The Feilding Civic Centre in Manawatu, New Zealand recently upgraded its accessibility offering with the installation of a new Bettear Auracast™ broadcast audio system, completed as part of a broader sound-system refurbishment.

Operated by the Feilding Civic Centre, the multi-purpose venue hosts everything from theatre productions and community events to civic functions and sporting activities. When planning the audio upgrade, the project team also began exploring ways to improve assistive listening for patrons.

Integrator Mark Marsden from Fauldings Sound recognised the opportunity to evaluate technologies to deliver clearer, more accessible audio at the same time as upgrading the core sound infrastructure.

“The Civic Centre is a multi-function venue and so it made sense to look at accessibility alongside the wider sound upgrade,” he explains.

A traditional hearing loop system was initially considered, but the building’s structure presented significant challenges that made installation impractical. Instead, the team began investigating alternative assistive-listening technologies and soon focused on Auracast™, the emerging Bluetooth LE Audio standard designed to broadcast low-latency audio to multiple devices simultaneously.

Auracast™ enables users to receive audio directly on compatible hearing aids, earbuds or other hearables, offering a more flexible listening experience than legacy RF or infrared systems.

The installation was carried out by Kinetic Electrical with system design and product support from JPRO. After evaluating options, the venue selected Bettear Auracast™ transmitters and receivers.

“Bettear’s technology offers more listening experiences than traditional assistive-listening systems, and even some Auracast™ solutions,” says Mark. “It supports hearing aids, Auracast-enabled hearables and earbuds, and can also be used for translation and tour-guiding applications alongside assistive listening, giving the venue greater flexibility both now and in the future.”

JPRO worked closely with the integrator throughout the design and commissioning process. According to the installation team, the support proved valuable in helping specify the right products and ensuring smooth deployment.

Although Auracast™ was new to the team, the installation process proved relatively straightforward.

“There was a learning curve, but it was easier to follow than loop systems,” Mark says. “With the product support we received from JPRO, specifying and installing the system went faster than expected.”

Bettear B-Caster streamers were installed to provide Auracast™ coverage in both the theatre and the multipurpose sports arena. To support users without compatible personal devices, the system also includes a number of B-RTX Experience receivers, along with B-Smarthive smart charging and configuration bays that allow the venue to manage, charge and deploy the receivers efficiently for events.

Since the system went live in late 2025, the Civic Centre reports encouraging feedback from users. Patrons have been able to connect their devices easily and have commented on the clarity of the audio.

“The system has performed beyond expectations,” Mark adds. “The slimline design is excellent, and the technology opens up far more possibilities than traditional assistive listening.”

For the Feilding Civic Centre the upgrade represents an important step towards improving accessibility while also future proofing the venue’s technology infrastructure.

And according to the installation team, Bettear Auracast™ solutions could become an increasingly common choice for similar venues.

“It’s a solid system,” says Mark. “It’s straightforward to install and maintain, and it gives venues a lot of flexibility moving forward.”

The B‑HIVE 4 is part of Bettear’s fully shipping Auracast-powered suite and provides a practical charging and storage solution for small‑scale professional deployments.

Suited to meeting rooms, classrooms, boardrooms, lecture spaces, offices and guided-tour environments, the B‑HIVE 4 offers a clean, space‑efficient alternative to rack-mounted infrastructure. Its secure magnetic docking system allows fast, reliable drop‑in charging with minimal handling, while built‑in overcharge protection supports safe, unattended operation between sessions.

Key Features:

• Desktop 4‑bay charger for B‑RTX units
• Magnetic docking for quick, secure placement
• Overcharge protection for safe unattended use
• Compact, space‑saving design
• Available in light grey

The Bettear B‑HIVE 4 is available now in New Zealand through JPRO.
Contact JPRO for pricing, system design support, or integration advice.

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.

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,” 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.

A look inside The Sterling, Kaiapoi:

Held from 22–24 October, the annual gathering brought together more than 9,000 audiologists, hearing aid specialists and AV professionals from around the world. Across 15,500 m² of exhibition space over 150 companies showcased their latest innovations, while seminars and tutorials explored the future of hearing technology with Auracast proving to be one of the most talked-about topics.

For the first time, the EUHA integrated Auracast into the event itself. In collaboration with Humantechnik, AUDIOropa and Bettear, the system was deployed throughout the congress, allowing attendees to tune into live sessions in either German or English directly through compatible devices. The setup eliminated the need for traditional Telecoil areas and gave users full freedom to choose where they sat.

The technology also powered real-time translations in the exhibition’s “Live Area,” where EUHA President Beate Gromke opened the event. Her keynote, delivered in German and the translation simultaneously streamed in English via Bettear’s Auracast solution, highlighted the accessibility and flexibility of the new audio format.

“Based on Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast allows one transmitter to broadcast to countless receivers, much like a radio station,” Gromke noted. “It’s an innovation that not only enhances events like this but also expands social participation for people with hearing loss.”

Following widespread interest and positive feedback, EUHA described Auracast as “the talk of the town,” citing its low latency, individual sound control and potential to transform audio accessibility in public spaces such as airports, cinemas and transport hubs.

With its seamless integration and impressive performance, made possible through Bettear’s collaborative work, Auracast made a strong case for being the next big step in connected audio, leaving many visitors eager to bring the technology into their own environments.

