Listen Technologies and Ampetronic, two companies unified under the Allvida family, have installed their jointly developed assistive listening system, Auri, across 20 Vue cinemas in the UK and Ireland, covering more than 200 screens. The system is built on Auracast, a Bluetooth broadcast audio standard that allows a single audio source to stream simultaneously to an unlimited number of compatible receiving devices, rather than the one-to-one connection of traditional Bluetooth. Vue is the UK’s largest cinema operator, and the venues involved account for more than 28 per cent of admissions across the circuit.
Auri is a bring-your-own-device solution, allowing patrons with Auracast-enabled hearing aids, cochlear implants, headphones or earbuds to select a broadcast stream and receive audio directly on their compatible devices. Dedicated Auri receivers are also available for guests without Auracast-enabled devices, who can listen via connected headphones or earbuds. Beyond hearing loss support, the system can deliver audio description for visually impaired patrons and support quieter, less distracting listening for neurodiverse audiences.
Auri transmitters broadcast venue audio to an unlimited number of receiving devices within range, without requiring retrofitting or facility renovation. The transmitters, available in white or black, can be wall- or ceiling-mounted, and can be installed alongside existing assistive listening systems. Cinema operators manage the network through Auri Manager, a Windows-based software platform used to configure transmitters and receivers across multiple screens.
Narinder Shergill, general manager at Vue UK & Ireland, said: “Partnering with Ampetronic | Listen Technologies to install Auri is the next step on that journey, helping to remove barriers and deliver crystal-clear audio to every seat.”
Craig Davey, national sales manager UK & Ireland at Ampetronic | Listen Technologies, added: “As one of the first large-scale deployments of Auracast in cinemas, it demonstrates how next-generation assistive listening technology can be seamlessly integrated into entertainment venues.”
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