Re: WHIL/WWEL

[Brian Vita <brian_vita@cssinc.com>]

At 02:07 PM 11/24/98 -0800, you wrote:
>Now, this reminds me...a couple of times I've
>driven past a supermarket or something, and picked
>up "elevator music"  on a frequency
>where there was supposedly no station. The music
>wouldn't be loud and clear...it would sound like a
>"dead spot" on the dial,with faint music in the
>background. Could I be picking up a sort of
>satellite feed or some sort of Muzak (tm) hookup?
>
Most likely you are picking up an ALD (Assistive Listening Device).  The
Americans's With Disabilities Act (ADA) requires any place of public
assembly that accomodates more than 15(?) people and has a permanently
installed PA system to have an ALD.  One of the cheapest way to do this is
with a flea powered FM transmitter that would cover the sales floor of the
store.  The customer with the hearing impairment could then bring in a
garden variety "Walkman" type radio and hear the announcements.

"Blue Light Special in Aisle Three".

Smart Devices out of Norcross, GA makes these devices.  They are installed
in supermarkets and movie theatres.  Personally I prefer the IR type since
you don't have this type of problem with eaves droppers.

Brian

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