VoiceLift. Achieving Student Success by Evenly Distributing the Teacher s Voice Throughout the Classroom CLASSROOM SOUND FIELD SOLUTIONS.

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1 VoiceLift VoiceLift CLASSROOM SOUND FIELD SOLUTIONS Achieving Student Success by Evenly Distributing the Teacher s Voice Throughout the Classroom Improves speech intelligibility by gently amplifying the teacher s voice Overcomes the effects of background noise, reverberation and distance Studies show measurable improvements in student test scores and reading fluency Reduces distractions, redirection, and off-task behavior Decreased teacher vocal strain and voice fatigue, results in reduced teacher absenteeism Seamless upgrade path to complete classroom A/V switching and control

2 Sound Field Overview The primary mode of learning in the classroom is listening. Students are listening to the teacher and to each other. Researchers have estimated that students spend 45-75% of the school day engaged in listening activities. Unfortunately, the typical classroom has been shown to have acoustical characteristics, such as background noise, reverberation, and distance, that are detrimental to students with normal hearing, as well as students with a hearing loss or hearing difficulties. One of the ways to overcome these barriers to learning is to create a sound field in the classroom. We do not ask students to learn without seeing, so we have lights in the classroom. Why would we expect them to learn without hearing. Public School Technology Director What is Sound Field? A sound field is the area within a classroom where the teacher s voice is distributed at a consistent level. A sound field is created by a classroom sound system specifically designed to slightly amplify the teacher s voice using a microphone, audio amplifier, and speakers placed strategically throughout the room. The key to success is not simply amplification or voice level, but increased intelligibility with equal voice level for each student. The purpose of the system is to ensure that the teacher s voice is clearly audible above the background sounds at all instructional locations within the room. Students in the back row, and throughout the class, need to hear as well as those in the front row. To achieve this goal, effective sound field systems must accomplish the following: Raise the level of the teacher s voice to 5dB above classroom background noise Distribute sound evenly to each student throughout the entire classroom by using multiple speakers Provide superior audio performance in frequencies associated with the human voice and full-range reproduction of program audio Minimize distorted sound

3 Sound Field Overview A Proven Concept The concept of a sound field is not new. Studies identifying the benefits of these systems go back as much as 25 years. The rationale underlying these systems is very simple: how well children hear a teacher affects how well they learn. The more they can hear, and the less they have to strain and guess, the better chance they will have of learning. Children have to be able to hear what s being taught before they understand it and so much of education is oral. Audiologist Typical Sound Field System A typical sound field system is made up of a wireless microphone, receiver, amplifier, and speakers. Infrared microphone technology offers clear advantages over systems that use radio frequency, since infrared signals do not pass through walls and are not subject to RF interference. Sound field systems can be stand-alone systems or integrated with other classroom A/V equipment. IR Receiver Amplifier Sound Field Speaker IR Microphone The main goal of a sound field system is an equal voice level for each student, so students in the back row can hear as well as those in the front row.

4 Sound Field Benefits Why Use A Sound Field System? Studies show that significant gains in student achievement and teacher effectiveness can be made by simply ensuring that the teacher can be heard. According to research, even students with normal hearing ability benefit from the use of a voice amplification system. The teachers here have not been absent because of sore throats and none of them have lost their voices because they re using the system. School Principal Creating a learning environment where the teacher can be heard is especially critical for children in the lower grades. These students are often engaged in activities that specifically focus on speech and sound recognition. Young, inexperienced learners do not develop the ability to adjust their hearing in noisy conditions that are unfavorable to listening until they are 3-5 years old. For children, the teacher s voice needs to be approximately 5 decibels louder than the background noise in the classroom for high speech intelligibility. This decibel difference is called the Signal-to-Noise Ratio - SNR. Comparatively, adults only require an SNR of 4 to 6 decibels. Research also shows that English as a Second Language - ESL learners need a greater SNR than those whose native language is English. The minute you turn it on, the children really start paying attention. Elementary School Teacher

