Fox Theatre enables Auracast live audio

Fox Theatre in Atlanta said on September 2 that it had enabled Auracast live audio at the venue, adding a Bluetooth-based assistive listening option for patrons with compatible hearing devices. The theater’s notice said audience members can receive performance audio directly through hearing aids and other supported devices. The rollout adds to the venue’s existing accessibility services, which already include designated seating for guests with visual or hearing impairments, according to the theater’s accessibility page. ### What exactly did the Fox Theatre announce? The Fox Theatre said in its September 2 post that the Atlanta venue is now Auracast-enabled for accessible live audio. The theater linked patrons to setup instructions, saying the system works with compatible hearing aids and mobile devices. Atlanta Hearing Associates, which hosts the linked setup page, says users can “connect to Auracast at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta” and provides manufacturer-specific instructions for ReSound, Oticon and Starkey devices. (foxtheatre.org) The page describes Auracast as a way to receive “crystal-clear sound” directly on compatible devices. ### What is Auracast, and how does it work inside a venue? Auracast is a broadcast audio feature within Bluetooth LE Audio that lets one source send sound to multiple nearby compatible receivers, according to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group and hearing-access organizations. (atlhearing.net) In a theater, that source can be tied to the venue’s public-address or performance audio system, allowing users to select the broadcast on a phone or compatible hearing device. The Hearing Loss Association of America says Auracast can make assistive listening in public venues easier because a single broadcast can be accessed by multiple devices without the traditional one-to-one Bluetooth pairing process. Bluetooth SIG materials aimed at public locations describe the technology as a way for venues to deliver audio streams directly to personal devices. ### Which devices can use the Fox Theatre system? The Fox-linked setup materials say the system is aimed at users of compatible hearing aids and cochlear implants, as well as people with compatible earbuds or headphones. (bluetooth.com) Atlanta Hearing Associates says users select the broadcast on their phone or hearing device and then stream the sound directly to hearing aids, earbuds or headphones. Manufacturer guides linked from the Fox setup page list supported products by brand. (hearingloss.org) A ReSound guide names Vivia, Nexia, Savi and Enzo models, while an Oticon guide names Oticon Intent hearing aids and says the devices must be paired with a smartphone through the company’s app. ### How does this fit with the Fox Theatre’s existing accessibility setup? The Fox Theatre’s accessibility page says the venue already offers designated seats near the front of the theater for guests with visual or hearing impairments. (atlhearing.net) The page also lists wheelchair services, accessible parking information and ticket office contacts for patrons requesting accommodations. The venue’s posted accessibility materials also describe mobile-device options for some performances, including services for closed captioning, language support and audio description. (atlhearing.net) The new Auracast option adds another listening path centered on direct audio reception through personal compatible devices. ### What would a patron need to do before a show? The Fox-linked instruction page says patrons should check whether their hearing aids, cochlear implant processors, earbuds or phones are Auracast-compatible before arriving. (foxtheatre.org) The page distinguishes between devices that are already “Auracast-enabled” and those that may be “Auracast-ready” but still need future software or firmware support. ReSound and Oticon setup guides tied to the Fox installation say users may need to pair their hearing aids with a smartphone app before connecting at the venue. (foxtheatre.org) The manufacturer instructions are available through the Fox-linked page, which patrons can use ahead of a performance to confirm compatibility and setup steps. The Fox Theatre’s next step for patrons is practical rather than ceremonial: users can access the theater’s accessibility page and the linked manufacturer guides before attending a show at the Atlanta venue. (atlhearing.net) Those pages currently provide the device-specific instructions for ReSound, Oticon and Starkey users. (foxtheatre.org) (atlhearing.net)