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 Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment Overview |
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| There are two main types of simultaneous interpretation equipment: infrared (also called IR) and radio frequency (also called RF or FM). Both are used for assistive listening and simultaneous interpretation systems. |
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| Infrared |
Infrared (IR) is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than radio waves. This equipment is best suited for meetings where their restricted range of transmission is an advantage, typically, where industrial espionage or national security is a major concern. They are also the system of choice in areas of the world where poor regulation of the radio frequency spectrum allows interference with FM equipment.
The main advantage of infrared equipment is its immunity to radio interference. The main drawbacks are restricted range, susceptibility to light, and the fact that it requires professional installation. |
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| Radio frequency |
Radio Frequency (RF) is a frequency in the range within which radio waves may be transmitted, from about 3 kilohertz to about 300,000 megahertz. FM radio frequency systems are the most widely used in meetings and conventions because of their superior range, ease of operation, mobility, and reliability. They are also very user-friendly and can be installed by anyone with a basic knowledge of sound equipment. This equipment is also available in several frequencies, of which the most popular are 72 MHz and 216 MHz.
Choose a 72MHz system:
- For shorter range application requirements up to 1,500 feet
- For exceptional sound quality
- For compatibility with existing FM assistive listening equipment
Choose a 216MHz system:
- For longer range application requirements up to 3,000 feet
- For areas where interference is a problem
- For good sound quality
- For expanded applications including language interpretation, tour group communications, medical/dental, and law enforcement.
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| Use this chart to help you choose between 72 MHz and 216 MHz: |
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72MHz |
216MHz |
| To Meet ADA Requirements |
Meets ADA guidelines for the hard of hearing at both 72 and 216MHz. Listen is compatible with all existing major brand systems. No special license is required. |
| ADA Frequency Use Designation |
Designated for hearing impaired and assistive listening transmissions. |
Designated for assistive listening, tour group, language interpretation, medical, and law enforcement transmissions. |
| Simultaneous Channels |
Offers 6 simultaneous channels within the 72-76MHz spectrum range.* |
Offers 3 simultaneous channels within the 216-217MHz spectrum range.* |
| Sound Quality |
Exceptional sound quality (SNR 80db, 50Hz to 15KHZ)** |
Excellent sound quality (SNR 80 dB, 50Hz to 10KHZ)** |
| Transmission Range |
Good Range -- stationary transmitters have a 500-1,500 foot range, and mobile transmitters have a 100-150 foot range. |
Greater Range -- stationary transmitters have a 1,000-3,000 foot range, and mobile transmitters have a 100-150 foot range. |
| Reduction of Interference |
Expect more interference from outside sources. |
Because 216MHz is an exclusive band to assistive listening, it may offer less transmission interference. |
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72MHz |
216MHz |
| For More Simultaneous Channels |
72MHz offers twice the number of simultaneous channels. |
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| For Better Transmission Range |
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216MHz offers almost twice the transmission range as 72MHz (from a stationary transmitter). |
| For Less Interference |
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As an exclusive band, 216MHz is not licensed for other uses and may offer less transmission interference. |
| RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS FOR: |
72MHz |
216MHz |
| Places of Worship |
Recommended: Clearer signals with twice the number of simultaneous channels for multiple language interpretation or different meetings. |
Suggested for when greater range is necessary. |
| Language Interpretation |
Benefits: Use 6 channels* for simultaneous interpretation to multiple languages. |
Benefits: Greater range with stationary transmitter. Use 3 channels* for simultaneous interpretation. |
| Tour Groups |
Benefits: Use 6 channels* for simultaneous groups touring the same facility without interference and overlap. |
Benefits: Because 216MHz is an exclusive band to tour groups, it may offer less transmission interference. 72MHz and 216MHz transmitters have similar transmission ranges. |
| Schools |
Recommended: Compatible with most existing systems at 72MHz systems. |
Suggested for when greater range is necessary. Compatible with Phonak MicrolinkTM. |
| Meeting Rooms, Hotels and Convention Centers |
Recommended: More simultaneous channels means multiple meetings can use different FM systems at the same time without interference from each other. |
Suggested for when greater range is necessary, such as large rooms or for remote speakers in foyers and overflow areas, however SNR may be objectionable in low noise environments. |
| Stadiums/Arenas |
Suggested when adding to or upgrading an existing 72MHz system (compatible with all major brands). |
Recommended: Greater range for larger venues, particularly stadiums and arenas. |
| Live Theatre |
Suggested when more simultaneous transmissions are necessary (such as simultaneous interpretation). |
Suggested when greater range is necessary. | |
* Number of available simultaneous channels vary by proximity of transmitters, transmitter output power level area interface, etc.
