was successfully added to your cart.

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 - Silent Disco Equipment

Silent Disco Equipment: Using AudioFetch for a Soundless & Safe Party

By | Music | No Comments

For those of you out there looking to keep the party spirit alive while maintaining safe social distances, we have the answer–Silent Discos!

Silent discos are events where people dance to music listened to on individual headphones. Rather than using a speaker system, silent disco equipment broadcasts music to the headphones, providing an experience that is unique for participants, considerate for neighbors, and in today’s environment, the most responsible choice for music events.

Silent discos started gaining popularity in 2005 at the Bonnaroo Music Festival, and are seeing a resurgence as people look for creative and safer ways to bring communities together. AudioFetch’s wireless audio streaming technology offers several benefits for silent discos:

Innovative Audio Streaming Technology

Traditional silent discos use FM radio transmitters to broadcast the music to wireless headphone receivers. This process works, but it’s an old school way of doing things! 

AudioFetch provides a next-generation solution that streams music wirelessly to smartphones. Listeners simply download the free AudioFetch app, connect to the WiFi and they’re able to hear the music immediately. 

No Headphones to Disinfect

Rather than providing shared headphones for listeners to use, AudioFetch allows users to listen with their own smartphone and headphones. Nothing to disinfect after each use and no worry of spreading disease. No rental gear to send back and no extra equipment to store after the event. No mess, no risk, no hassle!

Flexible Music Streaming Options

Want to keep the music going into the wee hours while adhering to noise ordinances? Planning a music event with multiple acts or DJs and need to provide listening options? Thinking of unifying your apartment complex with a unit-wide dance party? Have another silent event in mind? We offer several wireless audio streaming solutions to fit your needs.

Our Express model is a single-channel unit, which lets you broadcast from one artist or DJ. If you’ll have multiple audio options, our Signature Line is what you need. Signature covers you from 4 sources all the way up to 512! 

Listeners can easily choose the DJ or artist by swiping right/left in the app to find the appropriate channel number. 

More Affordable Than Other Silent Disco Gear

Other silent disco equipment providers charge you for each headphone at a whopping $50 a pop (and that’s typically the budget option!). Then you have to buy the audio broadcast equipment, which can be anywhere from $150-500 for a single transmitter (which may not be enough for your event). And then you need to purchase all the accessories–cables, batteries, signage, storage containers, setup fees. All of those items together can really add up!

With AudioFetch, you only need to purchase the audio over WiFi equipment, and that’s it! There are no other accessories to buy–all cables and signage come with the equipment. There are no support or setup fees (not that you’ll need it, AudioFetch is extremely simple to install!). And listeners use their own smartphones and headphones, so you don’t have to worry about footing that bill either (or worry about spreading disease with shared equipment)!

Personal Volume Control

One volume does NOT fit all. 

Using AudioFetch for a silent disco, each participant is able to easily control the volume on their smartphone, reducing the risk of hearing damage. 

Encourage Conversation

No more yelling over blaring music or losing your voice the next day. A silent disco allows those people who are not dancing, or those simply taking a break, to converse at a normal level. And with the need for social distancing today, this is even more important. Individuals can talk at a safe distance from each other without even needing to raise their voices. 

If you’re interested in hosting a silent disco, we can help! Whether you’re planning a full music festival or a small neighborhood dance party, our AudioFetch wireless audio streaming products are a simple and affordable solution. Contact us today!

AudioFetch Blog Header - Fitness Centers Reopening

Audio Over WiFi Streaming Solutions for Fitness Center Reopenings

By | Fitness Centers | No Comments

As of June 30, 42 states and the District of Columbia have allowed fitness studios and gyms to begin reopening their doors. The rules and regulations vary widely by state, and in some cases even by county or city. 

As fitness centers and gyms begin to reopen, there are several safety precautions they must consider. IHRSA has provided numerous resources to help health and fitness clubs navigate the coronavirus outbreak and plan for reopenings now and in the future. 

Along with these great resources and tips provided by IHRSA, fitness centers can add an additional layer of safety by utilizing a wireless audio streaming solution to provide entertainment options. 

Instead of using entertainment screens attached to cardio machines or allowing anyone to control shared TVs or sound systems, members use their own smartphones to listen to TV audio or music throughout the club. This reduces the number of surfaces that members come into contact with at the club. It also limits the amount of equipment that must be disinfected by your staff throughout the day. 

Our AudioFetch Signature is an ideal solution for fitness centers. It provides fast, efficient audio processing for 4 to 512 inputs and allows 250+ listeners to stream gym TV audio to their smartphones. It’s simple to install and even simpler for members to use:

  • Easily integrates with your existing WiFi
  • Can be mounted behind TVs, in an AV rack, or in the ceiling, reducing messy wiring
  • Comes with free marketing collateral with download QR code and instructions, eliminating the need for face-to-face discussions between staff and members
  • No monthly fees, so your members can continue to enjoy audio streaming services when restrictions are fully lifted in the months to come

If you’re interested in learning more about how AudioFetch can help your gym or fitness club prepare to reopen, and create a safer space for members and staff, contact us today.

