Hearing Impaired

This article really doesn't apply to webcasting, but since it is such an intergal part of a church's sound system it needs to be covered lightly.

Systems

Since most churches are too small to have a closed caption typist kicking away, we are limited to boosting the volume and high frequencys of the sound. This is done in a pretty standard way by using a wireless transmitter which feeds pocket-radio looking recievers and headsets. This is known as a 'Wireless Assistive Listening System'.

Wireless Assistive Listening Systems

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Second rate systems have a range of about 40 feet and are limited to 125mW of power by the FCC. They are unlicensed transmitters much like CB radios. Cough up the money and buy a real system. These will have features like Automatic Gain Control, treble boost, and multiple input compatibility. They will also have a range of more than 300 feet. I read the SoundMate™ User's Guide and was impressed. Notice the transmitter accepts both balanced and unbalanced input.

Warning!

Before purchasing one of these systems, write down the frequency of all the wireless components of the sound system. Two wireless devices cannot share the same frequency.