** With Listen SQ Technology implemented
Below is a side-by-side comparison of features and functionality for our most popular RF and IR systems. Use this chart to help you choose between radiofrequency and infrared: |
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| Feature |
Listen Radiofrequency |
Williams Sound Radiofrequency |
Williams Sound Infrared |
Bosch Integrus Infrared |
| Frequency Response+/- 3 db |
50 Hz-15 KHz |
22 Hz-16 KHz |
30 Hz-16 KHz |
20 Hz-20 kHz |
| Frequency Bands |
72 MHz 216 MHz |
72 MHz |
2.3-3.8 MHz |
2-8 MHz |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
80 dB |
74 dB |
> 60 dB |
> 80 dB |
| Number of channels |
56 |
6 |
4 |
32 |
| Nominal range |
72 MHz: 1,500 ft. (457 m) 216 MHz: 3,000 ft. (914 m) |
72 MHz: 1000 ft. (304 m) |
18,000 ft (1,700 m2) peremitter (2-channel mode) 28,000 ft2(2,600 m2) per emitter (1-channel mode) |
1000 m2 per medium-power emitter (4-channel mode) 2000 m2 per high-power emitter (4-channel mode) |
| Transmits through walls? |
yes |
yes |
no |
no |
| Works well outdoors? |
yes |
yes |
no |
no |
| Performance affected by light fixtures, camera flashes, shadowed areas or sunlight? |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Susceptible to RF interference? |
yes |
yes |
no |
no |
| Transmission security? |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Stereo Transmitters / Receivers? |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Multiple channels simultaneously? |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Portable systems? |
yes |
yes |
no |
yes | |
| Use the following chart to compare the different radio frequency simultaneous equipment offerings on the market. The systems we carry, Listen and Williams Sound, are highlighted. |
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| Radio Frequency Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment Comparison Chart |
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Listen |
Williams |
Phonic Ear |
Telex |
Starlin/ Gentner |
Drake |
Comtek |
| Stationary Transmitters |
| Model Number |
LT800 |
PPA-T35 |
PE 560T |
ST-300 |
TX-37A |
ALT1000 |
BST-50b |
| Number of Channels |
57 |
87 |
50 |
17 |
37 |
17 |
50 |
| Frequency Bands Available |
72 & 216 MHz |
72MHz only |
72MHz only |
72MHz only |
72 & 216 MHz |
72MHz only |
72MHz only |
| Number of Audio Inputs |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
| Maximum range in linear feet on 72MHz/216MHz |
1,500/ 3,000 |
1,000 |
1,000 |
1500 |
1,000 |
1,000 |
1,500 |
| List Price |
$660.00 |
$649.00 |
$610.00 |
$600.00 |
$620.00 |
$699.00 |
$1,425.00 |
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Listen |
Williams |
Phonic Ear |
Telex |
Starlin/ Gentner |
Drake |
Comtek |
| Wireless Transmitters |
| Model Number |
LT-700 |
T16/T1-216 |
PE 300T |
PST-170 |
PTX |
NA |
M72 |
| LCD Display |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Number of Channels |
57 |
8/10 |
40 |
17 |
37 |
1 |
| Frequency Bands Available |
72 & 216 MHz |
72 & 216 MHz |
72MHz only |
72MHz only |
72 MHz |
72MHz only |
| Number of Audio Inputs |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
| Maximum range in linear feet on 72MHz/216MHz |
150 |
150 |
100 |
NA |
10/50 |
300 |
| Battery Life (Alkaline/ Rechargeable) in Hours |
15/8 |
15/8 |
40/10 |
8/4 |
4/2 |
30/5 |
| Price |
$450.00 |
$400.00 / 389.00 |
$275.00 |
$505.00 |
$410.00 |
$535.00 |
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Listen |
Williams |
Phonic Ear |
Telex |
Starlin/ Gentner |
Drake |
Comtek |
| Lowest Cost Receivers |
| ModelNumber |
LR-300 |
PPA R7N |
PE 500R |
SR-50 |
RX-1A |
MR306 |
PR-72b |
| LCD Display |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Number of Channels |
17 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
17 |
1 |
| Frequency Bands Available |
72 & 216 MHz |
72 & 216 MHz |
72MHz only |
72MHz only |
72 MHz |
72MHz only |
60-216MHz |
| Tuning Method |
Digital |
Trim Pot / Coil |
Auto Freq Control |
Crystal |
Trim Pot / Coil |
Digital |
Crystal |
| Battery Life (Alkaline / Rechargeable) in Hours |
30/15 |
32/6 |
60/30 |
20/14 |
60/30 |
30/NA |
40/NA |
| List Price |
$82.00 |
$79.00 |
