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AudioFetch Blog Header_ADA Compliance

ADA Compliance and Hearing Impairments: Everything Your Business Needs to Know

By | airports, Auction, Business, Casinos, Churches, Education, Government, Hearing Assistance, Hearing Loss, Stadiums, Theater, Tour Guides, Wireless Audio | No Comments

Every public business, organization, or venue should be thinking about how to improve accessibility at their establishment. Not only does it create a more welcoming environment for any and every-one that visits, but it can also be a legal requirement. 

Read on to learn more about how your business can (and must) improve accessibility through ADA compliance and other accessibility-friendly solutions.

What is ADA compliance?

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990. It prohibits discrimination and seeks to improve accessibility at public government entities and privately-owned “places of public accommodation,” and requires employers with 15+ employees to provide reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities.

What are ADA guidelines for hearing impairments?

The ADA requirements for hearing impairments vary by platform, business type, or entity. For example, all airlines within and into the United States must accommodate hearing loss, according to the Air Carriers Access Act (ACAA), which is typically accomplished by adding captions to airport TVs
 
Other public venues must provide assistive listening devices (ALDs) in each assembly area where audible communication is integral to the use of the space. These venues include movie theaters, concert and lecture halls, schools, museums, hospitals, stadiums and arenas, courtrooms, conference rooms, convention centers, nursing homes, community centers, and the list goes on and on. 
 
If your venue provides fixed seating (e.g., theater or stadium) for 50 or more people, ADA compliant receivers must be available for a percentage of seating capacity. Originally it was 4% of capacity, but that figure was updated in 2010 to give larger venues a bit of a break with a scaled quantity. Additionally, at least 25% or a minimum of two receivers must be hearing-aid compatible.

What is an ADA-compliant device?

ADA compliant products for hard-of-hearing individuals include assistive listening systems (ALS) or assistive listening devices (ALDs). An assistive listening system is defined as an amplification system utilizing transmitters, receivers, and coupling devices to bypass the acoustical space between a sound source and a listener by means of induction loop, radio frequency, infrared, direct-wired equipment or wireless connection.

Who enforces ADA compliance?

Several agencies play a role in enforcing or investigating ADA compliance claims, including The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Department of Labor, and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (ATBCB).

What are the consequences of not following the ADA guidelines?

Failing to comply with ADA guidelines can result in both financial and reputation repercussions
 
On a purely financial basis, your business or organization can be fined by the federal government up to $75,000 for the first violation and $150,000 for additional ADA violations, and state or local governments may tack on additional fines. Additionally, you open yourself up to lawsuits, personal injury claims, and legal or civil penalties from disabled individuals with legitimate complaints or ambulance-chasing entities looking to make an easy buck. 
 
From a reputation perspective, your brand name can also be dragged through the mud for non-compliance, which can also severely affect your business financially in both the short and long term.

What businesses or organizations are exempt from ADA compliance?

The ADA does not apply to places of worship, religious organizations/schools, private clubs, or any other venue historically excluded from federal civil rights laws. However, many of these organizations decide to provide some type of assistive listening option to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all of their members and patrons. 
 
Learn more about our assistive listening solutions for churches and houses of worship.

Does AudioFetch work with ADA-compliant receivers?

Yes, AudioFetch is compatible with ADA-compliant receivers. AudioFetch can be used to broadcast the audio source live, and then businesses can use a regulation ADA-compliant device to receive that audio. 
 
AudioFetch also integrates seamlessly with hearing aids; listeners connect the hearing aid to their smartphone via Bluetooth and are able to listen in real-time.

AudioFetch works with businesses and organizations of all sizes to help you create a more accessible and welcoming environment for your guests, customers, and employees. If you’re ready to get started, contact us or schedule an appointment to learn more and request a free demo. 

AudioFetch Blog Header_Audio Over WiFi at Business Office

How Audio Over WiFi Benefits Your Business Office or Corporate HQ

By | Business, Fitness Centers, Hearing Assistance, Tour Guides, Wireless Audio | No Comments

After working from home for two years, it can be difficult to get employees back into the office. The convenience and comfort of working from home can oftentimes outweigh the collaboration and communication that comes with being together in one space. And while some companies have vowed to go full-time or remote first, such as Google, Shopify, Quora, US Xpress, Pratt & Whitney, many others are eager to have their staff back in the office environment on a daily basis. 

To encourage staff to willingly and enthusiastically come back, these in-person-ready companies are looking for ways to make the experience more enjoyable, more efficient and safer for everyone. One unique way they can do this is by utilizing a wireless audio streaming system

Below are five ways that corporate HQs and business offices can use audio over WiFi to improve employee satisfaction and productivity: 

1. Employee Training Solution

Training is essential to ensuring your employees are prepared to complete their work in the most effective, efficient, and responsible ways. But if they’re unable to hear or understand the training material, they’ll never be able to perform their job responsibilities to the fullest potential. AudioFetch can be used as an assistive listening solution or live translation system to help your staff learn and comprehend better, leading to better job performance.

