The Audio Trail Box is a compact 2 button audio sound store designed for use on trails and outdoor locations.

How does it work?

The Trail Box is capable of storing 2 messages which are activated by corresponding buttons.  It’s reprogrammable and powered by re-chargeable batteries…our test demonstrate that with continuous use the batteries will run for 2 weeks! Correlate this to the likely use at your site and its highly probable that the batteries will last between four and 6 months.

Key Features

• No mains power required
• Weather resistant, heavy-duty casing
• Can be used and installed both indoors and out
• Complete stand-alone unit
• User-friendly interactive operation
• Up to 2 messages
• User programmable with a programmer unit available at extra cost

Trail Box FAQ's

1. How long can messages be?

What is the U Turn Round?

The U Turn Round  is our unique third generation self powered, weather and vandal resistant digital sound store designed for external use.

How does it work?

Select, Turn, Listen…

Visitors choose a message using the selector dial (up to eight message slots are available) and simply turn the handle to hear the message. Usually, just a few turns are required to play the whole message; and once the message starts to play the visitor can just relax, listen and enjoy.

It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and requires no mains power! It’s ideal for providing audio interpretation in remote locations with no mains power such as forestry trails, canal towpaths, wildlife sites, zoological gardens, nature trails, SSSI’s, municipal parks, gardens and children’s play areas.

How is it fitted?

Its designed to be fitted onto a pole or mounted to a wall.

Key Features

• No mains power required
• Environmentally friendly
• Tough durable stainless steel casing for high weather and vandal resistance
• Virtually maintenance free
• Can be used and installed both indoors and out
• Stand-alone unit
• User-friendly interactive operation
• Up to eight re-programmable messages
• User programmable with a programmer unit available at extra cost

U Turn Round: FAQ's

1. Do I need a programmer for each u-turn?
2. How many messages does it play?
3. What format is the audio?
4. How many messages does UTR play?
5. What is the maximum length of each message?
6. How does UTR differ from the original U-Turn?
7. What is the lead time?
8. What is the life expectancy?
9. Is UTR guaranteed?
10. Can blackbox-av install it for me?

U-Turn Round Downloads

UTR Instruction Manual

UTR Programming Guide (Programmer sold seperately)

Audio Samples:

What is it?

A range of compact Hi-Definition solid state digital media players.

How does it work?

Simply connect the media player to your desired out put – normally a screen or projector. The player is able to deliver full HD content giving vibrant, high-impact, sharp and colourful images.

The range can deliver anything from simple looping video to all inclusive interactive and networked programmes.

How is it fitted?

The media player design features a wing system that allows the unit to be mounted on any flat surface. Multiple players can also be rack mounted.

What is it?

These are professional closed cup headphones manufactured by blackbox-av. They are designed to withstand a great deal of rough treatment.

The unbreakable headband, features lavish padding and has a specially designed an ergonomic shape. The steel braided armoured cable connection used is specially designed to provide complete protection of the inter connections of the internal components within the headphone communications system. These devices have proved to be far more resistant to vandalism, ensuring a higher level of continuity of service at museums, heritage sites and attractions. The units are very easy to fit on site and have substantially reduced installation and replacement costs. These devices are particularly well suited for applications in retail and other high usage or volume environments.

• Reliable performance
• Versatile applications
• Easy to fit on site
• Ergonomic and comfortable design
• Cost effective and offer value for money
• Replaceable ear pads available

Specifications

Plug Type – Multi-Jack 3.5/6.35

What is the U Turn Panel?

The U Turn panel  is our unique  self powered and weather resistant digital sound store designed to fit within a panel or sign board.

How does it work?

Select, Turn, Listen…

Visitors choose a message using the selector dial (up to eight message slots are available) and simply turn the handle to hear the message. Usually, just a few turns are required to play the whole message; and once the message starts to play the visitor can just relax, listen and enjoy.

It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and requires no mains power! It’s ideal for providing audio interpretation in remote locations with no mains power such as forestry trails, canal towpaths, wildlife sites, zoological gardens, nature trails, SSSI’s, municipal parks, gardens and children’s play areas.

How is it fitted?

The ABS U-Turn Panel casing is designed to be fitted into information boards and panels.

Please click below to view a PDF installation guide sheet.

