STARplex Theatre

Equipment List

LIGHTING

Control
LSC Maxim XXL 60/120 + patpad LSC Axiom 24/x Acme 16ch DMX switcher-controller

Fixtures

8 x 750w Dortron 26 Profiles 10 x 1.2k Prolite PR10F Fresnels+barn-doors 4 x 1k Prolite PR10PC Spotlights+barn-doors 3 x 1k Prolite PR10PC Spotlights 8 x 1k Strand Harmony 22/40 Profiles 6 x 1k Strand T-84 Profiles 7 x 1k Strand T-64 Profiles 4 x 650w Strand Prelude 22/40 Profiles 10 x 500w Strand P-23 Profiles 1 x 500w Strand P-23N Profile 2 x 600w Prolite PR7MT 15/25 Profiles 2 x 600w Prolite PR7WT 22/44 Profiles 12 x 1k 110v MFL Par-64s + splitters 8 x stubby Parx 3-way 1k Prolite Cyclorama units 24 Mirror-ball + motor 2 x Geni Mojo Color colour-changers 2 x 500w Aust Floods

Standard lighting rig:

- 3 colour washes (blue, red, amber) on stage - 3 colour washes on Cyclorama - White wash on stage - 12 specials, which can be repositioned as required - Mirror-ball available on request.
The Lighting rig is to be returned to standard on completion of an event, at the hirers cost

VIDEO/DATA

1 x Kramer Seamless Switcher/Scaler 1 x DataVideo 4-input vision mixer + monitors 1 x Sony DVD player 1 x Panasonic NV-HD675 VCR 2 x JVC LX-D1020U/D1020E data/video projectors 2 x Projector Screens (3.5m x 3m) either side of stage 1 x Sony handycam with tripod available on request 3 x Aten 4-way video signal splitters 1 x video signal switchbox 3 x TV monitors (in wings, both sides) PC - Windows 2000
Crest HP-8 24/10 Audio console 1 x EAW DX810 Digital Line mixer 1 x EAW UX8800 Digital Processor 1 x Powersoft DIGAM LQ2804 digital amp 3 x Powersoft DIGAM LD3004 digital amp 1 x Powersoft DIGAM LD1404 digital amp

Speakers & EQ

2 x EAW AX396 Front of House 2 x EAW AX296 Delays 2 x DAS Sub 218 1000w Sub-bass speakers 6 x EAW VRM12 Foldback wedges 2 x EAW VR21 speakers 2 x ARX EQ60 30-band graphic 1 x DOD SR 431 QX 31-band graphic EQ 1 x DBX 266XL dual channel Compressor/Gate 1 x Alesis 3630 dual channel Compressor Limiter with Gate Denon DN-T620 CD/Cassette combi-deck

Microphones

1 x ADX 212 Lectern mic 2 x Audix OM7 radio mics (hand-held) 6 x ADX 40 Choir mics (rigged over stage) 3 x Audix OM3 Vocal mics 1 x Audix OM5 Vocal mic 3(6) x Audix F15 condenser mics 1 x Audix D-x Audix I-x Audix D-x Audix D-x Shure SM-58 Vocal mics 4 x Shure Prologue Condenser mics 3 x Behringer XM-1800s 4 x JTS CX-505 clip-on Percussion mics 1 x JTS NX-2 Kick Drum mic 2 x JTS PDM-57 mics
3 x Behringer DI100 boxes 3 x Leem DI 1 x Behringer DI120 twin box 2 x 15m 12-channel multicores 1 x 50m 28/4-channel multicore 2 x 3m Speakon-Speakon cables 1 x 5m Speakon-Speakon cable 2 x 9m Speakon-Speakon cables 2 x 12 m Speakon-Speakon cables 4 x D-Vice (gooseneck clip) Assorted mic leads and stands
The audio set-up is to be returned to standard on completion of an event, at the hirers cost
STARplex Theatre recommends and uses AUDIX Microphones and EAW Speakers
5 x 40A 3- (3-phase) sockets in prompt store-room 1 x 40A 3- (3-phase) socket in wing US opposite-prompt 4 x LSC i-PAK dimmers 12 x 2.4k channels 1 x Jands FP12-WM dimmer 12 x 2.4k channels 1 x ACME CA41 DMX Switchpack 4 x 6.3A channels 58 patch-points 4 lighting bars Assorted 240v extension cables
Main stage depth 7790mm Main stage width 16980mm Apron depth 2260mm (380mm lower than main stage) Black front-of-house curtain 4 x black poly/cotton legs 3m x 6m 2 x sets of 4 stackable, mobile staging screens (coloured/black) 6 x ProStage Rostra (with steps & railings) 1000mm x 2000mm x 380mm 2 x portable corner-pieces for apron fill 2 x Lecterns free standing (no mic) 1 x Kawai Digital Piano