Scott M from the US Playing Card Company has found AudioFetch to be particularly useful for their employee training: “We used the tour pack [AudioFetch Express for tour application] and it made a world of difference on the training session. Thank you!!”

2. Fitness TV Audio System

Many corporate headquarters and larger businesses offer a gym or fitness center that their employees can access at any time. Our audio over WiFi system is a perfect solution for allowing staff to stream gym TV audio to their phones. They don’t have to be tethered to any one piece of cardio equipment; rather, they can move around freely throughout the fitness space and use several machines, all while enjoying (and getting distracted by!) the news, a game, a TV show, or anything else playing in the facility. 

3. Wireless Factory Tour Guide System

During tours of factory floors, where conditions can be dangerous and safety is of the utmost importance, it’s imperative that all participants can hear the tour guide clearly. But churning machinery, beeping vehicles, whirring fans, and other loud sounds can easily drown out the audio and potentially put participants at risk and workers at risk. 

Our portable tour guide system is an ideal solution, and a great replacement for outdated, unhygienic, and expensive listening devices you may already be using. Tour groups use their own personal smartphones to listen with the AudioFetch app, eliminating the need to purchase, keep track of, maintain and sanitize numerous devices. The app is simple and intuitive for users of any age or expertise, plus it’s free to download with no monthly fees for your business. 

4. Controlled Music System

Did you know that music can increase your employees’ productivity?! It’s true. Especially for those staff whose tasks are clearly defined and repeated often, such as factory or warehouse workers. Music improves mood, increases concentration, reduces stress, and increases work speed. 

AudioFetch can be used to provide multiple music channels to your team to reap these benefits and more. Select channels can be programmed, offering options for varying musical tastes and work styles, while limiting employees’ ability to access the internet and thus get distracted. All employees have to do is download the free AudioFetch app, select their channel of choice, and start listening. 

5. Emergency Notification Solution

Quick action and widespread communication is required during an office fire or other emergency situation. Audio Over WiFi technology can be used to stream emergency instructions to employees on multiple floors and throughout thousands of square footage, allowing your staff to mobilize quickly and efficiently.

Helping your employees, clients and visitors hear better without distractions or distracting others can increase productivity and enhance the office space, making it a more desirable environment to return to. If you’re ready to get started, contact us or schedule an appointment to learn more and request a free demo. 

AudioFetch Blog Header - Casino Wireless Audio Streaming System

Why Casinos Are Using AudioFetch for Audio Over WiFi Streaming

By | Casinos | No Comments

When people think about the typical uses for audio over WiFi streaming, they usually come up with businesses that have numerous muted TVs mounted in the building, like fitness centers and sports bars, or venues that need to provide a convenient assistive listening solution, such as houses of worship and theaters

What they don’t often think about are the more niche applications–a near-never-ending list of businesses and organizations that can benefit from using our wireless audio streaming technology. This list includes auctions, hospital waiting rooms, prisons, warehouses and factories, stadiums, airports, museums, multi-piece bands, and real estate companies to name just a few. 

It also includes casinos and gaming resorts, a growing application for our business that we’d like to highlight today.

Audio Over WiFi Streaming in Casinos

AudioFetch is a simple, convenient, affordable and flexible casino audio streaming system. It enables casinos to broadcast live, local audio to customers’ smartphones or tablets, ensuring that they can hear what they want, when they want, and wherever they are in the building. 

It’s simple. Installation is a breeze. AudioFetch integrates with your existing WiFi for a headache-free installation process that does not require any custom configuration, messy wiring, or remodeling.  

It’s convenient. Customers don’t need to borrow (and you don’t need to clean and maintain!) any additional devices or dedicated headsets. They listen with their smartphones, tablets, or other personal mobiles devices through the AudioFetch app. 

It’s affordable. AudioFetch does not charge any recurring fees whatsoever. Purchase the equipment and it’s yours to use as much as you like across as many audio sources as you like (well, up to 512, but that’s more than any of our customers have ever needed!). Plus, there’s no charge to customers to download and listen with the AudioFetch app. 

It’s flexible. The audio sources can be nearly anything, from muted TV screens to digital displays, and can provide real-time streaming of sportsbook announcements, fantasy bets, local game feeds, jackpot celebrations, floor-wide messages or anything else you would like to broadcast. 

Additionally, the AudioFetch app can be customized to match your casino’s brand or integrated into your own app to promote app adoption and keep the guests playing longer and coming back time and again. The app also includes free ad space to promote upcoming jackpots and contests, announce new games, advertise food and drink specials, gather opt-in emails, etc. 

