University of Essex

Date: 1st March 2005

The most important factor for any learning environment is clear communication, so it’s unsurprising that Ampetronic induction loop systems are to be found in lecture theatres across the UK.
 
The University of Essex may lay claim to the highest concentration of Ampetronic systems in a seat of learning, with Colchester-based audio visual contractor John Hearn & Sons having installed a number of systems throughout the main campus.
 
The most recent has been in one of the main lecture theatre blocks, where Ampetronic’s unique ultra low spill technology was essential for an installation in two 250 seat theatres, which can be combined into one 500 seater.
 
With most induction loops having a potential spill area of several metres from the loop, the only way that the company could fulfil the demanding brief was to us Ampetronic’s state of the art system, which brings spill down to just 1.5 metres.
 
This meant that the lecture rooms can operate independently, without any spill from either. But what about when they are combined? Here Ampetronic’s design service came to the fore, including a switchable section allowing the two systems to operate entirely independently or together as one.
 
To ensure that potential spill is minimised, the positioning of the loop itself has to be very accurate. “The seating in both theatres is tiered, so it made for some challenging cable runs to maximise coverage, yet ensure spill and wear were minimised,” says John Hearn & Sons’ Tim Hearn. “We used four ILD 252 amplifiers and two SPD5s in each theatre. This gave us excellent coverage when both theatres are in use individually, as well as when they’re combined.”
 
Having worked with Ampetronic on many projects, Tim is quick to praise the company’s support: “Ampetronic has been a wonderful help to us,” he says. “Their support is excellent. With the Disability Discrimination Act we have seen a significant upturn in induction loop installations and they are all Ampetronic.”
 
The success of Ampetronic’s ultra-low spill induction loop systems should ensure that, however close any of the University’s facilities are, the hard of hearing will get just as much from the university experience as anybody. “Indeed, we are looking at another project in the University of Essex now,” adds Hearn. “The client has mentioned wanting to use infra-red, but for a low spill solution, the Ampetronic system is the obvious choice.”