in public spaces.
Apart from explaining how the Auracast technology works, and explaining the various components of an Auracast solution, the Williams AV team used InfoComm to receive feedback on potential use cases. Attendees were encouraged to give feedback on how they see this type of solution used in Pro AV settings. "We believe Auracast platform will drive new assistive listening, interpretation, and entertainment opportunities in the Pro AV market, and we are excited to hear what the industry believes are future applications for the technology," adds Braun.
www.WilliamsAV.com