Customers Using AudioFetch for Casino Sound Systems

Over the years, we have worked with numerous casinos, resorts, and gaming venues around the world to provide unique audio streaming entertainment options and hearing assistive solutions. Following are a few of our casino customers:

Winners INN and Casino, located in Winnemucca, NV, is more than just a casino. It’s a 3-star hotel with 122 rooms that offers great eats and entertainment, including more than 150 games/slots and tables. Combine all that with our AudioFetch system, and you have a winning combination 24 hours a day!

Next, we would like to highlight the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort located in Hogansbur, NY.  Nestled amongst the St. Lawrence River and several smaller rivers, the Mohawk thrived for generations among black ash trees and sweetgrass, duck and deer, trout, and bass. You will feel the history in this beautiful location known as “Akwesasne” which translates to “Land where the partridge drums.” Today you can enjoy a fun getaway in upstate New York with more than 1,150 slot machines, a wide array of live entertainment, and a luxurious hotel stay with fine dining options.  

The Ballys in Evansville has all the amenities you’d expect from a world-class Casino, and you can even bring your pets for an extra dose of good luck! If you find yourself in Evansville, IN, bring your family, friends, and fur babies, and enjoy the good times paired with our AudioFetch.  

You will feel the Little River Casino Resort signature hospitality the minute you walk in through the doors.  Located in Manistee, MI, Little River Casino and Resort is one of the most exciting entertainment destinations in northwest Michigan. With more than 20 years of experience and 1,100+ slots and video poker machines, as well as dozens of table games, you’re bound to find the game that will help you win big. Also, with 292 rooms and an additional 95-space RV Park, it is the ideal traveler’s destination.  

Home of horse racing, Halftime Sports Bar and Casino located in Great Falls, MT is your destination for good times and gaming fun. Great eats, drink, and play with the support of live racing in Great Falls–it’s not to be missed!

Last but not least, Tropicana Laughlin is located in Laughlin, NV.  Tropicana Laughlin offers a wide variety of entertainment options including shows, casinos, nightlife, restaurants, and more. Combine that with our AudioFetch wireless audio streaming system while you play slots or watch the football game,  and you can’t go wrong.  

These are just some of the casinos that we have partnered with and highly recommend.  

Get Your Own Casino Audio Streaming System

Are you ready to provide a unique and convenient experience for your casino guests?  Contact us by calling 844-HI-FETCH or scheduling an appointment to discuss your needs and get a free quote and 30-day demo. 

AudioFetch Blog Header - Easter Church Services

6 Articles to Help Your Church Get Ready For Easter This Year

By | Churches, Drive-in Audio, Hearing Assistance, Translation | No Comments

With Easter services just a couple of short months away, we wanted to share some of our most popular blogs about hearing assistance and translation services in churches. Check out the following articles to learn how to create a more inclusive environment for those with hearing impairments, how to welcome members that speak different languages, and how to create a safe space for congregants of all ages.

Help Your Congregation Hear Easter Services

Easter services bring in a larger crowd than usual each year. And while this year’s services will be anything but usual, houses of worship can still expect to see more community members visiting the church for the holiday. Whether your organization is planning to have indoor or outdoor services, there are ways you can help your larger-than-usual congregation hear better this Easter. Continue reading…

How to Make Your Worship Services More Accessible

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is a key goal for every type of religious organization. Church members and guests should be provided with resources and tools that allow them to take part in weekly services and other events to the fullest extent possible, despite any hearing impairments or language barriers. 

Yet, because houses of worship are exempt from the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and/or because many believe that addressing these requirements is too complicated and expensive, they neglect to take steps to create this welcoming community. Fortunately, we’re proud to offer a solution that is both simple and inexpensive to install. Our audio over WiFi solutions are designed to make it simple and affordable for any type of religious organization to make their services more accessible and welcoming to all types of audiences. Learn how AudioFetch helps those with hearing impairments and language barriers. Continue reading… 

How to Broadcast Your Church Services to Cars in Parking Lots

Many churches and houses of worship are continuing to modify how they deliver messages to congregations to practice social distancing for older or immunocompromised members. Online tools, virtual hangouts, social media, and drive-in church services in parking lots are all still in effect.  

We’ve worked with thousands of churches since the start of this global pandemic to help them create drive-in services. We are able to offer drive-in audio streaming through our products in two ways: Using AudioFetch to broadcast to smartphones or using an FM transmitter to broadcast to the car radio. Continue reading to learn more about these options

Is Audio Streaming Right for Your House of Worship?