5 header_main Sound Field Benefits Sound field amplification systems enable teachers to spend the day speaking at a natural level, which significantly reduces voice strain and vocal fatigue. Results of studies include: Teacher absences due to vocal strain in amplified classrooms decreased from 5 percent to an average of 3 percent in one year. Students in amplified elementary classrooms in Iowa displayed an average of 7 percent increase in overall ontask behavior. Students were found to be less distracted in amplified classrooms and required less redirection by the teacher. Studies have also shown that teachers who use classroom amplification systems enjoy virtually unlimited freedom to move around the classroom while maintaining a stable acoustic environment. Fewer elementary students referred to special education Higher scores on the Stanford Achievement Test, including reading, language, math, science, and social studies subtests Higher scores on Oregon s Technology Enhanced Student Achievement test Increase in literacy test scores - Trost Amplification Study, Canby School District, Canby, Oregon, 2004 For a detailed description of the research related to classroom sound field systems and the proven benefits they provide for both students and teachers, you can download a free copy of the white paper entitled Classroom Sound Field Amplification: An Introduction at

6 Integrated Classroom A/V Complete Integrated System for Classroom A/V Switching, Control and Voice Amplification is the only manufacturer offering two upgrade paths to completely integrated A/V switching, control and voice amplification for the classroom with no duplication or replacement of equipment. So, your technology investments provide not only the critical benefits needed today, but also a foundation for enhancing the system by simply adding selected components. VoiceLift and PoleVault Systems allow you to make full use of your current equipment while also enabling you to take advantage of future innovations in classroom technology. VoiceLift Systems provide a seamless upgrade path to integrated Audio, Video and Control in the classroom, making it easy to add multimedia capability in the future. At the heart of the system is the PVS 305SA which is an audio amplifier that also includes video switching capabilities. Simply add PoleVault input wallplates, a MediaLink controller, a projector, and A/V sources for a complete, easy-to-use classroom A/V system. PoleVault Systems also provide a seamless upgrade path to integrated Audio, Video and Control in the classroom, making it easy to add sound field capability to the system. At the heart of the system is the PVS 305SA which is a video switcher and amplifier that offers a VoiceLift Microphone input. Simply add the VoiceLift pendant microphone and receiver for a complete, easy-to-use classroom A/V system. Integrated Classroom A/V Systems VoiceLift System PoleVault System Shared Components VoiceLift Receiver PVS 305SA Switcher/Amplifier Computer Input Wallplate VCR/DVD Input Wallplate VoiceLift Pendant Microphone Flat Field Speakers MediaLink Controller VoiceLift Desktop Charging Station Projector Mounting Hardware *Display *A/V Sources Projector Laptop DVD/VCR Combo Player * Projector, DVD/VCR and Laptop are not included and must be ordered separately.

7 header_main VoiceLift Microphone Systems VoiceLift Pendant Microphone VLP 02 Infrared wireless microphone Lightweight design is comfortable to wear Volume/mute controls for easy operation Instant Alert messaging capability enables the teacher to request assistance with the push of a button when used with a PoleVault switcher and MediaLink Controller Auxiliary input for MP3 player or other audio source Rechargeable 2700 mah NiMH AA battery included for up to 8 hours of talk time on a single charge; also works with a standard alkaline AA battery Two IR frequencies MHz and 2.8 MHz, selectable The lightweight VLP 02 Pendant Microphone can be worn around the neck or clipped onto clothing. Each microphone uses infrared signals for transmitting the teacher s voice to the receiver and includes a single, rechargeable battery. LED Indicator Status LED indicates when the microphone is on or charging Wireless Transmission Infrared emitters wirelessly transmit the teachers voice to the receiver Mic Input External microphone input for use with boom or lapel microphones Aux Input Auxiliary input for MP3 player or other audio source Charging Pendant may be recharged with a plug-in charger, or the desktop charging station Power/Mute Power switch also serves to mute sound for privacy Volume Adjustment Volume level controls are conveniently located on the pendant Lightweight Pendant microphone can be comfortably worn around the neck or clipped to clothing Battery Operates for an entire school day on a single, rechargeable AA Battery Enclosure Lightweight and durable plastic enclosure

