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Tuesday, March 11, 2014

AmpliVox Partners with the NAIA National Track Meets


The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) just hosted their Indoor Track & Field National Championships last week in Geneva, Ohio and AmpliVox was there in support by sponsoring the event.

The NAIA is a governing body of small athletics programs that are dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. Each year more than 60,000 student-athletes have the opportunity to play college sports at NAIA member institutions.

Through their "Champions of Character" program, the NAIA seeks to create an environment in which every student-athlete, coach, official and spectator is committed to the true spirit of competition. Champions of Character provides training for student-athletes and professional development for coaches and staff instilling values of integrity, respect, responsibility, and sportsmanship.




The competitive edge one receives from being an athlete is an experience that can’t be taught in a classroom. Competition teaches students about discipline and how far they can push themselves to achieve a goal on the field and off the course in real life situations.

Building character as a team helps overcome challenges that arise throughout the game and teaches students to work hard together, hold each other accountable, be honest with each other and trust one another as they pursue the same goal. The physical and mental lessons learned in competition develops a better player and pushes each student to reach their overall potential.


AmpliVox supports the NAIA as they pursue the development of character-driven athletics, giving students the chance to share their interests and talents in an atmosphere that builds on those values.

There is no greater opportunity for a student to develop personal integrity and accountability than playing athletics, and the ability to grow as a person by the way one reacts to a situation in an athletic venue may be the best environment to obtain those skills.

To ensure that all members on the field and in the crowd can clearly hear the officiating announcements, AmpliVox provided the SW662 Deluxe Wireless Quad Horn Half-Mile Hailer Kit to assist the NAIA's public address needs.


Larry Able, Master Level Starter for the NAIA had this to say about the SW662 Half-Mile Hailer Kit:

"I have been using AmpliVox portable PA systems for almost 15 years and wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the quality of your company’s products. As a master level starter for the NCAA, NAIA, and USATF, I use my Deluxe Half Mile Hailer Quad Horn kit to project my starting commands so each of the runners will be able to hear them. It also makes it much easier on my voice after a long day at a track meet.

We recently completed the NAIA Indoor National Track and Field Championships at SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio. The championship had approximately 1,000 athletes representing over 100 colleges and universities for the title of “national champion”. For the meet, we used the Deluxe Half Mile Hailer Quad Horn kit. For indoor track, SPIRE is a very large, open area with lots of ambient noise. Also, it is a 300 meter track, so it is more spread out than the traditional 200 meter track. In spite of this, the AmpliVox system carried our voices at a loud, crystal clear level, so that every runner, in both sprints and staggered starts, heard the commands and reacted to them immediately. No races had false starts or were called up because of issues with athletes not hearing us. Another point is that the wireless microphone worked flawlessly. We have had other systems that react negatively to the different types of wireless equipment around a track, like computer timing, but not the AmpliVox.


In closing, let me say that the starters I know, who live and work out of Kansas, all use one of the Half Mile Hailer type kits. The system is reliable and it does the job we need it to do. Thanks to you and AmpliVox for making such a quality product."

Best regards,
Larry Able
Master Level Starter
USA Track and Field (Nebraska Association)


SW662 - Deluxe Wireless Quad Horn Half-Mile Hailer Kit
Easily be heard over a half mile away with the Half Mile Hailer loudspeaker pa system. Your audience can hear loud and clear over noisy crowds and large open spaces while you direct the action.

Its simple straightforward controls and lightweight design make it the most practical and portable indoor or outdoor speaker sound system.


The SW662 Half-Mile Hailer Kit includes:


SW805A 50-watt Amplifier on Compact Tripod
Two S1264 Horn Speakers with Top Tripod Mount
Two S1265 Add-on Horn Speakers for the S1264