A house of worship should be a place that brings people from all walks of life together for fellowship. With young and old, bilingual speakers and various disabilities all coming together in one space, a house of worship needs solutions to help meet its congregation’s audio needs. It used to be that adding assistive listening devices for churches wasn’t worth the trouble; programming changes and ongoing upkeep made it an expensive and burdensome addition. But modern solutions are able to eliminate all of that and leverage existing technology that works for everyone.

Here are a few of the reasons why a hearing assistive system could be a God-send for your house of worship. Continue reading…

Audio Solutions to Help Your House of Worship

Baby boomers represent about one-quarter of the American population and as they age, they may begin to experience hearing loss.  Along with that, approximately 5% of the total population experiences some type of hearing disability.  This makes it important for any religious organization to consider and anticipate their needs and give consideration to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), even if houses of worship are exempt from ADA requirements. Many houses of worship are looking for ways to leverage technology to make assistive listening and accessibility simpler, more effective, and less costly.  

For decades, houses of worship have used inductive loop systems to assist the hearing impaired, but these systems are cumbersome, expensive, and still require the use of a hearing aid which many people find embarrassing. Recent developments in hearing assistive technology, however, can be a great solution both for houses of worship with tight budgets to assist parishioners experiencing hearing loss.  Some devices use BlueTooth technology, which allows the pairing of cell phones and hearing aids to assist the congregation in hearing the service directly without having to use a headset.  

Audio streaming solutions that use built-in WiFi technology work similarly to BlueTooth. These assisted listening solutions for churches allow listeners to hear the service via an app on their own device (phone or tablet) using their own earbuds or headset which can be great for those who do not want to wear a hearing aid but still need the audio boosted. Continue reading…

How to Promote AudioFetch at Your Business or Organization

Installing AudioFetch at your business is a breeze. Getting customers to use it shouldn’t be difficult either! We offer several ideas for announcing the addition of AudioFetch wireless audio streaming at your church and getting more members to use it. Continue reading…

If you’re looking for an effective and cost-efficient audio solution for your house of worship for Easter, AudioFetch is it! Contact us by calling 844-HI-FETCH or scheduling an appointment to discuss your needs and get a free quote.

AudioFetch Blog Header - Drive Ins We Love

The Next Generation of Drive-In Theaters

By | Drive-in Audio | No Comments

Did you know that drive-in theaters have been around for more than 100 years? The first drive-ins are thought to have started as early as the 1910s; however, the first official patented drive-in theater was established by Richard Hollingshead in New Jersey on June 6th,1933. 

After testing the concept in his driveway from small crowds, Hollingshead’s drive-in theater location allowed for 400 cars and advertised with the slogan: “The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are.” (Thankfully, we’re all a bit more polite these days!)

For the most part, the core elements of the drive-in have remained intact all these years–movies are projected to a large outdoor screen from a projection booth, allowing customers to view the film from their vehicles and enjoy snacks from a concession stand. And while the central aspects and charm of drive-ins haven’t changed, the audio-visual technology that makes it possible has. 

Modern-Day Drive-In Theaters

Today, drive-in theaters are often more boutique in nature, typically only permitting 30 to 50 vehicles. Many are forgoing the “drive-in” part and instead of showing films in parks, fields, farms, backyards, warehouses, alleyways–anywhere viewers can pull up a chair or blanket and relax in front of the screen. 

Food trucks have replaced the concession stands and films are often selected based on their nostalgia or cult status. Because you often don’t actually drive to these theaters, the name is sometimes changed to “open-air cinema” or “outdoor theaters.”

New Technology for the New Drive-Ins

The audio-visual technology used to power drive-in theaters is the biggest change to the format. As the size of drive-in theaters has shrunk over the years, so has the A/V equipment required. 

Projectors are now smaller and more portable. This means that drive-ins don’t need to rely on a single, powerful projector. Instead, they can use any number of affordable and readily-available projectors that easily hook up to computers or DVD players.

The movie screen is also smaller and more portable. Many companies are manufacturing inflatable screens that can be raised and lowered in minutes to create an open-air cinema in any location. 

And last but not least, audio equipment is also smaller, more portable, and more affordable. The traditional drive-in speakers–those wired devices that are tethered to short poles throughout the parking area are no longer the only option. Now, drive-ins can use wireless audio streaming devices like our AudioFetch Signature or AudioFetch Express to broadcast sound to viewers’ smartphones. 

Leading the Resurgence of Modern Drive-Ins

One drive-in theater ahead of the curve is Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In in Austin, Texas. Blue Starlite was the first mini urban drive-in theater in the world, and for the past 11 years has been leading the drive-in resurgence that is sweeping the nation and the world, especially the past two years. 

Today, Blue Starlite operates in three locations–the original in Austin, Texas, Round Rock, Texas, and Minturn, Colorado. Their unique take on the drive-in theater is that only 15-40 cars are permitted at any showing, giving viewers an intimate, personal, and one-of-a-kind experience. True to the essence of a drive-in theater, guests have the option to use the traditional drive-in speakers or use our AudioFetch audio over WiFi technology.

