AV-Sync: Room Audio
Play audio on speakers while maintaining perfect synchronization with the Podcatcher Pro.
Quick Reference
Room Audio Setup:
- Open AV-Sync Tool and select your video file
- Check the "Advanced" checkbox to reveal additional settings
- Select the "Room Audio" option
- Process your video as normal
- Connect the white RCA connector to your room speakers
What is Room Audio?
Room Audio allows you to play sound through speakers in your exhibition space while simultaneously delivering synchronized audio to visitors' Podcatcher Pro devices. This creates a more immersive experience for all visitors while maintaining the flexibility of multilingual options.
Prerequisites
Before setting up Room Audio, ensure you have:
- Guide-ID AV-Sync Tool (latest version)
- Media player with stereo RCA audio outputs
- Room speakers or audio system
- Y-adapter cable (if needed for speaker connection)
- Standard AV-Sync setup components (Brainbox, Podcatcher Pro's)
Step-by-Step Configuration
-
Prepare Your AV-Sync Tool:
- Launch the Guide-ID AV-Sync Tool
- Load your original video file
- Check the "Advanced" checkbox in the interface, top left
-
Configure Audio Settings:
- Select the "Room Audio" option in the advanced settings
- Choose your desired Video Code (starting with "A1")
- Process your video as normal
3. Connect Your Hardware:Note: The tool will create a special stereo version of your output video file with:
- AV-Sync timecode on the right channel (red RCA)
- Room audio on the left channel (white RCA)
-
- Connect the red RCA output to the Brainbox (as normal)
- Connect the white RCA output to your room speakers
- Ensure volume levels are appropriate for both outputs
Testing Your Setup
- Play the processed video on your media player
- Verify audio is coming through room speakers
- Test synchronization with Podcatcher Pro devices
- Adjust volume levels for optimal visitor experience
Tip for Museums: Position room speakers strategically to create audio zones that complement your visual displays without overwhelming neighboring exhibits.
When to Use Room Audio
Room Audio is particularly valuable for:
- Multilingual Exhibitions: Play default language through speakers while offering additional languages on Podcatcher Pro devices
- Enhanced Atmosphere: Deliver ambient sound or music through speakers while narrative content plays on Podcatcher Pro devices
- Accessibility Options: Provide general audio for casual visitors while offering detailed descriptions for those who want deeper engagement
Tip from Experienced Museums: History museums find that playing atmospheric sounds (period music, ambient noise) through room speakers while delivering detailed narration via Podcatcher Pro creates a more immersive experience.
Technical Details
The Room Audio feature works by:
- Utilizing the stereo audio channels of your media output
- Placing the AV-Sync timecode on the right channel (connected to Brainbox)
- Placing the room audio on the left channel (connected to speakers)
- Maintaining perfect synchronization between both outputs
Success Indicators
Your Room Audio setup is working correctly when:
- Room speakers play the desired audio content
- Podcatcher Pro devices play synchronized content when triggered
- AV-Sync LED on Brainbox blinks green during playback
- Visitors can seamlessly experience both audio streams
Troubleshooting
Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
No sound from speakers | Incorrect connection | Verify white RCA connection to speakers |
Audio playing from wrong output | Reversed connections | Swap RCA connections |
Room audio too loud/quiet | Imbalanced volume | Adjust media player output levels |