S1601 Wireless Lapel Mic and Headset Mic

Three S1080
Heavy-Duty Tripods

S1960 Universal
Carrying Case

S1920 Tripod & Mic Stand Traveling Bag
  • Includes SW610A, 3 extra horn speakers with 40 ft. cables (total 4 speakers), 3 tripods, rugged nylon carrying case with wheels and retractable luggage handle
  • 16 Channel UHF wireless receiver from 584MHz - 608MHz
  • Weatherproof reverberant horn speaker carries sound across several youth sports athletic fields
  • 50 watt multimedia stereo amplifier with built in wireless receiver
  • Wireless lapel mic and headset mic with body pack transmitter
  • Emergency Siren Button
  • Dual Wireless Capability: 2 presenters can be wireless with optional 2nd wireless mic kit
  • Power up to 200 hours with 10 D-cell alkaline batteries
For more information on the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the SW662 Deluxe Wireless Quad Horn Half-Mile Hailer Kit please visit: http://www.ampli.com/portable-pa-system/Half-Mile-Hailer-Kits.aspx

Tuesday, March 04, 2014

Classroom Layouts: Seating Arrangements for Effective Learning


In today’s demanding classroom environments, educators need to be able to have the best seating arrangements for different size classrooms and learning environments.

Moreover, it’s been demonstrated that amplified sound – provided either via ceiling speakers or multimedia podiums – can also contribute to more effective learning.





Boost Effective Learning with Best Classroom Seating Arrangements, Amplified Sound & Multimedia Podium Options:


Seating Arrangements
Every teacher likes to arrange his or her classroom layout for the largest student benefit. Students need to focus and see what is going on in the classroom at any given time. Their seating arrangement can help or hinder a students learning. Although no perfect arrangement exists for all situations, a classroom layout may need to change based on what a student needs are and how the class material is being presented.

It is important for an instructor to establish a classroom structure from the very first session and adapt accordingly to facilitate lectures, promote discussions, encourage group activities, or solve any behavioral problems. Keeping a classroom motivated and in order is more than trying different teaching styles and methods. By simply rearranging how the desks in the room are setup, you can not only get better control of your class but create an open and friendly classroom environment.

There are generally three overall classroom desk arrangement layouts with slight variations to each to accommodate different size rooms, number of students in the class and also assist in the classes function:
  • Traditional Classroom (Large or Small)
  • U-Shaped Layout
  • Circle or Half Circle Arrangements


Each layout has a different purpose and may require an adjustment to teaching method and classroom control. It will be up to the instructor to decide which layout works best for them and their students.


Traditional Classroom
In a traditional class all the desks are facing the chalkboard and teachers desk. This classroom layout is very effective if your lesson often uses projectors, slides and a chalkboard. The layout is suitable for teacher centered classes such as lectures, it encourages focus on the educator and content and is easy to implement with large classes.

The problem with this layout is that the teacher is very far away from students sitting in the back rows. Students sitting in the last rows are more likely to be distracted, lose focus and converse with others. Students can easily become disengaged during the lesson. This layout is not useful for classes designed for conversation and interaction and not easy for the instructor to observe students in the mid and back rows.


Large Classroom
Advantages: Rows of tables with chairs face the front of a room and each person has a space for writing or using a computer. This set-up lends itself to Q&A session with the facilitator rather than interactive discussion between participants.

Disadvantages: Hard for instructor to move into the audience, separating him/her from the students. Student participation seems to drop off towards the back of the room unless sound reinforcement is used.

Action Zone: At the front of the room. Students are focused on the instructor.

Group Involvement: Medium. Allows one way interaction back and forth between instructor and audience or between the trainer and an individual in the group.

Seating: Similar to a school arrangement with participants seated behind a row of desks or tables.

Tables: Arranged in rows, either butted together side by side or standing alone.



The AmpliVox Multimedia Smart Podium is a great presentation center for large classrooms.

It has a roomy work space, plus storage for technology
and learning materials, with locking protection.

Built-in amplified sound options provide excellent sound coverage in rooms up to 20,000 square feet, with wired
or wireless mic options.



Small Classroom
Advantages: Every participant has a good view of the front of the room. This allows the instructor a great deal of control over the students. Provides surface for note taking or reference materials.

Disadvantages: Hard for instructor to move into the audience, separating him/her from the students. Student participation seems to drop off towards the back of the room unless sound reinforcement is used.

Variations of Small Classroom



Perpendicular: Tables are arranged in long rows perpendicular to the trainer’s table. The edge of the first table should be 6 feet away from the trainer’s table and a large corridor should be left in the middle to allow for group participation.

