The original design concept for the facility - which needed to reflect the quality of the Rolls-Royce marque, but also welcome those expected to visit the site - was implemented by architects Nicholas Grimshaw and partners - creators of the acclaimed Eden Project in Cornwall. Apple Sound has considerable experience of TourGuide systems, having been involved in both their sales and hire for over 10 years. Working closely with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Annett Asztalos, Apple TourGuide product manager, John Scott, helped specify the details of the system.
As an extremely effective wireless communications system, the TTS 30 is designed for guided tour presentations around the facility. Delegates on the tour can listen clearly to the commentary at a distance, as well as in louder areas where it would otherwise be impossible to continue a commentary. In line with current building regulations, it was essential for the system to cater for the needs of the hard of hearing. To achieve this, Apple specified its own induction loop system which connects directly into the receiver, enabling those with hearing impediments to receive the commentary without any extraneous interference.
The system installed in Sussex is simple to use: each delegate uses a receiver and headphone, which link into the presenter’s beyerdynamic SEM 30 hand-held radio microphone. Up to eight channels can be used simultaneously, making the system ideal for multi-lingual presentations. The commentary is played to the visitors through a single earpiece, so that they can still hear any audible warning signals.
(Ruth Rossington)