So if you ever find yourself in Austin, Round Rock, or Minturn, be sure to spend an evening with them for a turn experience on the modern drive-in. We guarantee you won’t regret it!

We are extremely proud to support Blue Starlite Drive-In and all the other drive-ins, open-air cinemas, outdoor theaters (or whatever you call them!) keeping this family-friendly entertainment experience alive after 110+ years! 

If you have an established drive-in theater or are looking to host an open-air cinema in any location, reach out! We’d love to provide a free consultation and quote to help your business grow and evolve. Contact us by dropping us a line, calling 844-HI-FETCH, or scheduling an appointment.

AudioFetch Blog Header - 2022 Wireless Audio Streaming Predictions

5 Predictions for Wireless Audio Streaming in 2022

By | Education, Food for thought, Hearing Assistance, Home Audio, Wireless Audio | No Comments

As A/V technologies grow more advanced and consumers become more reliant on their smartphone devices, we expect the field of local audio over WiFi to continue growing in the new year. Below are our 5 predictions for wireless audio streaming in 2022.

1. Increased Focus on Accessibility 

If there is one positive thing to come out of the past two years it’s that we have all become more aware of the health challenges and disabilities of others. That includes individuals with hearing impairments. 

This spotlight on hearing has lead to a focus on providing more and better accessibility options in theaters and churches. We predict this focus will continue to grow in 2022, with even more businesses and organizations using audio over WiFi for hearing assistance. The venues we anticipate will grow the most are schools and universities, hospitals and conferences and convention centers.

2. Social Distancing Will Still Be Important

No, unfortunately, we are not yet done with social distancing. As new variants continue to spread throughout the word (and there will be more no doubt, Omicron is not the final one), we’re going to have to continue maintaining safer distances in certain public establishments and spaces.

Wireless audio streaming is a simple, flexible and affordable way to permit social distancing, while allowing businesses to stay open and provide entrainment options. Expect this to continue throughout most if not all of 2022.

3. New Applications Will Be Discovered

We get calls from folks all the time that want to know, “Will AudioFetch work for X?” or “Can I use AudioFetch for Y?” And 99.9% of the time, our answer is yes! 

AudioFetch is so flexible, so simple and so affordable, there are near-infinite uses. We could never rattled them all off or list them all on our site. Heck, we haven’t even thought of some of them! But if it has to do with helping people hear better in public venues or at home, AudioFetch can probably help! 

Take Itchy-O for example, a 57-member avant-garde marching band and performance music group based in Denver, CO. The Itchy-O band leader uses AudioFetch to communicate with the other members as they dance throughout the crowd during their performances. We certainly couldn’t have imagined this application, but what a cool use and perfectly suited use for AudioFetch! 

4. More Businesses Using Wireless Audio Distribution

Interest in using AudioFetch for wireless audio distribution has grow significantly in the past couple years as businesses look for more flexible and affordable audio solutions that meet the needs of today’s tech-savvy consumer. AudioFetch has replaced the existing wireless audio distribution system for a music festival and race track, and we expect to see even more businesses using AudioFetch in this way in 2022. 

5. Continued Interest in Home Entertainment Options

We’ve all spent a lot of time at home these past couple years. And while there were certainly times when the cabin fever seemed unbearable and we would have rather been ANYWHERE else on the planet, collectively, we have all learned how to be at home more, and some folks even now prefer it.

Just because we’re staying home more, however, doesn’t mean we don’t want to be entertained. This is clear when you look at all the home-focused technology to come out of CES this year. We especially loved Samsung’s The FreeStyle projector that would be perfect for hosting outdoor movie nights with AudioFetch Home as the audio solution! 

We are choosing to stay positive and have an optimistic outlook for 2022. We look forward to working with even more large franchises, mom and pop businesses and individuals to help more people hear better in both commercial and residential spaces. 

AudioFetch Blog Header - Home Sale 2021

Who Needs a Home Audio Solution This Christmas

By | Home Audio | No Comments

Still looking for that perfect holiday gift this year? Give your loved ones something that will help create a more peaceful and enjoyable home environment–AudioFetch Home audio solution.

AudioFetch Home is a small device that connects to your television (or any other audio source) and automatically broadcasts the sound to smartphones or tablets via the free AudioFetch App. This home audio solution uses wireless internet, so there are no messy wires or cords to deal with. You can set it up with your existing wireless network at your home, or use the built-in WiFi. It’s a plug-and-play installation that shouldn’t take more than five minutes to get you up and listening!

No matter who you’re still shopping for, AudioFetch Home is a fun, useful, and unique gift. Check out how AudioFetch can benefit these five individuals and lifestyles:

1. Seniors or Those with Hearing Impairments

It can be difficult to get everyone in the household to agree on the appropriate TV volume, especially with the rise of multi-generational households over the past two years.

