Additional features include Infra-Red and Inductive Loop audio facilities for enhanced audio communication for the hard of hearing, plus high quality sound reinforcement for both the main chamber and press and public galleries. The system allows simultaneous translation into various languages including Gaelic as well as other EC languages when hosting international events. The Infra-red facility allows secure sound delivery to each fixed delegate unit as well as to roving delegates via mobile headsets without any wiring. The DCN system has also been chosen by many other EC governments including the Brussels parliament itself.
The system is being installed by Tyco Integrated Systems working with Construction Manager Bovis Lend Lease and includes over 300 delegate units, each with microphone and speaker, voting buttons, backlit display and card reader. Some 150 delegate units are being installed in the main Debating Chamber and the other 150 in six separate Committee Rooms located within Holyrood Palace. The Bosch system will also provide the sound output for radio and TV coverage of proceedings and Committees.
The DCN can be fully controlled via a PC to provide access control and logging in via card readers, plus electronic voting for 'No,' 'Abstain,' or 'Yes' or delegates can choose from multiple options using buttons on their DCN delegate unit. All voting options and results will be announced and displayed on the delegate units. Memory Card readers built into the delegate units will identify each Member and allow the Presiding Officer to designate speakers during debates. The system automatically logs and reports all details of each vote and data will be made available to the Parliament's Business Managers, the Official Report office and to the Parliament's archives via its IT network. The same smartcards will perform other functions, such as security access control, within the Holyrood parliament building itself.
During debates, the system also provides data on the 'current' and 'next' speakers to the TV camera controls to enable a substantial level of broadcast automation. The system also relays details of each speaker to the TV broadcasting system to allow name captions and other information to be added automatically. Inductive loops are provided for the Hard of Hearing, and the Infra-Red transmission allows simultaneous multiple language interpretation channel to be received by the delegates in their language of choice. Similar facilities are also being provided in many other areas of the new buildings, such as meeting rooms, conference facilities and public areas, in addition to the more formal business areas of the Parliament.
(Lee Baldock)