$97.00 |
$85.00 |
$77.00 |
$99.00 |
$235.00 |
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Listen |
Williams |
Phonic Ear |
Telex |
Starlin / Gentner |
Drake |
Comtek |
| Multichannel Receivers |
| Model Number |
LR-500 |
PPAR7-4N |
PPAR7-6N |
PE 506R |
SR-400 |
Digital 6 |
MR306 |
NA |
| LCD Display |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Number of Channels |
57 |
4 |
6 |
6 |
17 |
6 |
17 |
| Frequency Bands Available |
72 & 216 MHz |
72 MHz |
72 MHz |
72MHz only |
72MHz only |
72 MHz |
72MHz only |
| Tuning Method |
Digital |
4 Position Dial |
6 Position Dial |
6 Position Switch |
Digital |
Digital |
Digital |
| Battery Life (Alkaline/ Rechargeable) in Hours |
30/15 |
32/6 |
32/6 |
60/30 |
20/14 |
40/20 |
30/NA |
| Programmability |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| List Price |
$189.00 |
$127.00 |
$155.00 |
$97.00 |
$232.00 |
$150.00 |
$99.00 |
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Listen |
Williams |
Phonic Ear |
Telex |
Starlin / Gentner |
Drake |
Comtek |
| Audio Specifications (end-to-end): |
| Frequency Response |
50-15KHz |
100-10KHz |
100-10KHz |
80-8KHz |
100-10KHz |
100-10KHz |
50-15KHz |
100-10KHz |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
80dB |
55dB |
65dB |
55dB |
58dB |
55dB |
60dB |
65dB |
| Distortion |
<2% |
NA |
NA |
<2% |
<2% |
<2% |
NA |
NA |
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Listen |
Williams |
Phonic Ear |
Telex |
Starlin / Gentner |
Drake |
Comtek |
| Batteries and Chargers: |
| Battery Size and Quality |
2 x AA |
1 x 9V |
1 x 9V |
2 x AA |
2 x AA |
2 x AA |
2 x AA |
1 x 9V |
| Types of Rechargeable Batteries |
NiMH |
NiMH |
NiMH |
NiCAD |
NiCAD |
NiCAD |
NA |
NiCAD |
| Battery Compartment Can Be Locked |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| Drop-in Charging |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
NA |
No |
| Charging Case Sizes |
4, 8, 16 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
2, 4 |
10 |
NA |
10 |
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Listen |
Williams |
Phonic Ear |
Telex |
Starlin / Gentner |
Drake |
Comtek |
| Other: |
| Warranty |
Lifetime |
5 Years |
5 Years |
3 Years |
1 Year |
1 Year |
1 Year |
1 Year |
| 90 Day Performance Guarantee |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| ISO-9002 |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| Sells Direct to End Users |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| Sells Only Through Distributors |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No | |
* NA = information is not available or not applicable
In addition, when selecting equipment, the two basic conference interpretation configurations must be kept in mind: Plenary (or General) Sessions and Workshops or Breakout Sessions: |
| Equipment Configurations: |
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| General or Plenary Sessions |
| This is the most widely used for conventions, speeches, presentations, and any other lecture-type event. Its minimum requirements are an interpretation team, an interpreter's control unit, and 1 tabletop transmitter per target language, as well as 1receiver and headphone, or headset
per participant. The better systems also include an interpretation booth and
multi-channel receivers. |
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| Breakout Sessions or Workshops |
Simultaneous interpretation at breakout sessions requires the same interpretation team per room and uses the same participant receivers and headphones as in the main convention floor, but may require different interpreter's equipment.
Sometimes, smaller 1-person booths are used to accommodate the reduced room sizes or, depending on various factors, simultaneous interpreting without a booth may be appropriate. For meetings with numerous parallel sessions and workshops, the cost can be contained by providing additional interpreters only for those sessions that attract large numbers of participants.
For more information on the different aspects of simultaneous interpretation equipment, please click on one of the links below: |
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