COMMUNICATION

Creative Audio ConcertCom talkback system 2 wall-packs, 5 beltpacks and 6 headsets 2 x 40 channel CB radios

AUDITORIUM

Capacity: -1200 Theatre Style -500 Cabaret Style Chairs: -250 x padded purple chairs -1100 x plastic grey chairs Tables: -40 x 1.8m Round tables -12 x 1.8mx0.9m Trestle tables Dance-floor 11700mm x 7250mm Blue curtain (mid-room) Black rear curtain Dimmable halogen lighting Fluorescent lighting Hearing Impaired Loop (2nd tier) LED-illuminated tier treads Dressing room with toilets, mirrors, benches and lighting.
All equipment is to be returned to standard set-up on completion of an event, unless prior arrangement has been made

Introduction

These are the questions that I am most frequently asked about induction loops and TV aids. If you have any other questions, please contact me at the email address below. This document may not be reproduced or distributed in any form, without written permission of the author Heidi Walsh. Permission may be obtained by email. A downloaded version of this document in Adobe Acrobat format is available at www.walsh100.force9.co.uk/downloads/download.htm Printing is disabled on this document. Registered members of my website have my permission to print a single copy of the document for their own use. A printable version of this document can be downloaded from the Members Pages on my website. Registered members also have my permission to give a copy of the document to the odd friend, but if you want to give out more than 2 copies (for example, to members of a hard of hearing club), please contact me for permission. My website can be found at: www.lipreading-teacher.co.uk or www.walsh100.force9.co.uk To obtain permission, please email me at: heidi@lipreading-teacher.co.uk

Table of Contents

Introduction The Induction Loop & TV aids Q. What is a loop?. 1 Q. How does it work?. 1 Q. How many types of loop system are there?. 1 Q. Whats so good about using a loop?. 3 Q. Are there any bad points about using a loop?. 4 Q. I can hear a buzz when Im using the loop, whats wrong?. 4 Q. I can only hear properly in certain positions, whats wrong?. 6 Q. Is it dangerous?. 6 Q. How can I use the loop?. 6 Q. My hearing aid doesnt have a T, can I still use the loop?. 6 Q. I havent got a hearing aid - what can I do?. 7 Q. How can I tell if there is a loop fitted?. 7 Q. What can I use the loop with?. 7
Q. How do I get a loop?. 7 Q. Someone said you can use a loop in the car, is that right?. 8
Other tips. 9 Q. What does infra-red mean?. 9 Q. I cant hear the TV using a loop, what can I do?. 10 Q. Can I record subtitles on my video player?. 10 Q. What about videos you can hire from video shops?. 10 Addresses for Loops & TV aids Video Recorders (with Built-in Closed Caption Readers)
The Induction Loop & TV aids

Q. What is a loop?

The loop is just that - a loop of plastic covered wire. It can be small enough to wear like a necklace around your neck (in can even be small enough to fit inside a telephone handset!), or large enough to go around a whole room. The loop is plugged into a box of tricks called an amplifier; also plugged into the amplifier is a microphone.

Q. How does it work?

The microphone picks up the sound, and passes it to the amplifier. The amplifier sends a small electrical current along the loop of wire. This electrical current produces a magnetic field, and it is this magnetic field that your hearing aid picks when you switch your hearing aid to the T position. Your hearing aid turns the magnetic field back into sound. The amplifier also controls the volume of the sound your hearing aid receives. It does this by altering the electrical current running through the loop - which increases or decreases the magnetic field strength. The stronger the magnetic field - the more volume. The best reception is within the actual loop itself - but you will be able to pick up outside the loop as well. The further you are from the loop, the weaker the signal gets.
Q. How many types of loop system are there?
There are several basic types: 1. room loop or domestic induction loop(for home use) The loop of wire is fitted around the skirting board, under the carpet, or around a picture rail. It is connected to an amplifier box, which usually sits by the TV, and has a microphone attached to the TV speaker. Depending on what type of TV you have it can be connected directly into the TV through an audio input lead or SCART lead. The advantage with a room loop is that there are no wires to see, or to fall over. It can also be used by several people at once - as long as they have a hearing aid with a T position.