AudioFetch Home is a simple, affordable, and convenient TV sound amplifier. Simply plug it into the TV (or another audio source) and AudioFetch streams the sound to smartphones or tablets. Up to four people can listen simultaneously, choosing their appropriate personal volume. And each listener uses their own AirPods, headphones, or earbuds, so there are no clunky neck loops to deal with or separate devices to maintain/fight over. 

2. Tiny House or Mobile Home Dwellers

Families that live in tiny homes, RVs, and other sub-150-square-foot spaces need one key characteristic to ensure a peaceful environment–consideration. Everyone has to be considerate of where they put stuff, when they cook meals, and how loud they listen to the TV. 

With AudioFetch Home, you don’t have to worry so much about that last one. By streaming TV audio through the AudioFetch app, one person can watch TV at any volume while another person sleeps a mere few feet away.  

3. Open Concept Occupants

Lofts and other open-concept layouts are trending for a variety of home types. This design provides a more open and spacious feel, however, it can be very noisy and distracting for other family members. AudioFetch Home is a great solution for open concept dwellers–one person can enjoy a movie or TV series while another person studies in the quiet, all while sitting just a few feet apart. 

4. Backyard Entertainers

Does your dad love to host backyard BBQ blowouts and outdoor movie marathons? Is your cousin the king of holiday yard decorations, creating award-winning audio-visual displays? AudioFetch Home will help them create the ultimate outdoor entertainment experience, without getting racking up noise complaints night after night. 

5. Home Gym Enthusiasts

More people are working out at home than ever before, and to stay motivated, they need an enjoyable and functional home gym setup. That not only includes the right workout equipment, it also includes an AV solution to keep spirits up and minds distracted. 

AudioFetch is a simple, affordable, and flexible solution that lets home exercisers listen to TV audio in real time from their smartphone. No more blasting the volume to hear over the whir of the treadmill, or struggling to maintain the proper volume for various programs. 

We’re currently running our biggest sale of the year! From now until December 31, take 25% off* AudioFetch Home when you purchase online. Simply enter the code HOME25 at checkout. You have until December 21 to order with expedited shipping to receive it in time for Christmas. But why wait? Pick up an AudioFetch Home (or 3!) today. 

*Offer ends 12/31/2021. One use per customer. Cannot be combined with other coupons or offers. Good for purchase of AudioFetch Home product only. Must be purchased online. 

AudioFetch Blog Header - Holiday Hearing Solutions

Holiday Hearing Solutions: 4 Ways AudioFetch Can Help People Hear More Together

By | Churches, Drive-in Audio, Hearing Assistance, Theater, Translation, Wireless Audio | No Comments

One holiday down, on to the next one! Now that Thanksgiving is past, businesses and organizations are gearing up for all the fun and festive Christmas events. 

To bring communities together in safer ways and help make these events more enjoyable for guests, businesses and organizations are using AudioFetch wireless audio streaming solutions. 

Discover four ways that AudioFetch is being used to help people hear more together this holiday season: 

Holiday Drive-Through Events

Last year, many organizations from community centers and city planning groups to zoos and botanic gardens held drive-through events for the holidays. These events were required to adhere to social distancing guidelines and indoor restrictions, but they ended up being extremely popular and requested again this year. 

If you are planning to host a drive-through or drive-in event for the holidays, we can help with your audio sound system. Our wireless audio streaming solutions allow you to broadcast audio to smartphones or tablets. Listeners simply download the AudioFetch App, and then they can hear in real-time from their cars using a smartphone or Bluetooth speaker.

Christmas Church Services 

The Christmas season always brings in larger crowds at churches for holiday-themed sermons and midnight masses. The messages during this time are special, and it is especially important that they are heard plainly by everyone. But that can be difficult with the background din of shuffling, kneeling, echoing and children, especially for those with hearing impairments or language barriers. 

Our assisted listening devices for churches can help 100% of people hear 100% of the services. With AudioFetch, you can broadcast the services to your congregation’s phones or other smart devices. Church members download the free AudioFetch app, and they can start listening immediately. 

AudioFetch is the simplest and most affordable assistive listening solution for churches. It’s cheaper and easier than installing a complex hearing loop system, and it entirely removes the concerns of using shared listening devices. Since congregants use their own personal smartphones, there is no risk of spreading viruses and germs and you don’t have to sanitize devices after every use. 

If your congregation has members that speak Spanish, French, Mandarin or any other language, AudioFetch is an invaluable solution here, too. A live translator can speak into a microphone attached to AudioFetch, which will broadcast the translated services to anyone listening via the app. Using AudioFetch as translation equipment for churches creates a welcoming environment for all church members and any new folks that only join during the Christmas season. 