Having the desks split into two groups facing each other is a very effective arrangement for class discussions and debates. The teacher can also walk in between the two groups allowing to see every student and include them in conversations.
Computer Based Training: The classroom set up is commonly used for computers. This can create problems with wires due to the tables being separated.

Ideally, power should be supplied near every table. Wire management is a necessity with this set up to safely conceal wires around the work areas.

The AmpliVox Multimedia Computer Lectern is a great presentation center for small classrooms.

It has a small footprint, yet provides a lot of storage with locking protection, plus a drop-leaf shelf for projector or other multimedia equipment.

Built-in amplified sound options provide excellent sound coverage in small rooms or large, with wired or wireless mic options.




U-Shaped Layout
For smaller classes that want more interaction between the student and educator, a U-Shaped layout is a better option. A U-Shaped desk arrangement encourages discussion and makes it easy for the teacher to observe students and provide one on one help.

Classroom size and number of students can make it difficult to use, for you may not be able to fit a U-Shape pattern in a small room with a large number of students. The layout spreads children out considerably so that it can be hard to address them all and makes group work harder because the desks can’t easily be moved around.

Advantages: Easy to see and hear everyone in the group. Front of room commands the group’s attention. Unity is created by ganging all the tables together. Openness gives trainees a sense of freedom and encourages participation. Best set up to view audio visual presentations. Works well with role-playing and other physical activities.

Disadvantages: Requires more space than any other configuration. Due to space and learning requirements, the maximum amount of participants should not exceed 24.

Action Zone: Center and at the open end of the “U”.

Group Involvement: High. Creates a sense of equality within the group.

Tables: Rectangular tables set in a “U’ configuration. Pie shapes are commonly used at the corners to complete the shape and eliminate the hard edges. Trainer’s table is at the opening of the “U”.

Accommodates AV: Yes. This configuration is one of the best for visual displays and multimedia presentations. Equipment set at open end of “U”.



Variations of U-Shaped



Double “U”: Allows trainer to seat more people than single “U’ set up. Limits discussions between the group. Best used when the outside group is observing the discussions or activities of the inside group.
“U” Computer Training: Allows wires to run under the tables easily. This set up also allows the instructor to monitor student's work easily while speaking to the class.



The AmpliVox 2.4 GHz Universal Wireless Microphone is an excellent amplified speaking option for U-Shaped seating configurations, as it gives the presenter or presenters the freedom to roam around the room and fully engage with the audience as well as the presentation materials.

Its receiver plugs easily into any amplifier, and it can be used as either a headset or handheld mic.



Circle or Half Circle Arrangements
Desks or chairs arranged in a circle or half circle promote community and encourage all students to participate. Everyone sits in the front row. It also allows the instructor to see everyone from an equal distance and communicate easier with students.

Advantages: Involves everyone in the group. There is no table in the middle, therefore people are unobstructed and can speak directly to each other. Creates equality among the group, with no designated “leader” position.

Disadvantages: Some people feel uncomfortable or exposed in this type of arrangement. Can only handle small groups of people. Not conducive to visual aids or AV presentations.

Action Zone: Center of the circle.

Group Involvement: High. Aims to involve all participants in group interaction.

Seating: Chairs arranged in complete circle.

Tables: None in this configuration.

Maximum # of people: No more than 20 participants.

Accommodates AV: No. Not conducive for AV presentations, used primarily for group discussions. Cannot place a visual aid in an area that can be viewed by everyone.


Variations with Circle of Chairs



Circle and Table: Combines informal, open characteristics of a circle, yet gives trainees a table for books and note taking. The table may also remove the sense of vulnerability.
Broken Circle: Possesses all of the advantages of the circle but allows visual aids to be used effectively. Also identifies a leader position to pressure involvement of participants if needed.

The AmpliVox SW925 Digital Audio Travel Partner Plus is a great way to ensure presentation clarity to any gathering of people indoors or out, from a modest group up to a crowd of 7,500.

It includes not only wireless microphone convenience, but also a media player allowing you to play music from a thumb drive or SD card.