Heidi Walsh 2000

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The reception is best inside the loop, where the magnetic field is strongest.

Connected to TV

The loop amplifier unit converts sound into an electric current, which is passed through the loop wire
Using a domestic induction loop

Small electric current

Electric current passing through loop wire produces a magnetic field all the way around the wire
Loop wire around edge of room
Hearing aid user switches hearing aid to the T position to pick up magnetic field. Hearing aid turns magnetic field back into sound.
2. room loop (business use) A bigger version of the room loop above can be used to loop rooms in buildings such as churches, theatres, etc. 3. personal amplifier This uses either a neckloop - which looks like a thick necklace, and works with your hearing aid on T, or headphones for people who dont have a hearing aid. The neckloop, or headphones are plugged into a small amplifier box, which is battery powered. Also plugged into the amplifier is a microphone which is attached to the TV, or handed to the speaker. You can also get a small stub microphone which you can point towards a speaker (this only works provided that you are within about 3 - 4 feet of the speaker). A SCART adaptor for direct connection is usually available as well. The biggest problem with a personal amplifier is that you can forget you are wearing it, and get up to make a cup of tea! There are also sometimes problems with people, children and pets tripping over the wire leading from you to the TV. An advantage with the personal amplifier is that it is portable. It can be useful for taking on holiday, to visit friends, even on visits to the hospital! 4. Counter loop A counter loop is a small loop fitted to a counter in a bank, post office, or somewhere similar. It means you can use your hearing aid on T to listen to the person the other side of the counter - but should mean that other hearing aid users will not be able to pick up the signal. 5. Inductive coupler An inductive coupler is the name for the small loop fitted in some telephones. If a telephone handset is fitted with an inductive coupler then you switch your hearing aid to T and the sound will be sent straight into your hearing aid. Not all telephones have inductive couplers, but all BT public telephones do, as do all motorway emergency phones. The handset needs to be actually touching a behind-the-ear hearing aid for this to work, and you may need the volume on your hearing aid up full. You can buy a portable, clip-on inductive coupler, and amplifier to keep in your pocket/handbag to use on phones that dont have an inductive coupler.

Q. Whats so good about using a loop?
Using a loop means that the sound goes straight into your hearing aid. This is useful because:

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your hearing aid is adjusted to suit your hearing loss, so you have better control over the sound; the loop microphone only picks up the sound you wish to concentrate on - such as the TV; it cuts any background noise; you can adjust the volume to suit yourself by using the volume control on the amplifier box, and the controls on your hearing aid - without affecting anyone else such as your family or neighbours; there is less distortion than if you simply turn the volume on the TV up.
Q. Are there any bad points about using a loop?
If your hearing aid is switched to T then it will only pick up the sounds coming through the loop microphone. This can mean that you might not hear other things such as the doorbell, or telephone ringing - even your partner speaking. Some amplifier boxes will take two microphones and you can use a second microphone to pick up sounds such as your partner, or the doorbell, etc. You can put a second microphone near where your partner sits, or use a different type of microphone (called a conference microphone, or boundary microphone) on a coffee table to pick up friends talking, etc. There are lots of things you can try to solve these problems. If you have a specific problem try asking your Lipreading Teacher. One other problem you can sometimes have with a loop, happens when you have two loops close together. The magnetic fields from each loop get mixed up, and you pick up sound from both loops. This can be very confusing. It can occasionally happen with flats, where two flats next to each other both have loops. The problem can be solved by using personal loop amplifiers, or using seatpads. Another thing to remember is that you can sometimes still pick up from the loop, even when you are not inside it. The further away you are the weaker the signal - but the signal does extent beyond the actual loop itself. If you are using a loop remember that other people with hearing aids may be able to hear as well - especially important if you are using the loop for a personal conversation. This can be solved by using a personal loop amplifier.
Q. I can hear a buzz when Im using the loop, whats wrong?
Sometimes you can get interference when using a loop. Electrical equipment can interfere with the magnetic field that the loop produces - this causes the buzz that you can hear. Things that often cause interference are: electric motors in things like washing machines, dishwashers, etc.; flourescent lights; computers; electric cables. If you are picking up a buzz, try turning off electrical equipment near the loop and seeing what happens. Occasionally you can get interference from equipment next

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With a domestic room loop, where the wire is around the edge of the room, the magnetic fields from each loop meet and cross over, causing confusion - a hearing aid user receives sound from both loops!
Using Two Loops Near Each Other
Using two personal amplifiers with neckloops (or domestic induction loops with seatpads) prevents this confusion, because the magnetic fields are smaller, and do not get mixed up.

