On board the AIDA-fleet’s newest flagship, AIDAprima, sound solutions from Sennheiser prove their capabilities every single day: The audio specialist’s premium products help deliver high level entertainment on one of the world’s most modern cruise ships. Alongside Sennheiser’s reliable wireless technology, AIDAprima uses the innovative MobileConnect streaming solution, which has been recently updated to allow for seamless integration into existing networks. AIDAprima opens a new chapter for cruise history and Sennheiser’s vision to “Shape the Future of Audio” is a perfect match.
One of the most technologically advanced ships on the planet, AIDAprima has its own excellently equipped TV-production environment, the Broadcast Centre, which channels all picture signals and distributes them to the numerous clients on board. To monitor sound, this facility uses four Neumann KH 120 A active speakers. The newest addition to the Broadcast Centre is a Sennheiser ConnectStation CS1-M, which lies at the heart of the MobileConnect solution and which Martin Zniva, Entertainment Technical Manager on board AIDAprima describes as providing “a great benefit for people with hearing impediments.”
Inclusion On Board with Sennheiser MobileConnect
In the past, entertainment areas on cruise ships had been equipped with special seating areas for guests with hearing impediments; audio signals were transmitted via induction loops installed underneath the floor. On modern cruise ships such as AIDAprima, guests can ask for a pocket receiver which picks up the signals and enables the guest to choose their own seating space.
With the innovative Sennheiser MobileConnect system, inclusion on board is set to go full speed ahead: After the test stage, passengers will be able to pick up the sounds of four different areas with their own smartphones by using the free Sennheiser MobileConnect app (Android and iOS). The signal is broadcast via the ships own WiFi. Following the completion of an ongoing testing phase on AIDAprima, the new service will help to make the prospect of a voyage on board the newest ship of the AIDA fleet even more universally appealing by also fully including those customers with individual hearing needs.
A number of German theatres are already participating in the offer to test Sennheiser MobileConnect for their guests with hearing impediments. The common feedback from these testing environments is praise for the ease of use of the solution: the user interface can be controlled with just a few touches to achieve the desired hearing result. Guests also liked the fact that they can use their own smartphones and don’t need to borrow any additional devices.
High Bandwidth Choice: Secure Across Europe
AIDAprima is solely equipped with wireless technology from Sennheiser, from the wireless microphone technology to wireless monitoring and in-ear systems. For shows with a high production value, Sennheiser components such from the 3000- and 5000-Series as well as Sennheiser IEM-solutions are being used, guaranteeing perfect sound with the highest audio quality. One advantage of these professional Sennheiser solutions is their wide bandwidth up to 184 MHz, which is important for their use in international waters and harbors in a number of different countries. A suitable intermodulation free frequency can be found and set easily with the Sennheiser WSM-software.
The media technology used on AIDAprima was installed on her wharf in Nagasaki, Japan, before the ship was transferred to Europe. The general contractor for the extensive light- and sound technology was ASC Amptoun System Company GmbH. The broadcast-, video- and LED-technology was provided by Wärtsilä FUNA International GmbH. The stage was designed by Waagner-Biro AG.
With Sennheiser On the Course to Success
“We have been working with Sennheiser for many years, and the high quality of Sennheiser’s products has consistently proven to be highly reliable in the field,” says Martin Zniva. “In light of this great past experience, there really wasn’t any question for us when we were looking for wireless systems for AIDAprima – we are incredibly happy to have Sennheiser!”