Holiday Theater Performances and Concerts

The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, Elf, Bing Crosby Christmas Concerts, School Christmas Pageants. Traditional shows, new favorites and local events can be enjoyed at theaters and performing arts centers big and small around the world at this time of year.

AudioFetch is an ideal assistive listening device for theaters. Not only is it more affordable than the traditional hearing loop systems that theaters have used in the past, but it’s also simpler and more convenient than any other assistive listening solution out there. 

Plug AudioFetch in, connect to WiFi, and start broadcasting audio immediately. And there’s no need to keep track of clunky and unhygienic devices since listeners use their own smartphones and earbuds. It’s a simple and convenient solution for theater owners and theater-goers alike. 

Holiday Tour Groups

Tours often pick up during the holidays when friends and family look for unique ways to experience the season together. Whether it’s a holiday-themed exhibit at a museum or a walking tour to experience the seasonal sights and sounds of a city, tours can be a fun way to enjoy each other’s company outside the home.

To make that experience even more enjoyable and protect the health of both attendees and tour guides alike, businesses and organizations are using our wireless tour guide audio system. The tour guide simply speaks into a microphone attached to our AudioFetch Express, and the tour group members can listen via their smartphones and personal headphones. 

If you’re looking for an effective and cost-efficient audio solution for your business or organization this holiday season, AudioFetch is it! Contact us by calling 844-HI-FETCH or scheduling an appointment to discuss your needs and get a free quote.

AudioFetch Blog Header - Wireless Tour Guide

Wireless Tour Guide: 4 Travel & Tourism Customers Using AudioFetch

By | Tour Guides | No Comments

A wireless tour guide system allows the tour guide to broadcast their voice to the tour group wirelessly. Older systems typically contain a tour headset and several individual devices for each tour group member.  The guide speaks into the headset, which then transmits audio to the devices so that everyone in the group can hear. 

Newer, more modern systems like AudioFetch allow tour group members to listen via their smartphones and personal headphones. This option is more convenient, more affordable, and more hygienic, a benefit that is extremely important in today’s environment.  

Following are four companies that are using AudioFetch as a wireless tour guide system:

Tallink Ferry Company

Tallink Ferry Line - AudioFetch Audio Over WiFi
Source: Tallink Facebook Page

Tallink Ferry Company is the leading provider of high-quality mini-cruise and passenger transport services in the northern Baltic Sea region. Routes for Tallink are between Estonia and Finland, Estonia and Sweden, Finland and Sweden, and Latvia and Sweden. 

Tallink is using AudioFetch to allow passengers to listen to music while aboard their ships. We know that all passengers are enjoying the entertainment option now available, and look forward to traveling to Estonia for our own sea-faring expedition! 

US Playing Card Company

You may not know it, but you’re surely familiar with the US Playing Card Company (USPC). In fact, you probably grew up on their brands and have some of their products in your house right now. USPC has been designing and manufacturing quality playing cards since 1867 under the brands Bicycle®, Bee®, Tally-Ho®, Aviator®, Streamline®, Maverick®, Po-Ke-No®, Kem®, and Hoyle®. 

USPC Bicycle Cards - AudioFetch Audio Over WiFi
Source: USPC website

USPC has recently begun using the AudioFetch Express tour application for training purposes, and the feedback has been outstanding. USPC’s Scott M. said, “We used the tour pack and it made a world of difference on the training session. Thank you!!” (That’s with two, count ‘em, two exclamation points!!)

It’s an honor to work with USPC and from everyone at AudioFetch, we want to thank you for bringing a fun and competitive element to all of our family and friend gatherings! Now, who’s up for some Euchre?!

The Center for Mindful Living

Center for Mindful LIving - AudioFetch Audio Over WiFi
Source: The Center for Mindful Living Facebook Page

The Center for Mindful Living is a group of independent practicing professionals who believe in the transformative power of mindfulness and creativity. These professionals come together in the middle of Omaha to create an Urban Sanctuary, offering traditional psychotherapy, creative art therapies, somatic education, workshops, classes, study groups, and a variety of contemplative practices that help to develop and deepen mindfulness skills. 

These have always been important skills to hone. But after the last two years, we’re all recognizing the importance of practicing self-reflection and self-care to cultivate whole health, including both body and mind. We’re so pleased to work with such an honorable organization.

Mysteries of Hawaii

Mysteries of Hawaii 1 - AudioFetch Audio Over WiFi
Source: Mysteries of Hawaii Facebook page

Mysteries of Hawaii offers ghost tour experiences on Ohau. Lopaka Kapanui (a.k.a., “The Ghose Guy”) is the tour guide, a native Hawaiian storyteller, author, actor, kumu hula, cultural practitioner, and former wrestler. He leads guests into some of the darkest and spookiest places on the island of Oahu, providing knowledge of not only the paranormal but also the history and legends of Oahu and Hawaii. 