Heidi Walsh 2000 Page 5

door. If you are still having problems it may be worth trying a personal amplifier, as they are less likely to pick up interference.
Q. I can only hear properly in certain positions, whats wrong?
Sometimes a room loop might not be fitted properly - often if you fitted it yourself. The loop must be level. If you have passed it up and over doors and windows, rather than along the skirting board (under the carpet), then the magnetic field may not be even. If this happens then you will get dead spots where you cant pick up from the loop properly.

Q. Is it dangerous?

The magnetic field is very small and is not dangerous. The electrical current in the loop is very small, and is quite safe - although try not to let pets chew through it! There are stringent safety checks on loops, and all loop systems must pass British Standards.
Q. How can I use the loop?
To use the loop you need to switch your hearing aid to position T. This is in between the O (or off) position, and the M (or on) position. To get the best signal, make sure you are inside the looped area. Some hearing aids have an MT position, where both the microphone and the telecoil are switched on at the same time. This can be handy for hearing the telephone ring/doorbell.
Q. My hearing aid doesnt have a T, can I still use the loop?
Most NHS hearing aids have a T position; not all private hearing aids have a T position. If you dont have a T position on your hearing aid it wont pick up from the loop, but you can use a loop listener with a pair of headphones to listen using a loop.

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Some small personal amplifiers also work as loop listeners. The small personal amplifiers are ideal for listening to the TV, and work with either a neckloop, or headphones. If you dont have a T on your hearing aid, or dont have a hearing aid, then you can use one of these (with headphones) to listen to the TV, AND as a loop listener if you go somewhere that has a loop fitted - for example a theatre or church.

Q. I havent got a hearing aid - what can I do?
Have a look at the answer to the question above.
Q. How can I tell if there is a loop fitted?
If there is a loop fitted at a bank or post office counter, or in a church or theatre, you should see a symbol displayed somewhere. It is a burgundy coloured ear symbol, with a small T in the bottom right corner.
Q. What can I use the loop with?
You can basically use the loop with anything that makes a sound. You can use a loop to listen to: the TV the radio a record player, cassette player, or CD player a personal cassette or CD player a Dictaphone a computer someone speaking a Nokia mobile phone

Q. How do I get a loop?

You can either buy a loop: a room loop will cost around 70 - 100 a personal loop will cost around 40 - 50 or, you may be able to have a loop from Social Services on a free, long term loan.

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Ask your Lipreading teacher for more information about the provision of loops in your area. If you can, it is always worth trying a loop in your own home before buying one. This is so you can see if that model suits you - different makes suit different people, as everyones hearing loss is different. You can also check that you arent picking up interference on the loop - a buzz, from something or somewhere. Most manufacturers are good about giving a full refund if you decide the loop isnt the right one for you - but there are time limits on how long you can try it out for. Some areas have charities such as CAMTAD - the Campaign for Tackling Acquired Deafness, or a Deaf Advice Centre, where you can try out equipment. Ask your Lipreading teacher about places that provide this service in your area.
Q. Someone said you can use a loop in the car, is that right?
Yes, you can use a loop in a car - this cuts out the background noise from the road, and makes hearing instructions/directions from a partner or friend much easier. There are 2 ways that you can do this, but do remember if you are on T then you might not hear emergency vehicles approaching. 1. using a room loop Some room loops are now powered by a 12 volt DC converter/powerpack. This means that they can be plugged into a 12 volt cigarette lighter socket in the car, using an adaptor. Some loops even have an option of a car mounting bracket for just this reason. You can then either fit a loop around the inside of the car body, or use a seatpad, which is like a thin cushion with a built in loop which you place behind you. You can use two microphones: one to pick up your passenger speaking (useful for directions), and one to pick up people in the back of the car. Do not try a D.I.Y job. You must check that your loop works off 12 volt dc, and that it will automatically compensate for different lengths of loop wire - some of the basic loop systems are not able to do this. The best thing to do is PHONE THE MANUFACTURER. Remember, if your loop is on loan from Social Services you must not damage it. You can also take these loops on holiday to a caravan, and again run them off 12 volt power, and either loop the caravan, or use a seatpad as mentioned above. 2. using a personal loop amplifier You can use a personal amplifier in a car - but you must be very careful not to get tangled up in the wires! I would suggest using a special homemade bag to hang the amplifier behind your seat, and then looping the neckloop over the headrest - not

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around your neck, this would be dangerous in a car. Pass the microphone behind the seats to the passenger.