Or, stream audio wirelessly from your smartphone or other Bluetooth enabled device.



Designing a seating arrangement is an essential part of any teachers toolkit and managing behavior is necessary for effective learning to take place. A classrooms arrangement finally comes down to what will the student learn, how will the student learn it and that should then guide in the organization of the room.



Easy-to-Install Amplified Sound
In addition to using lecterns with sound capability, you can add amplified sound to small or medium sound classrooms with the AmpliVox Classroom Audio System with Wireless Microphone.

This complete, easy-to-install sound system consists of three elements that combine to produce crisp, powerful sound:

1. 4-speaker, 2’ x 2’ ceiling-tile-style speaker that provides 360-degree sound dispersion. It’s easily installed in most standard classroom acoustic ceilings.

2. 7-channel mixer-amplifier that includes an MP3 Player with USB and SD card inputs and Bluetooth connectivity, plus an AM/FM radio for featured programming and emergency broadcasts. There’s an IR remote control.

3. 2.4 GHz universal digital wireless microphone with a receiver that simply plugs into the mixer-amplifier. The microphone can be used as either a headset, or handheld.


To install the system, simply insert the 4-speaker ceiling tile and run the wiring through the ceiling to the mixer-amplifier. Plug in the wireless receiver for the microphone, and you can stand up to 50 feet away from the mixer-amplifier.



Communication Tips for School Safety and Education Success
How do you put forth a clear voice and strong image when communicating in and around schools?

Watch this short video for six proven tips.


Monday, February 24, 2014

AmpliVox Releases New SW915 Product Video for Dealers


AmpliVox has released a new product video of the SW915 Digital Audio Travel Partner specifically for dealers to use and share on their website, social media and marketing materials.

SW915 Dealer Video - YouTube Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsAX4dGGTWI

The SW915 has been updated to now support BlueTooth® connectivity so you can easily pair the Digital Audio Travel Partner with your smartphone, laptop or tablet and play your music without any need for cables.

The 5 expansion slots of the SW915 allows to keep up with the advancement of new technologies and is capable of connecting up to four wireless microphones for multiple presenters or performers. Combining the latest in speaker and amplifier technology the Digital Audio Travel Partner provides the best sound and the greatest features at the lightest possible weight.

To Download SW915 Dealer Video:
If you would like to download the SW915 Dealer Video from YouTube you can follow the instructions below:
  1. Go to: http://keepvid.com/
  2. In the textbox, type in: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsAX4dGGTWI
  3. Click the "Download" button
  4. Note: if you are prompted to install Java, then download and install Java. Otherwise continue to step 5
  5. Click your format download link, recommend: » Download MP4 « - 1080p (Video Only) - 32.7 MB
  6. Save to local directory



The AmpliVox Digital Audio Travel Partner is a PA system you can take anywhere, indoors or out to reach up to 10,000 people with crystal clear voice or music. Its powerful 250 watt amp can project sound to rooms as large as 25,000 square feet yet it weighs only 35 lbs.

The unit has a full range of features:
  • 16 channel UHF wireless microphone receiver
  • BlueTooth® connectivity
  • Remote controlled media player
  • Stereo RCA input jacks
  • 3.5 mm stereo input jacks
  • Audio control buttons
  • XLR microphone line input jacks
  • ¼" line input and output jacks
With the embedded BlueTooth® connectivity, you can play music remotely from your iPod or iPad. The unit give you full control over audio, such as adding reverb echo or muting music when someone speaks.

You can even plug in a musical instrument or an audio mixer. Connect up to four wireless microphones for multiple presenters or performers. The unit runs on AC power or rechargeable batteries.

It adapts to future technologies with five expansion slots. Choose a bundle package for more power and versatility. The SW915 ships complete and ready to power up. Give yourself powerful portable PA versatility with the AmpliVox Digital Audio Travel Partner.

To learn more about SW915 Digital Audio Travel Partner, please visit:
http://www.ampli.com/portable-pa-system/915-Digital-Audio-Travel-Partner.aspx

Monday, February 10, 2014

Multimedia Presentation Furniture Integrates Technology in Style


AmpliVox Sound Systems is proud to unveil a new line of multimedia presentation furniture, designed to enhance any presentation through the integration of cutting-edge technology. These new multimedia options and accessories help presenters stay organized and keep all their technology devices at their fingertips.

