Reliable Coverage with no Signal drop-out and a 2nd Wireless Mic added for Student Use

Helping school administrators and educators to combat inadequate classroom acoustics, high levels of ambient noise and poor sound insulation, Califone International, Inc., has upgraded its Infrared Classroom Audio System.

Educators note that students are more willing to participate in class when using a microphone while speaking. Accommodating additional speakers, Califone has added a second wireless channel to the Infrared System. This enables the teacher and a student, or two students, to speak using both microphones simultaneously without any drop-outs or interference.

In addition, the Infrared System can now connect to MAC- or PC-based teleconference systems, such as Microsoft® Netmeeting, allowing educators to leverage distance learning opportunities. This infrastructure expands the learning environment, encouraging students to collaborate with their peers in the United States and around the world. In a recent poll on Califone.com, one-third of educators shared that the most important feature of a classroom amplification system is the ability to teleconference. Distance learning opportunities through teleconferencing helps students to build key 21st century skills.

“As students are more apt to participate in class if they can hear, it is important that the learning environment boasts good acoustics and a quality amplification system that allows the teacher to reach every student in the classroom,” said Tim Ridgway, VP of Marketing for Califone. “Our upgraded Infrared Classroom Audio System meets this need.”The Infrared Classroom Audio System includes two ceiling-mounted infrared receivers – twice the industry average – to pick up the complete message from each microphone. Not only does this ensure there are no “lost words,” it also enables the system to be used in rooms which are twice the size of the average elementary grade classroom.

Unlike systems using standard ceiling speakers that randomly bounce the sound off walls, the Infrared System uses two powerful “array” speakers to project the sound pattern directly at the audience. The evenly distributed sound provided by the presentation system means students in every area of the classroom can hear oral instruction and educational audio technology clearly.

“More than 50 percent of educators we polled said that consistent coverage is the most important feature of a classroom amplification system,” continued Ridgway. “The two ‘array’ speakers that comprise our system guarantee consistent sound patterns to provide educators with the reliable coverage they need.”The system also includes a lightweight belt-pack transmitter with an upgraded hands-free HBM-316 microphone for the teacher, a wireless handheld microphone for student use, and a lockable metal case that contains the volume, brass and treble controls as well as the line inputs and outputs. The metal case features detailed information about installation and instructions for daily use.

Califone also added an additional output to the Infrared System for connecting supplemental systems, such as assistive listening devices for special needs students. In addition, Califone has added an exterior flange around the panel box, which allows for improved surface-mounted or recessed installation.

The upgraded Infrared System comes with two array speakers and a substantially updated panel box. The updated panel box also includes two built-in chargers for both the handheld and lapel microphones. In addition, Califone has developed a second package (pictured above) featuring a complete Infrared System with two array systems and two PI30-PS speakers, making it ideal for larger classrooms or multipurpose rooms.