8 header_main VoiceLift Microphone Systems VoiceLift Receiver VLR 02 Receives signals from up to two VoiceLift Pendant Microphones Infrared technology is not affected by RF interference Advanced DSP eliminates feedback while maximizing sound quality and intelligibility regardless of speaker placement Flexible ceiling or wall mounting options The VLR 02 Infrared Receiver is mounted on the ceiling or wall and captures the IR signal from the pendant microphone. Infrared signals do not pass through walls and are not subject to interference, offering clear advantages over systems that use radio frequency technology. VoiceLift Desktop Charging Station VLC 02 Charges up to two VoiceLift Pendant Microphones simultaneously Durable polycarbonate construction Protects microphones when not in use May be placed on desk, table, or shelf The VLC 02 Desktop Charging Station makes it easy to recharge one or two Pendant Microphones by simply turning off the microphone and placing it in one of the two charging bays. The desktop charging station is included with two-pendant Microphone systems. PoleVault Switcher/Amplifier PVS 305SA 50 watt, two-channel amplifier for stereo or dual mono operation VoiceLift Receiver input Treble, bass, loudness, ducking, and mix-minus settings for tailoring audio to the needs of the acoustic environment Paging sensor feature mutes audio when PA announcement is detected RS-232 and hardwired IR for remote control Line level output for podcasting or assistive listening systems Auto power save and power standby modes provide energy efficiency to reduce operating costs The PVS 305SA Switcher/Amplifier works with the Voicelift Receiver to amplify the teacher s voice from the Voicelift Pendant Microphone and distribute it to strategically placed speakers in the classroom. The PVS 305SA also provides a seamless upgrade path to add PoleVault A/V input wallplates, a MediaLink controller, and projector for a complete, easy-to-use classroom A/V system.

9 VoiceLift Microphone Systems Sound Field Speaker FF 20 patent-pending Flat Field Technology for consistent sound levels across the listening area, reduces the number of speakers required Full-range driver with exclusive horn-loaded design provides extended low frequency response ' x 2' (30.5 cm x 6 cm) drop-in ceiling tile enclosure for suspended ceilings White perforated grille matches appearance of air conditioning vents and deters theft UL 2043 plenum rated speaker; required by code for plenum ceilings The FF 20 is a full-range sound field speaker that drops easily into standard suspended ceilings. The FF 20 features a full-range driver with incredibly wide frequency response and an exclusive horn-loaded design for enhanced low frequencies. Patent-Pending Flat Field Technology patent-pending Flat Field technology makes this speaker truly unique. Flat Field technology allows the FF 20 to reduce beaming of mid and high frequencies directly under the speaker, delivering consistent sound levels across the listening area to each student. Extremely Wide Sound Dispersion The FF 20 offers an extraordinarily wide dispersion area of 70 degrees, which provides a very wide room coverage pattern. This is especially important for rooms with low ceilings. With the combination of Flat Field Technology and wide dispersion area, only two FF 20 speakers are required in a standard classroom, as opposed to four or more traditional ceiling speakers. For easy installation and theft deterrence, the FF 20 features a neutral white, perforated steel grille and included T-bar, which matches the appearance of standard air conditioning vents and grid ceilings. Advantages of Flat Field Technology Typical Dispersion Listening Plane Wide Dispersion FLAT FIELD TECHNOLOGY COVERS THE ENTIRE ROOM Typical speaker installations produce gaps in coverage, or areas lower than optimal sound level, when attempting to produce the appropriate sound level at the listening plane. HOT SPOTS With Flat Field Technology and wide dispersion, FF 20 Speakers provide even distribution of sound and eliminate hot spots and gaps in coverage. Traditional ceiling speakers have difficulty providing even sound pressure levels throughout a classroom with a limited number of speakers. Typical results include gaps in coverage or hot spots. To compensate for gaps in coverage, sound levels may be increased. However this produces hot spots where the sound level is too loud. Listening Plane These difficulties are eliminated with patent-pending Flat Field technology that allows a minimum number of speakers to provide consistent sound levels across the listening area.