The lecterns combine quality standard features with a broad range of available options for greater ability to customize to the presenter’s needs. The multimedia furniture line includes 11 different product styles, allowing for a perfect fit of technology application to presentation setting.


Most public speakers today rely heavily on evolving technology to help get their message across. Computers, tablets, smartphones, and document cameras are all used to relay graphic information, which then must be clearly projected for viewing by the audience. Sound systems also play a vital role in larger rooms, carrying the speaker’s voice to the far reaches of the audience.

AmpliVox’s new multimedia lecterns accommodate a multitude of devices with dedicated shelving, lockable storage, and integrated outlets to simplify connections.

All these forward-looking features are contained in streamlined, contemporary designs for a polished, professional appearance.


Our multimedia lecterns offer quality standard features and a broad range of options to customize to your needs: AmpliVox’s multimedia lecterns and work stations cover the gamut of presentation needs. The line includes workhorse options that emphasize utility and mobility for multiple devices, such as the Mobilite Lectern with its lockable front and easy-access rear cabinet to simplify connections, and the compact Multimedia Work Station with its drop-leaf shelves for projectors and other tools.

Unique innovations include the Visionary Lectern’s integrated front panel screen that displays graphics directly from the speaker’s laptop, the Intellect Podium’s retractable document camera drawer, and the Pinnacle Lectern’s weatherproof shell that takes presentation technology indoors or out.

For the most traditional settings, the Coventry and Ambassador Lecterns wrap versatile tech support features in elegant hardwood styles.

Other furniture pieces in the Multimedia Presentation line provide thoughtfully designed shelving and connection systems with clean, contemporary style in a variety of top quality finishes.

AmpliVox also offers a variety of functional and aesthetic options to completely customize its multimedia presentation furniture, including:

Work Surface Types:
  • Flat Top
  • Slant Top
  • Split Top
  • Wedge Top
  • ADA Wheelchair Surface
  • Curved Sides
  • Laminate

Monitor Mounts:
  • Secure Pop-up Mount
  • Open LCD
  • Touch Screen
  • Recessed Open
  • Recessed Plexiglass
  • Recessed Locking
  • Ergotron LCD

Sound Systems:
  • Wired
  • Wireless
  • Line Array Speakers
  • BlueTooth (internal and external)
  • Amplifiers

Connectivity:
  • Dataports
  • Surge Protectors
  • Cable Reservoirs


Shelves & Drawers:
  • Keyboard Shelves
  • Drop Fron
  • Pull Out
  • External & Internal
  • Camera Drawers
  • Extra Shelves
  • Accessory Drawers

Drop Leaf Shelves:
  • Adjustable Drop Leaf
  • Hidden Drop Leaf
  • Heavy Duty Drop Leaf


Access Panels:
  • Extron Cutouts
  • Rear Access Panels
  • Hidden Lock
  • Cable Door
  • Fixed Rack Rails

Clocks and Timers:
  • LED Timer
  • Clock Timer
  • Clip-on Clock Timer
  • Digital LED Clock


Lamps & Lights:
  • Clip-on Reading Lamps
  • Halogen Reading Lamps
  • Dual Gooseneck LED
  • Gig-Light
  • LED Lectern Lights

Security Options:
  • Security Cables
  • Locking Doors & Cabinets


Environmental Protection:
  • Protective Covers
  • Dust Covers
  • Cooling Fans

Custom Logo Program:
Reinforce your brand with a personalized lectern customized with your business logo.

“AmpliVox’s multimedia lecterns are keeping pace with all the new developments in presentation technology,” noted AmpliVox CEO Don Roth. “Our lecterns are first and foremost technology tools, as well as attractive furniture pieces. As a long-time leader in the presentation furniture industry, we’ve used our expertise to design products to adapt to changing needs while preserving the classic styling that fits any décor.”

To learn more about AmpliVox Multimedia Presentation Furniture, visit:
http://www.ampli.com/multimedia-podium/