A Bettear Auracast™ assistive listening system has been installed at The Sterling Kaiapoi, providing flexible, future-ready audio across communal spaces at this new retirement village.
At The Sterling, Kaiapoi, a subtle upgrade is making a noticeable difference to everyday life. Regardless of hearing ability residents can now enjoy clearer sound in shared spaces – whether watching a film, dining with friends or attending events – in a way that feels natural, personal and easy to use.
The new assistive listening system, installed by Vega Global NZ using Bettear’s Auracast™ solutions and supplied in New Zealand by JPRO, was designed with a simple goal in mind: make sound more accessible to hear for everyone, without adding complexity. The village needed a solution that would work reliably across multiple rooms, avoid frustrating dropouts and be intuitive for residents and staff alike.
What sets this system apart is how seamlessly it fits into daily life. Instead of relying on specialised equipment or complicated setup processes, audio is sent directly to devices many people already use. Residents can listen through compatible hearing aids, earbuds or smartphones, connecting to the broadcast in seconds. For those without personal devices, dedicated receivers are readily available, ensuring no one is left out.
Auracast™ brings a new approach to how people connect with sound using Bluetooth® Low Energy broadcast technology. Rather than pairing one device to another, Auracast™ allows audio to be shared with many listeners at once. Joining is as simple as selecting a channel, much like choosing a Wi-Fi network. The effect is often described as a “silent PA system” delivering clear, direct audio without adding to the noise of the room.
This approach not only improves the listening experience today but also prepares The Sterling, Kaiapoi for the future. As more hearing aids and consumer devices become Auracast™-compatible, residents will increasingly be able to connect using their own technology, without needing additional hardware.
“Compared to traditional hearing loop or RF systems, the process required less infrastructure and allowed for faster setup.”
Behind the scenes, the system is designed to be as efficient as it is effective.
Audio is distributed across the village’s cinema, lounge, restaurant and multi-purpose spaces using Bettear B-CASTER-S streamers, all connected via a streamlined network style setup.
From an installation perspective, the project proved refreshingly simple. “Compared to traditional hearing loop or RF systems, the process required less infrastructure and allowed for faster setup,” says Craig Orr from Vega. “There’s far less complexity. Audio feeds, power and control are all handled through a clean network-based approach, while system configuration is managed through an intuitive interface that makes fine-tuning quick and accessible.”
“What really stood out once it was up and running was how solid Bettear’s Auracast™ signal is. Coverage was easy to tailor to each area and there were no noticeable weak spots.”
“What really stood out once it was up and running was how solid Bettear’s Auracast™ signal is,” Craig continues. “Coverage was easy to tailor to each area and there were no noticeable weak spots. It just works consistently, which means people can move between spaces and still enjoy a clear listening experience without interruption.”
At The Sterling, Kaiapoi it all comes back to something simple: being able to hear clearly wherever you are. As Auracast™ continues to gain traction, installations like this offer a glimpse of what accessible audio can look like. There’s no extra effort, no complicated setup, just a system that fits quietly into everyday life and makes shared moments easier to enjoy.
