Califone Increases Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Minimizing Reverberation

Classrooms can often be noisy even when only the teacher is speaking. Internally generated sound within the classroom such as the humming of air conditioners and lights, tapping pencils and shuffling backpacks can have an affect on how students hear, and therefore process, the information vital to their academic achievement. To further combat ambient noise in the classroom, Califone International, Inc., has recently made significant upgrades to its powered PI39 and PI30-PS Array speakers.

The two powered Array speakers (one with UHF receptivity and one without) now include fixed and variable volume outputs so teachers can customize volume playback levels of other speakers or supplemental systems connected to the Array speaker within the classroom. The fixed output allows the Array speaker to act as the master volume control for on any other units linked to it. The variable volume output gives the educator the opportunity to adjust the volume of a connected supplemental system at any preferred level separate from the main speaker itself. This type of connection is ideal for presentations where some attendees, such as students with difficulty hearing, may require a louder volume.

“The upgrades were made because of requests we received from educators who have students with specials needs in their classes,” shared the company’s Tim Ridgway, VP of Marketing. One district which made such a request was Dysart Unified School District, the fastest growing school system in Arizona. “We wanted to provide technology that would offer options for instructional purposes in nearly five hundred classrooms,” said Ezra Williams, a network specialist for the district. Williams continues, “Teachers who have hearing impaired students in their classroom find the amplification to be extremely helpful.”

The ‘array’ speakers target the audience directly instead of losing valuable information in the classroom void. Designed to increase the signal-to-noise ratio, all three of the ‘array’ models narrow the sound distribution directly at the students while preventing sound waves from reverberating off walls. It is vital for students to hear both their educators and their audio-visual resources clearly, without significant reverberation or diffusion.

The series is comprised of three speaker models:

• PI39: With 16 selectable UHF channels for wireless microphone or LCD projector compatibility, this powered speaker features dual line-in and RCA ports, fixed and adjustable line outs, volume control and microphone functions. The speaker is built with a rugged steel grill for protection and includes wall mounting hardware).
• PI30-PS: A cost-effective alternative, this powered model delivers all the flexibility and reliability of the PI-30 without the added UHF capabilities
• PI30-SP: This model provides educators with basic array speaker functionality In addition, the PI-30SP is included as part of the recently launched Classroom Infrared System from Califone.

All three models come with a wall-mounting bracket and the unique 6-year Califone warranty, which includes coverage for school, library and government use, typically not available for products purchased from consumer electronics stores.