San Fernando, Calif. (March 12, 2009) – Helping school administrators and educators to combat inadequate classroom acoustics, high levels of ambient noise and poor sound insulation, Califone International, Inc., has upgraded its Infrared Classroom Audio System.

Educators note that students are more willing to participate in class when using a microphone while speaking. Accommodating additional speakers, Califone has added a second wireless channel to the Infrared System. This enables the teacher and a student, or two students, to speak using both microphones simultaneously without any drop-outs or interference.

In addition, the Infrared System can now connect to MAC- or PC-based teleconference systems, such as Microsoft^® Netmeeting, allowing educators to leverage distance learning opportunities. This infrastructure expands the learning environment, encouraging students to collaborate with their peers in the United States and around the world. In a recent poll on Califone.com, one-third of educators shared that an important feature of a classroom amplification system is the ability to teleconference. Distance learning opportunities through teleconferencing helps students to build key 21st century skills.

“As students are more apt to participate in class if they can hear, it is important that the learning environment boasts good acoustics and a quality amplification system that allows the teacher to reach every student in the classroom,” said Tim Ridgway, VP of Marketing for Califone. “Our upgraded Infrared Classroom Audio System meets this need.”

The Infrared Classroom Audio System includes two ceiling-mounted infrared receivers – twice the industry average – to pick up the complete message from each microphone. Not only does this ensure there are no “lost words,” it also enables the system to be used in rooms which are twice the size of the average elementary grade classroom.

Unlike systems using standard ceiling speakers that randomly bounce the sound off walls, the Infrared System uses two powerful “array” speakers to project the sound pattern directly at the audience. The evenly distributed sound provided by the presentation system means students in every area of the classroom can hear oral instruction and educational audio technology clearly.

“More than 50 percent of educators we polled said that consistent coverage is the most important feature of a classroom amplification system,” continued Ridgway. “The two ‘array’ speakers that comprise our system guarantee consistent sound patterns to provide educators with the reliable coverage they need.”

The system also includes a lightweight belt-pack transmitter with a lapel microphone for the teacher, a wireless handheld microphone for student use, and a lockable metal case that contains the volume, brass and treble controls as well as the line inputs and outputs. The metal case features detailed information about installation and instructions for daily use.

Califone also added an additional output to the Infrared System for connecting supplemental systems, such as assistive listening devices for special needs students. In addition, Califone has added an exterior flange around the panel box, which allows for improved surface-mounted or recess installation.

The upgraded Infrared System with two array systems and a substantially updated panel box is available for $1,040. The updated panel box also includes two built-in chargers for both the handheld and lapel microphones. In addition, Califone has developed a second package featuring a complete Infrared System with two array systems and two PI-30 speakers, making it ideal for larger classrooms or multipurpose rooms. The second package is available for $1,289.

More Information

For more information on the full line of Califone products designed for the education market and safe for school and library use, call 1-800-722-0500, or visit www.califone.com to view and download the entire Califone catalog. To order, contact a Califone dealer.

About Califone

Califone was founded in 1947 and continues to be a leader in the design, development and manufacturing of audiovisual and supplemental curriculum products for use in education, presentation and professional markets. The company offers a complete line of audio solutions, wireless systems and multimedia products for small, medium and large presentation needs. Califone serves millions of educators and children in the PreK through higher education school environments and has expanded to serve business and industry, houses of worship, parks and recreation, and other presentation markets as well.

Contacts

Califone^®, Inc.
Tim Ridgway
800-722-0500 ext. 428
timr at califone dot com
www.califone.com

C. Blohm & Associates, Inc.
Charlene Blohm
608-839-9800
charlene at cblohm dot com
www.cblohm.com

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