Our Experience of Auracast at EUHA… So Far

By Phil Creighton

By lunchtime on day one, we’d already experienced Auracast in three different settings; the opening ceremony, press tour and a lecture hall. It’s safe to say the technology impressed us from the outset. All of this was made possible through Bettear’s Auracast system, which was deployed across key areas of the congress.

During the opening event, some of the translators, themselves deaf, listened to the German address via Bettear’s Auracast stream sent directly to their hearing devices. They then relayed the translation through a Bettear B-RTX transmitter, which we received on our ReSound Vivia hearing aids. This setup was remarkable for two reasons: first, Bettear successfully configured two separate Auracast streams — one in German and one in English, without any cross-interference; and second, the translators’ skill in listening to one language via Auracast and instantly voicing another live was extraordinary.

Audio clarity was consistently strong, even against the bustle of the congress. In the Live Area, background chatter was present but the speech remained intelligible. On the exhibition tour, the sound was cleaner, and we could follow the English translation with ease. The lecture hall, with its soundproof booths and podium microphones, delivered the best overall quality — crisp, full, and remarkably natural.

What stood out most was Auracast’s versatility. It handled large, noisy spaces with thousands of people effortlessly, delivering a clear stream directly to our hearing aids – something traditional tours simply can’t achieve for those with hearing loss. When we switched Auracast off, the difference was stark: despite standing just a few feet from the speaker, ambient noise made the talk unintelligible.

The entire system, powered by Bettear’s pebble-sized B-RTX transmitter, proved both portable and user-friendly. Connecting was as simple as scanning a QR code – quick, intuitive and ready to go within seconds.

Bettear’s real-world demonstration at EUHA showed exactly what Auracast can achieve in busy, real-world settings. It didn’t just showcase the future of hearing technology, it let us experience it firsthand.

Bettear, a leading manufacturer of assistive hearing technology, has announced the launch of its groundbreaking Auracast™ Suite following its recent Auracast™ certification. The suite features the B-CASTER streamer and B-RTX transceiver, complemented by companion devices such as the B-SmartHive charger and the B-PASS, which enables secure audio streaming in confidential environments. These innovative products not only enhance audio accessibility for the hearing impaired but are also designed to revolutionise how people experience sound in public spaces and beyond.

Bettear Auracast™ Solutions Packed with Advanced Features:

Bettear’s Auracast™ streaming technology ensures every listener can fully engage with the moment no matter the space. From conference halls and theatres to universities, worship spaces and public venues, Bettear delivers inclusive, high quality audio that elevates experiences, ensures every voice is heard and brings every visitor into the moment.

What sets Bettear apart is its ability to go beyond accessibility, providing Auracast™ and streaming solutions for:

• Live Audio Streaming
• Assistive Listening
• Tour Guiding
• Secure Audio in confidential spaces
• Speech-to-Text Optimisation
• Audio Personalisation (DAP)
• Translation and more

Bettear Auracast™ Suite:

Bettear’s Auracast™ product range is now available for demo and purchase across New Zealand. If you’re looking to enhance accessibility and create a more inclusive experience, our expert team is here to assist. Connect with us today to learn more and explore demo opportunities.

Auckland, New Zealand: JPRO, a leading distributor of professional audio, video and control technology solutions, is excited to announce its appointment as the New Zealand distributor for Bettear Wi-Fi and Auracast™ Assistive Listening Solutions.

Bettear create innovative wireless assistive listening systems by using the latest advancements in Wi-Fi and Auracast™ technologies. These systems aim to transform how people with hearing difficulties experience audio in both indoor and outdoor spaces such as conference rooms, concerts, museums and houses of worship. This is achieved by offering immediate and convenient access to high-quality assistive technology through personal devices including smartphones, hearing aids and other audio technologies like receivers provided at venues.

“We are excited about our partnership with Bettear, enabling JPRO to offer an accessible and inclusive assistive listening solution in New Zealand,” says Paul Edlin, Sales Director at JPRO. “The B-Show Wi-Fi streaming solution that we have experienced has a variety of user-friendly accessible features. Bettear products integrate with existing loop systems and with more devices now featuring Auracast™ technology, we can deliver a leading solution that enhances the lives of many.”

“We are thrilled to partner with JPRO to bring Bettear’s cutting-edge assistive listening solutions to New Zealand,” said Mr. Itamar Gabbay, Bettear’s CEO. “Our Wi-Fi and Auracast™ based streaming technologies offer a seamless and personalised audio experience for people using hearing aids, cochlear implants and other hearables. JPRO’s expertise in the New Zealand market, combined with Bettear’s innovative technology, will empower users to connect their own devices and enjoy crystal-clear audio in any venue. This is an exciting step in expanding access to assistive listening technology across New Zealand, ensuring everyone can fully participate and engage in social and cultural settings, fostering a more inclusive society for all.”

JPRO has extensive experience providing assistive listening solutions and with Bettear in their product portfolio, will be able to offer cutting-edge, user-friendly accessible solutions in New Zealand, along with exceptional support, free expert advice and assistive hearing designs to its customer base. The synergy between the companies is immense, with all having a strong commitment to providing a high-quality listening experience.

Availability:

Bettear Wi-Fi Products are now available to demo and purchase in New Zealand. To discover more of the Bettear products in NZ, click here. To learn more about the manufacturer, click here.

The B-CASTER, Bettear’s feature-rich Auracast™ Streamer, will be available soon. Please use the contact form below to reach to our team of experts for your assistive listening solution.