Panel mounted

Key Features

• No mains power required
• Environmentally friendly – solar and kinetic energy*
• Weather resistant casing
• Virtually maintenance free
• Can be used and installed both indoors and out
• Stand-alone unit within a panel
• User-friendly interactive operation
• Up to eight re-programmable messages
• User programmable with a programmer unit available at extra cost

U-Turn: FAQ's

1. Can I reprogram the audio content?
2. Do I need a programmer for each u-turn?
3. What format is the audio?
4. How do I adjust the volume?
5. How many messages does it play?
6. What is the maximum length of each message?
7. How does it differ from the original U-Turn?
8. Is it weather resistant?
9. What is the lead time?
10. What is the life expectancy?
11. Is it guaranteed?
12. Can blackbox-av install it for me?
13. What are the dimentions?

U-Turn Panel Downloads

Panel mounted instruction guide

Volume setting guide

Programming guide coming soon.

Audio Samples:

The SB Lite is a versatile and cost effective sound store for those museums and heritage sites requiring good quality audio performance within a limited budget. The SB Lite can be programmed to play the same audio file continuously in looping mode. Alternatively, it can be controlled by either a button or passive infra red sensor, to trigger a single message or up to eight consecutive or randomised messages.

The sound store has no moving parts, providing both instant access to the audio file and long term reliability. The audio files are stored in the .wav format – the only real limitation on length of recording is the size of the SD memory card.

Installation of the device could not be simpler; its compact size & lightweight construction ensures that it can be easily located in almost any available space. The SB Lite has a built in amplifier & can be used with a speaker, aluminium handset or blackbox-av handset.

Key Features

• Button or Passive Infra Red trigger
• One single message or up to eight consecutive or randomised messages
• Suitable for specific introductory commentaries, background music or sound effects
• Continuous looping audio
• Optional Button Extender Box provides :-
  • Two headphone / handset outputs
  • Up to eight button inputs
  • Line level output for amplifiers

We are frequently asked by our customers if we can make an object work with a sound store. The answer is usually ‘yes’…. past examples have included period radios and telephones, but our in-house design team has created talking trees and friendly talking rocks! So however wayward you think your request may be, ask away. The worst that can happen is that we’ll say it can’t be done but most likely, we’ll find a way of achieving your objective.

Photo Gallery

Our photo gallery gallery on the right contains some of the recent bespoke sound stores we have made.

Clear 1960′s Telephone

The clear telephone has multiple messages programmed into it allowing the user to ring each number for a different message.

Black 1940′s Telephone,  Pierhead Building

The black telephone rings randomly every few minutes, a time feature which can be adjusted by the museum, and when a visitor answers they are greeted with a looping message.

1950′s Radio, National Trust

The radio contains an array of messages which play as the user changes the volume or tuning dial. Others we have produced simply play period music or radio samples continuously in the background.

Want a bespoke sound store?

Please call us on 01639 767007 or e-mail us on sales@blackboxav.co.uk and our sales staff will be happy to assist you.

What is it?

Its a quality speaker with an internal PIR sensor, SD card player and amplifier all contained within a speaker case…a unique  space and cable saving audio device that is triggered by movement!

How does it work?

The PIR sensor is mounted behind the grille of the speaker and senses motion/movement. This triggers the sound store which then plays back the audio, recorded on a SD card, through the speaker.

Audio playback can be programmed to play the same audio file continuously in looping mode or alternatively it can play up to eight consecutive/ randomised messages. A useful “delay” option means you can set a timed delay between messages being triggered – this can help to reduce the repetitiveness of the message. The repetitiveness of the message…haha.

How is it fitted?

The Message In A Speaker is supplied with a wall/ ceiling bracket and security cable but it can also be free standing.

For further information see the PDF manual.

Creative Services

With our in-house creative team and recording studio facilities blackbox-av can provide a complete package for museums and heritage sites – just give us a call on 01639 767007 or email sales@blackboxav.co.uk to discuss your needs.

Message In A Speaker FAQ's

1. Can it be used outside?
2. Can I change the volume?
3. Can I change the message
4. What modes of play are there?
5. Are there limitations on where I can mount the MIAS?
6. How is it mounted?
7. What power requirement does MIAS have?
8. How many colours are available?

