Q:
Why Acoustiguide?
A: With more than 40 years of experience in the field and
in the studio, no one has produced more audio tours or satisfied more visitors than Acoustiguide. We uphold the highest standards in creativity, technology and client services. When you choose Acoustiguide, you join a family with worldwide name recognition that's identified with quality programming.
Q:
Who are your clients?
A: We’ve produced audio programs for clients in 22 countries from battle fields to botanical gardens, aquariums to art galleries. They can be found on our Client List.
Q: Does Acoustiguide produce programming for corporate applications or trade shows?
A:
Yes, call us to discuss any project that involves an audio tour program.
Q:
How do I contact Acoustiguide?
A: We have offices around the world, our phone and fax numbers and e-mail addresses can be found under Contact Us.
Creative
Q:
Does Acoustiguide write the audio script or does the client?
A:
Acoustiguide's creative team writes the majority of our clients’
scripts. Our writers are experienced in this medium, and our
creative team works closely with the client’s staff from
concept through final editing. In some instances, the client
provides a script and relies on us for editing, production
and transfer to digital audio format.
Q:
How do we choose a narrator?
A: Acoustiguide works with hundreds of professional voice
talents. We always provide several audio samples of voices
for you to choose from.
Q:
Can we have a celebrity narrator?
A:
Acoustiguide has extensive experience matching celebrity
voices to audio programs. Often, a celebrity has a special
connection to an institution or exhibition subject, allowing
for a modest honorarium. For commercial projects, there is
a more substantial licensing fee for celebrity narration.
We work with the celebrity to arrange recording times and
locations. Recently, we have recorded audio tours with Jeremy
Irons, Walter Cronkite and Tom Brokaw.
Q:
Can we include our own experts and executives?
A:
Yes, we encourage your experts to use the audio program
to connect with visitors. Consider including your president,
director or curators as narrators.
Q:
What about music and sound effects?
A: We use sound thoughtfully to enhance the visitor’s
experience without diluting the educational message. Acoustiguide
maintains an extensive library of music and sound effects
available at nominal cost, and we can compose original music.
The use of well-known music requires a licensing fee.
Q:
Can we have foreign languages on the same program?
A:
Yes, many of our clients offer programming in various
languages. Acoustiguide provides complete translation services
and narration by native speakers. We have produced programming
in 20 languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Portuguese,
Japanese, Mandarin, Cantonese and Korean.
Technology
Q:
What is the most state-of-the-art digital audio tour equipment?
A:
The Acoustiguide 2000 Series. The equipment offers:
-
Two separate players
-
Enhanced MP3 sound
-
Greater capacity for program messages and playing time
-
Customized data collection that tells you how visitors
used the program, which messages were accessed and for how
long, among other options you can specify. Results are downloadable
into any Microsoft program.
-
Fully lit LCD screens that can display text, graphics
and logos
-
Program updates via the Internet
- Features for the disabled
Q:
How do we choose the best equipment for our site?
A:
We’ll help you select the appropriate technology
based on your needs. If you wish to provide a self-guided
or random-access program, you will need a digital platform
such as the Acoustiguide 2000 Series, Inform or Denon.
A: Headset players offer an immersing experience, and wands offer users more opportunities to interact with their surroundings. In general, men and younger visitors prefer headsets, and women prefer wands. Acoustiguide is the only audio tour company that offers both types of equipment that can be used alone or in combination.
Q:
Can Acoustiguide equipment be used outdoors?
A:
Yes, all systems are appropriate for outdoor use. In fact,
Inform is the most widely used random-access player at outdoor
sites all over the world.
Q:
How do we store the audio equipment?
A:
All Acoustiguide systems come in storage racks that also
program and recharge the players. The typical recharge rack
is about 21 inches (53.3 cm) high, 19 inches (48.3 cm) wide and
19 inches (48.3 cm) deep and charges 11 to 25 players, depending
on the equipment. The recharge racks use standard electrical
outlets.
Q:
How do we update the audio program?
A: Easily, the updating method depends on the equipment used.
Programming is done through a laptop computer for the Acoustiguide
2000 Series. The laptop downloads content from the Internet
or a CD and in turn loads the updated programs onto the players
in the recharge rack. For Inform and Denon, Acoustiguide provides a new programming card (about the size of a credit
card) as new material is written, recorded and digitized.
The program card updates the players when they are placed
in the storage rack for recharging. For daily updates or announcements, on Inform, we offer compact recording devices that will also
update the players on-site.
Q:
What are the special features for those with sight, hearing
and mobility impairments?
A: All of our digital equipment features:
-
Raised dots that indicate the number five on the keypad
-
Color-coded and shaped control buttons
-
Compatibility with hearing aid T-switch
-
Lightweight design with comfortable carrying strap
-
Telephone-style keypads with backlit buttons
Q:
Can I silk-screen my own logo or a corporate logo on the equipment?
A:
Yes, there are designated areas for logos, and logos may also be displayed on the LCD screens of the Acoustiguide 2000 Series.
Financial
Q:
Why is it increasingly popular to include the audio guide
in the price of admission?
A:
Under this arrangement, all visitors are offered an audio
program with a highly perceived value at a minimal cost to
the client. The institution may raise the admission price
marginally, and Acoustiguide is paid a per visitor fee.
Q:
If we choose to sell our audio tour, how much should we charge?
A: The average price for digital audio programs around the
world is $5.
Operations
Q: Who distributes the audio program?
A:
Acoustiguide offers a range of staffing solutions. We
can staff your site with our employees. We can also provide
training and management for your own staff.
Q:
How does Acoustiguide help us during the set-up phase?
A:
Our staff can handle shipping and unpacking of the equipment.
We can also provide signage to help visitors get the most
out of the audio program. We test the system and lead
walkthroughs
for your employees. We also train your staff in basic maintenance.
Q:
What are the electrical needs of the Acoustiguide audio equipment?
A:
The storage and recharging racks can be plugged into standard
electrical outlets. In many cases, one standard, 20-amp breaker
is sufficient for 100 units.
Q:
How much space do we need to store the equipment?
A:
Surprisingly little. For example, 100 Inform units can
be stored and recharged in a space three feet (94 cm) long,
three feet (94 cm) high and 18 inches (46 cm) deep. Our racks
are stackable and hold 11 to 25 units each, depending on the
equipment used.
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