BLUFFDALE, UT, January 20, 2014 — San Francisco’s Congregation Emanu-El
has been northern California’s landmark Jewish synagogue, and one of
the most dynamic Jewish communities in America, since its founding in
1850. Now in its third site (a gorgeous structure dedicated in 1926, at
Lake Street and Arguello Boulevard), the congregation is the spiritual
home of over 2,100 households. With the temple’s membership in mind, the
facility recently integrated iDSP (Intelligent Digital Signal
Processing) assistive listening products from Listen Technologies Corporation,
the leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of assistive listening
products for over 16 years. Martinez, California-based firm Pro Media / UltraSound
– a leading professional A/V integrator specializing in installations
as varied as Levi’s Stadium [the home of the 49ers], the de Young
Museum, the Santa Clara Convention Center, the San Francisco Opera
House, corporate and worship facilities of all sizes and others – worked
closely with Listen personnel on the project, completed in time for the
High Holy Days. The
Listen Technologies components selected for the Congregation Emanu-El
installation included LT-800-072-01 Stationary RF Transmitter (72 MHz);
LA-122 Universal Antenna Kit (72 and 216 MHz); LA-326 Universal Rack
Mounting Kit; LR-4200-072-P1 iDSP RF Receiver Package (72 MHz); LA-304
Assistive Listening Notification Signage Kit; and LA-381-01 Intelligent
12-Unit Charging Tray.
The
systems were integrated in both the synagogue’s Main Sanctuary (1640
capacity) and smaller Martin Meyer Sanctuary (350 capacity). Pro Media /
UltraSound Project Lead Patrick Waller explains how this installation
came about: “Congregation Emanu-El has a number of elderly congregants
and others with hearing loss or impairment. There were some assistive
listening systems in place, but they weren’t compatible with certain
hearing aids, or were just not effective for some members. Judi Leff,
Director of Operations and Office Management at Congregation Emanu-El,
is a longtime customer and friend of ours, and she contacted me about
upgrading their assistive listening tools, and we explored a number of
options. Products from Listen Technologies immediately came to mind, but
some of our ideas were not feasible right away, because the space’s
marble floors prevent wiring/looping techniques. Sam Nord at Listen let
us know about their iDSP products being unveiled earlier this year.
Everything clicked into place for the project, and we were able to move
forward immediately. Everyone at Listen was so helpful during the
planning process, and the installation was seamless and efficient.”
Pro
Media / UltraSound installed and commissioned the system quickly, to
have everything in place in time for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
services, which are some of the most well-attended services of the
worship year. Waller continues, “After the High Holy Days, we checked in
with Judi to see how the iDSP systems had worked – she said that there
were several congregants for whom it made a huge difference, and she
even got an email from one who had been part of the congregation for
decades, and said that this is the first time she’s been able to really
hear the service in four years. And it was an easy installation – we
basically got the system configured and handed it over to them. Plug and
play!”
Judi
Leff stated, “We are always trying to make sure we are compliant with
ADA and offering the latest technology to our congregants. A more
involved installation was going to cost many thousands of dollars, and
as a non-profit house of worship, we were very concerned. When Pro Media
/ UltraSound figured out what a problem solver Listen iDSP would be, we
were so excited, and our congregants were happy as well. One happy
congregant emailed me: ‘I'm thrilled with the new system. It worked for
me and I hope it continues. It's the first time in about four years that
I have been able to hear.’”
The
iDSP line was introduced by Listen Technologies earlier this year. In
developing the iDSP, Listen closely focused on the user experience and
ease of dispensing, inventory management and battery management at the
venue – all based on input from consultants, system integrators, venue
owners and end users. The iDSP 72MHz receiver revolutionizes how an RF
system works, offering precise clarity with 20 dB less hiss than other
RF receivers. The integrated neck loop improves the experience for
people who have hearing aids and cochlear implants with telecoils. The
result is a significantly improved listening experience, including an
integrated neck loop/lanyard; streamlined dispensing, collecting and
care; and environmentally friendly advanced battery technology – in the
smallest, lightest device of its kind.
For more information, please email sales@listentech.com. Listen Technologies:
Listen
Technologies brings power and clarity to the sounds that enrich your
life—by overcoming the challenges of noise, distance, and hearing loss
to deliver precise and personalized audio in any setting or
environment. With Listen Technologies, you can always connect to
meaningful ex