AudioFetch Blog Header - Coworking Spaces

How Coworking Spaces Can Take Advantage of Local Audio Over WiFi Streaming

By | Business, Coworking Spaces, Education, General, Hearing Assistance | No Comments

We’re constantly coming up with new and clever ways that businesses can benefit from our local audio over WiFi streaming solutions. Silent discos can use it to provide clandestine music to dancers. Real estate agents can use it to broadcast house details curbside to curious homebuyers driving by. Microbreweries can use it to provide information during tours of their brewing facilities (we are in Colorado, after all!). The products and their application are so versatile, the possibilities are nearly endless! 

Coworking spaces are one niche industry that has really sparked some ideas recently. The coworking industry has grown significantly in recent years. Freelancers, large corporations, and everyone in between are enjoying the flexibility, affordability, and other benefits of working in a shared office space. 

This focus on collaboration, innovation, and versatility really aligns with our ethos at AudioFetch, and we’re thrilled to be working with coworking spaces like EVO3 Workspace in Summit County, Colorado to provide additional benefits for their resident businesses and guests. 

Following are a few useful, unique and fun ways that coworking spaces can take advantage of local audio over WiFi streaming:

Provide Accessibility at Events

Coworking spots frequently host events, such as expert speaker series, coding workshops, maker fairs, and other things that help to promote and educate their members and the local community. These events can draw diverse crowds, with diverse audio and visual needs. 

AudioFetch provides hearing assistance capabilities without requiring the installation of an inductive hearing loop, or any separate hearing assistance devices. Listeners simply download the free AudioFetch app on their smartphone, and tune in to the live presentation. 

Provide Translation Services at Event

Within the diverse crowds that events draw, there may be some folks that would benefit from listening in a different language. This is especially important for educational events or training workshops. UNESCO research indicates that people learn best in their native tongues. 

AudioFetch solutions can be used to broadcast a live translation stream for anyone that needs it. You simply need someone available to translate the speaker or instructor’s message into the right language for your audience. Listeners then just launch the AudioFetch app on their smartphone, and select the channel with the translation feed. 

Allow Passive Listening of Events in Offices

Coworking members are often growing startups and zealous freelancers, eager to absorb as much knowledge and experience as possible, and limited only by hours in a day and days in a week. The members want to attend every event and workshop hosted by the coworking space, but they need to be at their desks working against deadlines and objectives.   

AudioFetch lets them have the best of both worlds! Members can tune in to the presentation or class that’s happening in the common area or conference room, while still heads-down at their computer working away in their office. It’s every founder’s dream–the ability to be in two places at once! (Now, if only that was possible for catching up on sleep and exercise!)

Curate Music Streaming Channels

Piping in a single music station or playlist throughout the entire coworking space is not ideal. It’s too loud. It’s too quiet. It doesn’t set the right tone. I hate that artist. With such a diverse membership base, there’s no doubt there will be opinions on the music selection. 

Rather than broadcasting a single music station for everyone to hear, AudioFetch can be used to provide options and eliminate distractions. You can create a custom channel for different music genres to appeal to various musical tastes. You could even allow members to play “DJ” for a week at a time, perhaps hosting a contest or raffle to bestow this honor each week. 

Curate Podcast Streaming Channels

In addition to designating select channels for music, you could also use a few channels to stream relevant podcasts throughout the day. Depending on what type of people and businesses make up your membership, you might consider Entrepreneurs on Fire, StartUp Podcast , The Gary Vee Audio Experience, The Growth Show, or So Money

Create a “Founders Podcast” Channel

Some of the biggest draws of coworking spaces are collaboration and networking opportunities. Let’s imagine that one of the members sells dog treats from spent grain from a local brewery down the street. They need some help updating their website and driving sales. There’s a freelance web developer two offices down, and a digital marketing firm two rows over. These folks could all be working together to make some doggos and the environment a little bit happier and healthier, they just need to know the others exist! 

A unique value-add for your members could be a “Founder’s Podcast” show. This podcast would allow each member to provide an overview of their business and service/product offering, any updates or announcements, and requests for help or current challenges they’re solving for. The recordings from each of the members would then be combined and played continuously for all members to hear, providing a unique way for members to promote their business and for all members to learn about and connect with others. 

Create a Unique Tour Experience

Providing a tour of the facility for prospective members is a key step in the sales process. Members need to see and experience the basic features–offices, desk spaces, conference rooms, kitchen, amenities, training centers, office supply, etc. But these things are table stakes–every coworking space has them. 

To set your space apart from others, showcase how you embrace and support innovation during the initial visit and tour. Utilizing AudioFetch’s advanced wireless tour guide technology, potential members can explore the coworking space while listening to details via the AudioFetch app. This also creates efficiencies for your reception or office management staff. Rather than being pulled away from their duties every time someone needs a tour, they can simply alert visitors to the app and resume their work.

Coworking spaces are just one of many, many applications for the AudioFetch local audio streaming solutions. If you have a unique application you’d like to chat about or have ideas for utilizing AudioFetch in creative ways, we’d love to discuss with you! Give us a buzz at 1-877-564-8845 or drop a line today!