10 INPUT SELECTION AUDIO LEVEL ADJUST CONFIG AUX AUDIO INPUT MIC SENSITIVITY PVS 305SA POLEVAULT SWITCHER CLIP CLIP NORMAL NORMAL SIGNAL SIGNAL VOICELIFT PAGING SENSOR PWR OFF/MUTE/CHG ON CHARGE PWR OFF/MUTE/CHG ON CHARGE VoiceLift Microphone Systems Complete VoiceLift Systems VLS VoiceLift Systems are standalone voice amplification systems for any classroom. The VLS 000 and VLS 2000 include all of the components necessary for a complete VoiceLift sound field system, including microphone, receiver, amplifier, speakers, and cables. The PVS 305SA switcher/ amplifier works in conjunction with the VLR 02 receiver and FF 20 speakers to evenly distribute the teacher s voice throughout the classroom. Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww XxYy Zz VLP 02 Pendant Microphone VLR 02 Receiver FF 20 Plenum Flat Field Speaker PVS 305SA Amplifier VLC 02 Desktop Charging Station with VLP 02 Pendant Microphone FF 20 Plenum Flat Field Speaker Upgrade to integrated PoleVault Audio, Video, and Control for the Classroom: VLS VoiceLift systems provide a seamless upgrade path to a full PoleVault integrated audio, video and control system in the classroom. At the heart of the system is the PVS 305SA amplifier that includes video switching capabilities. Simply add PoleVault A/V input wallplates, a MediaLink controller, projector and sources to create a complete, easy-to-use classroom A/V system. VLS 000 Single Pendant complete VoiceLift System Quantity Model Description VLP 02 VoiceLift Pendant Microphone VLR 02 VoiceLift Receiver VL PS50 Standard Wall Charger PVS 305SA PoleVault Switcher/Amplifier 2 FF 20 Full-range Flat Field speakers Cabling All cables needed to connect the system are included VLS 2000 Dual Pendant complete VoiceLift System with Charging Station Quantity Model Description 2 VLP 02 VoiceLift Pendant Microphone VLR 02 VoiceLift Receiver VLC 02 VoiceLift Desktop Charging Station PVS 305SA PoleVault Switcher/Amplifier 2 FF 20 Full-range Flat Field speakers Cabling All cables needed to connect the system are included

