Mobile Stadium Captioning with the Durateq ATV
Attending a live sporting event can be a thrilling experience that has an atmosphere you can’t get watching on a TV. ADA laws and design guidelines have come a long way to make stadiums accessible for people with disabilities. Especially the 2010 update which gave more specifics to stadium design and accessibility. Though improvements can always be made and such is the case for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Announcements over the public address system can’t be heard, messages on stadium screens may be blocked, and referee calls aren’t fully communicated.
Recently there have been many lawsuits against stadiums for violating ADA requirements regarding accessible closed captioning. To remedy this problem, stadiums have begun implementing mobile stadium captioning devices such as the Durateq ATV by Softeq. This technology has been around for a few years now but is beginning to spread to more and more venues.
The Durateq ATV is a hand held captioning device with a large screen for easy reading. There are options such as font size editing and high contrast to make the text personalized and easy to read. Softeq works with the personnel of each stadium to customize the Durateq ATV to the unique requirements of each venue. Let’s take a look at some situations where the Durateq ATV can be used effectively.
PA Announcements and Emergencies
Throughout any sporting event, there are general announcements to the public such as promotions, reminders on stadium info and rules, and halftime shows. The Durateq ATV can show these messages and live speaking in real time. Users can stay informed and not have to worry about keeping an on eye on a stadium screen. In emergency situations such as inclement weather, updates and instructions are announced over the PA system. In cases like this, instant communication is important. Receiving a message on what’s going on and what to do at the same time as everyone else is important.
Relaying Action On the Field
Football games are a good example of how this technology can help with the live sports experience. Throughout a game, the referee speaks and explains penalties or gives the details on a play that’s being reviewed. Sure there are physical signals for penalties, but many times the referee gives further explanations and details. At times the names of the players can also be hard to see so you may not know who did what. The captioning can inform things such as who scored the touchdown or made a tackle.
There are also benefits for people that are blind or visually impaired with the use of a headset. This is done by the rebroadcast of radio play-by-play in an audio description format.
Softeq developed the Durateq ATV to be used not only in stadiums but also in places such as museums, amusement parks, and other tourist type places. They’re also working to develop technology that can bring the same features of the Durateq ATV onto smartphones. This technology is really only beginning to blossom. To learn more about the Durateq ATV and Softeq’s other devices view their website www.Softeq.com.
