Challenge
The AV responsibles of the University of Kiel went looking for a system to transmit audio signals from one lecture theatre to another. Another aim was to use the new system to remove barriers for students and guests with a hearing disability.
Solution
The University of Kiel opted for Sennheiser’s MobileConnect system. It is easy to integrate into the existing Wifi and comes with an app that students can use on their own mobile device to receive the audio signal via headphones, their hearing aids or cochlea implants.
In 2015, Kiel’s Christian-Albrechts-University hosted the Federal Conference of German University Chancellors, a big event causing its organizers and planning team quite a headache, as Stefan Paeth, a specialist for event technology, recalls: “We were sure that one lecture theatre would not be enough. So we urgently needed a system that would allow us to flawlessly transmit the audio signal to the neighbouring room.“ Seeking advice, he approached vizacon, a media company the event and facility management team has cooperated with for years. Considering the long-term goal of more accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing among students and visitors, the specialists recommended installing Sennheiser’s MobileConnect System as part of the complete renovation of the lecture theatres.
The two ConnectStations were quickly and easily installed and integrated into the campus-wide open wifi, which allows up to 200 users to access the system at the same time without a password. After a quick download of the free app anyone can receive the speaker’s voice on their own mobile device and then on their hearing aid, headphones or cochlea implant. The app can be used both with android and iOS. Stefan Paeth is enthusiastic about the user experience: “Architects, technicians, facility managers – we are all positively surprised by the app. It is so simple and intuitive in its use, and everyone can perfectly adjust the sound to their own needs!“
MobileConnect has conquered other lecture theatres Following the successful use of MobileConnect in one building, the university commissioned the company media in motion with installing two more MobileConnect stations in the Audimax, which houses 9 lecture theatres equipped with 2000 seats in total. Mr Paeth talks about how it has now become much easier for students with a hearing disability to follow lectures: “In the past, these students had to sit in the front row and close to the loud-speakers. Some of them had to resort to lip-reading. Now they have a well-functioning audio transmission system that helps them understand everything. We always promote MobileConnect for other events held in our lecture theatres. For example, the organisers of the German Nature Conservation Day are already very keen on communicating its advantages to their participants.”
Several years of experience with Sennheiser products … For Mr Paeth and his colleagues, Sennheiser products are an integral part of every day university life. “We’ve been working with Sennheiser mikes for years. We have goose neck mikes for our lecterns and we use several different wireless systems from the 100 and 300 series, whether in combination with handheld mikes, headsets or clip-on mikes. The quality never ceases to amaze us.” The university has recently benefitted from other advantages as well.
Switching to the modern license-free 1.9 GHz Speechline Series for new purchases has helped save money that would otherwise have been spent on frequency license fees.
Currently there are three major building sites on the Kiel University campus. MobileConnect figures quite prominently on the technicians’ and planners’ wishlist for these new facilities, and Stefan Paeth is definitely a fan: “I would wholeheartedly recommend MobileConnect to any other institution with similar needs. We love working with it.”
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