11 VoiceLift Microphone for PoleVault Systems VoiceLift Microphones for PoleVault Systems VLM VoiceLift Microphone packages are specifically designed for integration in existing or new PoleVault Systems. PoleVault Systems are allinclusive complete A/V systems that are easy to install, use, and support, making them ideal for single-projector classrooms. VLM Microphone Systems include the VoiceLift microphone, receiver, charger, as well as all cables necessary for connecting to a PoleVault System. The output of the VoiceLift Receiver connects to the PVS 305SA PoleVault Switcher to evenly distribute the teacher s voice throughout the room. CAT 5 Cables from Wallplates to Switcher VLR 02 CHARGE PWR Receiver OFF/MUTE/CHG ON VLP 02 Pendent Microphone RS-232 to Switcher PVT CV D RS-232 to Projector 305SA PVSSWITCHER POLEVAULT ADJUST LEVEL AUDIO MIC 3 AUX NORMAL NORMAL SENSITIVITY SIGNAL VOICELIFT SIGNAL AUDIO Composite Video & Audio Input Wallplate PVT RGB D MLC 04 IP Plus VGA & Audio Input Wallplate IN IN IN AUDIO L R Plenum Flat Field Speaker Plenum Flat Field Speaker AUDIO TER FF 20 FF 20 COMPU MediaLink Controller IN VIDEO VIDEO 2 AUX VIDEO OFF 3 ON PC E 4 CONFIG IMAGE MUTE 04 IP Plus MLC Graphical User Interface for A/V Control PWR VCR/DVD Combo OFF/MUTE/CHG ON CHARGE Y DISPLA VOLUM TCP/IP Network PAGING SENSOR CLIP CLIP INPUT 5 SELECTION 4 INPUT 2 CONFIG Extro n PC VLC 02 Desktop Charging Station with VLP 02 Pendant Microphone PCM 340 Projector Drop Ceiling Mount with Adjustable Pole PMK 550 Easy Installation Pole Mount Kit A 305S HER PVSSWITC AULT POLEV T ADJUS LEVEL NORMAL PAGING SENSOR CLIP NORMAL AUDIO MIC IVITY SENSIT SIGNAL CLIP INPUT 5 T VOICELIF SIGNAL TION SELEC 4 INPUT 3 AUX AUDIO 2 G CONFI UPB 25 Universal Projector Mounting Bracket VLM 000 Single Pendant VoiceLift Microphone System for PoleVault PVS 305SA PoleVault Switcher VLM 2000 Dual Pendant VoiceLift Microphone System with Charging Station for PoleVault Quantity Model Description Quantity Model Description VLP 02 VoiceLift Pendant Microphone 2 VLP 02 VoiceLift Pendant Microphone VLR 02 VoiceLift Receiver VLR 02 VoiceLift Receiver VL PS50 Standard Wall Charger VLC 02 VoiceLift Desktop Charging Station Cabling All cables needed to interface with the PoleVault System are included Cabling All cables needed to interface with the PoleVault System are included

12 is Committed to Education Since 983, Electronics has been pioneering high resolution computer video interfaces as well as setting standards for video bandwidth performance in matrix switchers and simplifying the control, installation, and set-up of A/V systems. A/V equipment price drops, along with improved performance, have generated higher levels of implementation among K-2 public schools, community colleges, and universities. These sectors are responding to this trend with an increased demand for low-cost, VoiceLift Components. To address these demands, has committed itself to education related products such as VoiceLift, PoleVault, and GlobalViewer. PoleVault Easy-to-use Classroom A/V System - Centralized A/V switching and audio amplification - Includes all necessary switching and mounting equipment just add the projector, sources and screen - Tamper-resistant, theft-deterrent design - Network connectivity for Web-based monitoring and rapid problem resolution VoiceLift - Classroom Sound Field Microphone - Evenly distributes the teacher s voice throughout the room - Infrared wireless transmission for easy installation and reduced interference - Supports two microphones for team teaching or student participation - Lightweight pendant microphone offers volume control and power switch for easy operation Free GlobalViewer A/V Resource Management and Remote Control Software - Administer IP-enabled MediaLink, IP Link, and PoleVault systems from a browser - Schedule devices to turn on or off at preset days and times - Notifications provide information for periodic maintenance, including projector lamp and filter replacement - Remotely monitor and control A/V devices Worldwide Offices USA West Headquarters 230 South Lewis Street Anaheim, California USA Sales: Fax: USA East 2205 Westinghouse Blvd. Suite 02 Raleigh, North Carolina USA Sales: Fax: Europe Hanzenboulevard PH Amersfoort The Netherlands Sales: +800.EXTRON.S Fax: Middle East United Arab Emirates, Dubai Dubai Airport Free Zone F2, PO Box Sales: Fax: Asia 35 Joo Seng Road #04-0 PM Industrial Building Singapore Sales: +800.S3.EXTRON Fax: Japan Kyodo Building, 6 Ichibancho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Japan Sales: Fax: China 686 Ronghua Road, Songjiang District Shanghai 206 China Sales: Fax: Electronics. All rights reserved. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Prices and specifications subject to change without notice , Rev. F