Mysteries of Hawaii is using AudioFetch during their various walking tours, including Urban Legends & Ghost Tours, Waikiki Night Marchers  Tour, Ghosts of Old Honolulu Tour, Waikiki Sacred Sands Tour, and Haunted Honolulu Ghost Tour. 

Estonia, Oahu – our wanderlust is surging just thinking of all the fantastic customers and locations we need to visit! How do we choose which to travel to first?! 

If you’re looking for an effective and cost-efficient tour guide audio system, AudioFetch is the ideal solution! Contact us by calling 844-HI-FETCH or scheduling an appointment to discuss your travel and tour application and get a quote. 

AudioFetch Blog Header - Assistive Listenging Devices in Schools

How Schools Can Use Audio Over WiFi for Assistive Listening & Translation

By | Education | No Comments

Being able to hear properly is essential in every child’s development of speech, language, and social skills. For students with mild hearing impairments, sitting near the front of the classroom may be enough to help them fully hear the teacher or instructional material. However, this may not be enough for students with more severe hearing loss. 

According to the National Deaf Center, “Relying on amplification devices or residual hearing alone may not be enough to access communication, especially in difficult listening situations (e.g., significant background noise, a room that is not designed for ideal acoustics, group discussions, or listening at a distance).” In these situations, assistive listening devices (ALDs) can provide the support students need to help them learn, grow and thrive.

There are numerous questions surrounding ALDs and how different types of schools use them. We’ve gathered the top questions and provided answers to help you better understand how schools can provide assistive listening and even translation solutions to their students.  

What is an FM system in a classroom?

An FM system used in a classroom can help students by: 1. Amplifying the teacher’s voice, regardless of how close they are to the student; 2. Allowing the student to hear their own voice better, and not speak at a louder volume; and 3. Allowing the student to turn off their hearing aid so they can concentrate on the teacher and not other background sounds.

Why is Audio Over WiFi better than an FM system in a classroom?

While FM systems have traditionally been used in classrooms due to their flexibility and affordability, many schools are turning to a more modern solution–audio over WiFi streaming. Audio over WiFi streaming allows teachers to broadcast their voice to students through their smartphones or tablets. Students can then hear the lesson in real-time through their headphones or Bluetooth-connected hearing aids. 

For colleges and universities, this solution is ideal because it’s BOYD and we all know college students never leave home without their precious phones! Students simply download the free app and can start listening immediately, even in cavernous lecture halls or theaters. 

For grade schools, many are providing Chromebooks or other tablets to each student to use throughout the school year. The app can be pre-downloaded to all devices, and students can choose to use it discreetly if they want and need it.

How can grade schools use Audio Over WiFi for assistive listening?

Grade schools use audio over WiFi as a flexible, affordable, and modern assistive listening system. The schools pre-load the audio streaming app on all school-provided tablets and then use the wireless distribution device to broadcast the teacher’s voice, a video lesson or film, audio from a computer program or any other audio source. Students with hearing impairments or those that simply need a little more focus can choose to listen via the app.

How can colleges and universities use Audio Over WiFi for assistive listening?

Colleges and universities use audio over WiFi to provide accessibility options for hearing impaired individuals in lecture halls, theaters, classrooms, and throughout other campus buildings. These higher education institutions encourage students to download the free audio streaming app on their own personal devices. Students can then choose to listen–discreetly–to the professor or any other speaker. Even if they’re seated way in the back of the hall, they’ll be able to hear like they’re sitting in the front row.  

Can students use their cell phones for assistive listening?

Students can use their cell phones for assistive listening when a school is using a wireless audio streaming solution. This is typically not a problem in colleges and universities, where students are permitted to bring their phones (or, at least, can’t be prevented from bringing them!). 

In grade schools, where students are not allowed to carry their phones (or, at least, strongly discouraged!), tablets are being used instead. Many elementary, middle, and high schools now provide tablets to each student to use throughout the school year. The audio over WiFi streaming app can be pre-loaded on these tablets, thus converting them into assistive listening devices for the classroom.

How can schools use translation devices in the classroom?

Schools are leveraging audio over WiFi to stream live translation, in addition to using it for assistive listening. Foreign exchange students and other non-native speakers can tune in to the translation feed using their smartphone or tablet, and clearly hear the instruction or lecture in their own language. This ensures that no one falls behind in their studies because of a language gap.

If you’d like to learn more about using translation devices or assistive listening devices in your school, reach out to us today. We’ll answer all of your questions and can even provide a free demo so you can test the system in your classroom. Give us a call at 1-844-443-3824, drop us a line, or schedule an appointment.