Quick explanation: What is Auracast?
Auracast is a new Bluetooth standard, not a single device. It works in principle like a radio transmitter: a transmitter broadcasts an audio signal, and any number of receivers can simply tune in – without the cumbersome pairing known from classic Bluetooth. Until now, only one device could ever connect to a transmitter. Auracast removes this limit.
- No more device chaos – attendees use their own smartphone or compatible headphones instead of rental devices that have to be handed out and collected again
- Any number of listeners – one transmitter is enough, whether 20 or 2,000 people are listening at the same time
- Manufacturer-independent – the receivers don't have to be the same brand as the transmitter, which makes the technology far more accessible than previous wireless solutions
Why the certification is not a minor detail
OPUS does not grant its partnership to just any provider. Anyone wanting to sell the complete range – rental, sale, system integration – must first show that they truly understand the technology and can implement it properly. That is also the reason this kind of "qualification" exists at all: planning Auracast equipment correctly is something different from simply setting up a transmitter.
Recommended Auracast setups therefore come from a single source – from the initial channel planning through the selection of the right OPUS components to technical support during the event.
Three situations in which we already use this
The international conference
With five or six target languages, almost as many separate channels and a corresponding amount of receiving equipment for simultaneous interpretation used to be needed. With Auracast, this runs via a single transmitter – attendees choose their language channel directly on their own device, even spontaneously during the event.
The public viewing
Part of the audience wants to hear the commentary in a different language, or needs a live translation of the announcements. One transmitter broadcasts several language channels simultaneously to any number of listeners – without extra hardware per person and without the channels interfering with each other.
Public facilities
Auracast is also becoming relevant beyond classic events – for instance in train stations or at public counters, where announcements are transmitted directly to hearing aids or to personal headphones. This area is still in its early stages in Germany, but is gaining importance.
And what's coming next?
Auracast is still in the early stages of widespread use – but current smartphones and TVs from major manufacturers are increasingly including the technology as standard, and more will follow. The Cue Group is deliberately building up its own know-how:
- Active participation in DIN standardization work around Auracast – The Cue Group helps shape how the standard is technically implemented in Germany
- A continuously growing portfolio – training on systems from Humantechnik (earisMAX) and Audio Pro will follow shortly
- This covers a wide range: from the silent conference (several parallel talks in the same room, each on its own channel) to classic guide systems (e.g. for factory tours or museum tours) to inclusive audio solutions for people with hearing impairments
What this means
As a certified partner, Auracast systems can not only be recommended, but planned, delivered, and supported directly at the event. If you are interested in an individual assessment for a specific event, the team is happy to provide advice.
FAQ
In most cases, yes – the receiving device must support Bluetooth LE Audio (this is the Bluetooth standard on which Auracast is based). Many current smartphones already come with this. For older devices or conventional headphones, there are two options: a compatible adapter or receiver, which we provide, or a parallel transmission via WiFi. Some manufacturers offer a hybrid mode for this, in which the transmitter broadcasts simultaneously via Auracast and via WiFi – so that older smartphones or tablets can also take part via an app, without needing LE Audio–capable hardware.
Yes, that is exactly the advantage. Auracast is manufacturer-independent – devices from different manufacturers and operating systems, as well as headphones and hearing aids from different brands, can connect to the same transmitter. For attendees without an LE Audio–capable device, a WiFi channel is additionally available if the transmitter is equipped accordingly. If you are interested in compatibility for a specific event, we are happy to advise directly on which devices in the audience are supported.
This depends on the system in use, in particular on how many channels can be broadcast simultaneously. For most conference and event scenarios, the capacity is more than sufficient – multilingual broadcasts with several simultaneous channels are standard. If needed, additional transmitters can be paired for further language channels.
Both. We offer Auracast systems for rental, subject to availability of the appropriate equipment, as well as for sale and for system integration for permanent installations.
Auracast supports encryption via what is called a Broadcast Code – in simple terms, a password for the channel. For closed events, we configure the channel accordingly protected, so that only authorized attendees have access – for public announcements, the channel can deliberately remain open.
That depends on the audience. The more tech-savvy the target group, the more smoothly it already works today – and with an additional WiFi option, the reach can also be extended to older devices. It is best to look at the respective setup together, then we can honestly say whether it fits.
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