Other tips

If your microphone isnt long enough you can buy an extension cable for it from any good electrical shop for a few pounds. If you are using a personal amplifier, you can run the microphone cable around the edge of the room using an extension cable so that people dont fall over it. Always fit a loop a few inches in from the skirting board, when fitting it under the carpet. This is in case you have a new carpet fitted. Unless you warn the carpet fitters, they often cut the old carpet when removing it - and can cut through the loop wire at the same time! Loop wire if fitted around a picture rail, etc., can quite safely be painted with lead-free paint. You can buy microphones with white cables for better visibility.
Q. What does infra-red mean?
Sometimes theatres use an infra-red system - the symbol you may see for this, looks like an ear with waves going into it. This means that sound is transmitted using an infra-red signal across the room. It works in the same way that your TV/video control unit does. To pick up the signal you must either wear a neckloop (with your hearing aid on T) with a special receiver about the size of a matchbox, or a pair of headphones with a special receiver. The advantage is that both people with and without hearing aids can use the system, and there are no wires. You can buy an infra-red system to use at home. A small transmitter sits on top of your TV. For people with a hearing aid (and a T switch) there is no real advantage over a loop system, although some people say the sound quality is better. For people without a hearing aid (or T switch) it does mean that you can use headphones to listen to the TV, radio, etc., but without any wires between you and the TV. The disadvantages are that you must have a clear line of sight between you and the transmitter - if you dont you wont hear anything except static, and the other disadvantage is the cost - a good infra-red system is very expensive (about 200-250)! A basic set of infra-red headphones, suitable for someone with a mild hearing loss, will cost between 20 and 80. Be careful - some models only have one volume control: if you have a hearing loss in one ear only, or a different hearing loss in each ear, then you are better off with separate volume controls for each side.

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A lot of models available from local shops are stereo. This means that the sound is basically split - with half going in one ear, and half in the other ear. Obviously, if you have a hearing loss in one ear, then you may miss some of the sound - so consider a mono pair of headphones, and an adapter if you need to plug into a stereo system. Some models are plugged into the headphone socket on your TV. This can cut the sound off for everyone else - so its worth checking! If you have a SCART socket on your TV then they can be plugged directly into that. If you have an infra-red motion detector as part of a security system, then it can sometimes cause interference.
Q. I cant hear the TV using a loop, what can I do?
If you cant hear the TV through a loop, or the sound is very distorted, the best thing to do is use subtitles. To see the subtitles you need a TV set with TELETEXT. You need to switch to Teletext using the TV controls, and select page 888 - this is the same no matter which channel you are watching. This will bring up the subtitles on to the screen. Not all programmes are subtitled, but you can check which ones are by looking in a TV guide.
Q. Can I record subtitles on my video player?
Standard video recorders do not record subtitles. You can buy video recorders that do record subtitles but they are more expensive. Some TV/video rental shops do have models available that can record subtitles, but you need to ask. There is also something called the TELEMOLE. This is a piece of special equipment that allows you to watch subtitles on a normal TV that does not have Teletext, and also to record subtitles on your video recorder. The TELEMOLE costs about 200. The TELEMOLE also allows you to see closed captions on pre-recorded videos - see below. Warning. the TELEMOLE does not work with digital TV signals!
Q. What about videos you can hire from video shops?
Some (in fact most modern) videos that you can hire from video shops have something called closed captions. These are simply hidden subtitles. If you watch the video on a normal video recorder you wont see the hidden subtitles, but if you use a CAPTION READER, you will be able to see the hidden subtitles. If you want to do this you will have to buy a Caption Reader, as well as your video player, or buy a TELEMOLE (see above). A Caption reader costs around about 100. Some modern video recorders can now view closed captions.

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Addresses for Loops & TV aids
Connevans Limited 54 Albert Road North Reigate Surrey RH2 9YR Telephone: Text: Fax: Website: http://www.connevans.com Email: mail@connevans.com Sarabec Limited 12 High Force Road Middlesbrough TS2 1RH Telephone: 789 Text: 310 Fax: 827 Website: http://www.sarabec.co.uk RNID Sound Advantage 1 Metro Centre Welbeck Way Peterborough PE2 7UH Telephone: Text: 020 Fax:1161 Website: http://www.rnid.org.uk E-mail: solutions@rnid.org.uk

Video Recorders (with Built-in Closed Caption Readers)
Manufacturer Panasonic Panasonic Model NV HD675BS NV HD685BS Has extra fancy bits Notes

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