Aurora Multimedia's new BT-AC1 USB Dongle is an accessory for the VPX AV over IP Series. It adds Bluetooth® 5.3 Auracast™ capabilities to the VPX units and broadcasts the signal up to 100 meters.
Before we discuss the new product features, we’ll outline Auracast™ and its benefits and explain why you should pay attention to Aurora Multimedia’s head start in transmission.
What is Auracast™?
Auracast™ broadcast audio is a new feature within Bluetooth® LE.
Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) features include 10x the range of Bluetooth and unlimited simultaneous multi-device connection. It’s the unlimited device connection that unlocks the amazing potential of Auracast.
- Hear better: Auracast™ is expected to become the next-generation assistive listening technology, improving audio accessibility and promoting better living through better hearing.
- Share your audio: Auracast™ broadcast audio will let you invite others to share in your audio experience, bringing us closer together.
- Unmute your world: with Auracast™ broadcast audio, you will be able to fully enjoy televisions in public spaces, unmuting what was once silent and creating a more complete watching experience. Unmute TVs in places like Pubs, Gyms, Airports, shopping centres, educational facilities, & hospitals.
- Tune into only the content that’s relevant to you. For example, imagine being at an airport and only hearing the calls for your gate.
How does it work?
- Connect the Aurora BT-AC1 USB dongle to a VPX 1G AV over IP set as a decoder. The HDMI audio content sent to that decoder will now be able to transmit wirelessly using the Auracast™ standard.
- The audio will now broadcast up to 100m to any receivers with Auracast™ ability.
- The number of receivers is unlimited. Think of it like a radio station. We broadcast the signal and then pick it up on a Bluetooth Auracast™ capable device within range. You tune in to the “station” with your phone and select the audio stream you want to hear.
Who manufactures receivers?
Though this is a relatively new technology, hundreds of companies already have products on the market that incorporate Auracast™ for use with phones, headsets, and hearing aids.
Some great phone examples are the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S24 series, the Z Fold5, Z Flip 5, and the Tab S9 series.
For headsets, Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, JBL Xtreme 4, JBL Clip 5, JBL Go 4, JBL Partybox, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Earbuds, Philips Fidelio L4, Earfun Air Pro 3, and the Sony 1000XM5 are just a few to mention.
Hearing Aid Manufacturers like ReSound, Jabra, Beltone, Signia and Cochlear have added a variety of models to their offerings.
Android devices from version 13 can support Auracast™, but they are much better supported in Android 15. For Apple, it is very much the same, apparently. Apple Devices, including iPhone 14, the latest watch models, and AirPods Pro 2, are listed on the internet as supporting Bluetooth LE.
The list goes on and will become much bigger over the coming years.
BT-AC1 USB Dongle by Aurora Multimedia
The BT-AC1 USB Dongle is designed to work with Bluetooth 5.2 and higher devices like cell phones, earbuds, and hearing aids. Auracast can broadcast to thousands of devices, making it perfect for restaurants, bars, airports, conference rooms, and more.
Picture sitting in a restaurant with many displays and being able to listen to the display of your choice with your own peripheral. Perfect for listening privacy, hearing assistance, language translations, and more.
Aurora is leading the way in industry firsts and further expanding the capabilities of AV over IP.
Product features:
- Bluetooth LE 5.3
- 100m (330ft Range)
- Auracast
- USB 2.0 Dongle
- Works with VPX 1G AV over IP Series
Can an existing VPX installation be upgraded?
Yes. However, the existing VPX product will need to be upgraded to the latest firmware and the BT-AC1 USB dongle installed into the VPX product's Type A USB port. Then you will need to set up the name of the broadcast for the audio in the built-in web pages or our free management software.
Get ready for Auracast
It seems certain that Auracast will transform assisted listening and create thousands of new solutions for user-selected audio content over the coming years. This presents a great opportunity for Integrators to educate, promote, and devise solutions.
Aurora Multimedia is again on the front end of adoption of this exciting new technology. They’re making it easy and practical for integrators and your clients to get on board.
Stay tuned for details on when the BT-AC1 USB Dongle is available to order.
*Please note that portions of the content in this document have been sourced from www.bluetooth.com/auracast. All rights and credit for these sections belong to their respective owners. This document incorporates these excerpts to provide comprehensive and accurate information. We do not claim ownership of the material taken from www.bluetooth.com/auracast and have included it for informational purposes only.
About Aurora Multimedia
Aurora Multimedia is defined by its relentless pursuit of genuine AV innovation, providing the most advanced end-to-end audio-visual experiences. The hallmarks of Aurora products and solutions are smarter, easier and more user-centric ways of enabling and using AV technology, measurably better quality and performance and leading value for money.
AP Tech is the authorised Australian distributor of Aurora Multimedia. Every Aurora solution from AP Tech is backed by local warranty and support.
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