Sennheiser and Orbital demonstrated the configurable system that incorporates multi-channel digital RF transmission and real-time audio streaming technologies. Commenting on the move, Orbital managing director Chris Headlam, stated: "Orbital has been looking for a unique product to enable it to offer a market-leading service provision for the cultural, heritage and exhibitions industry. guidePORT represents the future of interactive tour guides."
The guidePORT system employs digital sound transmission techniques and cellular-based computer network control to provide a unique visitor experience, incorporating multiple languages, or any number of different levels of description, with possible separate soundtracks for children, adults, local populations, tourists, experts, academics, students, VIPs, or even individual visitor groups. Each visitor experiences a soundtrack specific to their chosen route through the exhibition environment, automatically received as they individually approach each exhibit or enter each area of the attraction. Visitors wear a lightweight personal receiver pack and headphones, with which they are able to select the language and/ or description level.
"We received a high level of interest in the capabilities offered by guidePORT at MUREX," continues Headlam."We were able to demonstrate a little of what guidePORT can fulfil, in terms of whole new levels of interactivity and flexibility in designing exhibitions, walk-throughs and visitor attractions. Orbital’s service to guidePORT customers will include design of the system, creation of audio and narration and high quality future maintenance, on a sale or lease hire basis."
Orbital is providing the first guidePORT installation in the UK as a major feature of the Theatre In Education’s Peter Pan experience, in association with the Raymond Gubbay and Imagination production of Peter Pan A Musical Adventure at the Royal Festival Hall. Sited on the Ball Room floor of the RFH, the ‘walk-through experience’ will exclusively rely on guidePORT, with the audio providing the essential structure to the experience, which incorporates ideas from local primary school children. Orbital is also the sound and communications supplier to the performance musical on the Royal Festival Hall’s main stage.
(Ruth Rossington)
