Figaro's Wireless Captions at Morton College’s Jedlicka Performing Arts Center (JPAC)
May 14, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bryan Hollar
Figaro Systems, Inc.
+1-505-471-8364
+1-505-474-9441 Fax
www.figaro-systems.com
CICERO, IL
The Jedlicka Performing Arts Center
May 2008
Figaro's Wireless Captions at Morton College's Jedlicka Performing Arts Center (JPAC)
When Morton College wanted to insure that all audiences would enjoy the performances at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center they turned to Figaro Systems for help.
"JPAC wanted to offer a state of the art option to their deaf and hard of hearing patrons by introducing a text based system as opposed to the typical listening assistance devices. ADA compliance was important of course but as they have a large Spanish speaking population, many of them the parents of student actors, JPAC wanted the audience to fully enjoy the student performances. We happen to offer an elegant solution for both of these needs." said Bryan Hollar, Director of Systems Integration for Figaro Systems.
Movie theaters, museums, playhouses, schools, government meetings, sports arenas, places of worship, and entertainment venues will now be accessible to people who are either deaf or hard of hearing and also to non-English speaking patrons.
Figaro Systems Inc. has adapted its patented Simultext® technology to deliver real time captions to the Apple iPod touch that allows users to receive text translations and information instantaneously and in any written language. The content is provided by the client and easily managed with Figaro's award winning, performance tested software in-Ovation®.
"Wireless technology can provide real freedom," said Figaro's President/CEO Geoff Webb. "The iPod touch provided the perfect platform for our technology. It has the WiFi and computing power and the wide screen format allows for font sizes that are easily read. Plus it has a battery life of up to five hours so it will even stand up to a performance of Wagner."
Wireless technology eliminates the need to hard-wire every seat in a theater and installation becomes an "out-of-the-box" affair that can occur rapidly with minimal effort. Additional devices can be purchased as demand increases. A small investment in equipment would yield priceless goodwill.
"As we introduce new technologies, we revolutionize how people understand and enjoy not only opera but also other stage performances and presentations at live venues. Figaro is poised to make a major leap," he continued. "Live captions transmitted to an iPod is just the start; our clients can also provide program information, sponsorship messages and intermission features. This technology represents the kind of breakthrough that will bring exciting changes to an entire world of performances and audiences."
http://www.figaro-systems.com/product_wireless.php
If you happen to be in Cicero, IL you will find a state of the art theatre offering performing arts to a wider audience. http://www.jpactheatre.com/
For additional information please contact Bryan Hollar at bryan.hollar@figaro-systems.com
About Figaro Systems, Inc
Mission Statement: To enhance the excitement and enjoyment of live performance or presentations by removing barriers to accessibility with intelligent technology through an environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
Figaro has installed hardware and software at The Santa Fe Opera, Wien Staatsoper in Vienna, Teatro degli Arcimboldi in Milan, Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, the Royal Opera House in London, the Piermarini at La Scala in Milan, the Ellie Caulkins' Opera House in Denver; Colorado, Teatro Perez Galdós, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Additional installations of Figaro Systems' technology can be found in the following arts institutions:
American Museum of Natural History
Brooklyn Academy of Music
Colorado Ballet
Den Norske Opera
Des Moines Metro Opera
Florida Grand Opera
Lyric Opera of Kansas City
The Marion Oliver McCaw Hall
National Hispanic Cultural Center
Opera Colorado
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
Roy E. Disney Center For The Performing Arts
Seattle Opera
Sarasota Opera END
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