Below is a taster video about the exhibition. To view the full case study please see 1001 Inventions 2010

1001 Inventions from blackbox-av on Vimeo.

The Multi Button Panel 12 is a compact and durable system that provides an easy to use method for museums and heritage sites to present visitors with up to twelve musical tracks, personal testimonies or sound effects.

The MBP 12 has a built in digital audio player and high performance amplifier for excellent, crisp audio quality. The device can be connected to either a cast aluminium handset, blackbox-av standard handset or a flush mounted speaker. It has been designed primarily to be panel mounted in a display unit or interpretation panel – though should you wish to mount the MBP 12 in a more exposed manner an optional steel back box is available. We provide a mounting guide that helps you position the unit and locate the panel holes for mounting in the right place. The audio files are stored on a standard compact flash memory card as .wav files and we provide free programming software that enables you to set up and format the audio files to play as you desire.

The Overlay

Museums and heritage sites using the MBP 12 will need to create their own personalised overlay that sits in front of the buttons.  blackbox-av can supply a template to base your artwork around.

Configuration

The overlay panel and the buttons can be configured in a number of ways:-

• Three Messages (3 large buttons)
• Six Messages (2 large button and 4 small buttons – in this case the four small buttons can be positioned either to the left, centre or right)
• Nine Messages (1 large button and 8 small buttons – the large button can be positioned either to the left, centre or right)
• Twelve Messages (12 small buttons)

As you can see from the photos there are actually seventeen buttons on the panel! The extra buttons include two volume control buttons and within each of the three sets of five buttons there is a central one that is used to provide additional area coverage when that set of five is used as one large button.

Content Options

With our own in house recording studio we are able to offer to help draft, produce and record your audio content – we regularly host actors and translators for client content. We can also programme the audio files and even create your graphical overlay if desired!

Key Features

• Mounting guide with a recommended panel and screw hole size
• Audio files stored digitally on a compact flash card
• Audio programming & overlay design software
• Excellent audio quality
• Panel mounted or optional back box
• Accessories – AVC Aluminium Handset – Standard Handset – Flush Mounted Speaker

blackbox-av has a comprehensive range of CD listening posts for retail and museum applications that are truly easy to use and maintain.

We Our range of plug and play CD listening posts are available a single CD versions. Each device is easy to install and can be mounted directly onto a wall or shop fitting with minimal disruption. The system enables the customer to select, play and rewind each sound track, and adjust the volume. The customer selects the CD to be played by pressing the actual CD cover of that disc, protected in a special frame on the front of the unit. This ensures that the customer is exposed to the advertising and artwork from the CD cover. The installation staff can change the CDs within seconds with minimal training. Our housing is made from steel with anti-corrosion paint and has both vandal resistant headphones and operating buttons. The standard colour for the posts is black but other RAL (European Colour Standard) colours are available upon request. The blackbox-av listening posts are ideal for use in museums, heritage sites, attractions, retail environments and audio libraries.

Key Features

• Easy to use
• Selection of tracks, play / rewind and volume control
• CD cover art visible
• Easy and fast changing of CD by staff
• Vandal resistant headphones and buttons
• Anti-corrosion paint
• Supplied in black as standard
• Other standard RAL (European Colour Standard) colours available on request

The HeadAMP has been designed to provide high quality, perfect audio amplification for use in the demanding environments of the museum, heritage and attractions industries. This compact audio amplifier can control, individually, the volume control for up to four stereo headsets at any one time. The HeadAmp can be driven by either line-level or headphone amplifier signals, either mono or stereo.

Product Summary:

• Four separate output channels, each with it’s own volume control settings
• Stereo 1/4″ input jack can be connected to any line-level or headphone amplifier output
• Four stereo 1/4″ headphone outputs
• Power on LED indicator
• Maximum Input Level: +14dBV
• Maximum Output Level: 20dB per channel
• Power Supply: 12V DC

We have installed dozens of these units around the UK and they can be found in several prestigious sites including Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and at several sites designed by the Alternative Design Agency.

This device can also be used for home recordings. If a home recording involved from one to four people, any or all of them could need headphone monitoring. The monitor amp would be connected to the tape deck’s headphone output or a mixer output so that the performers can hear themselves and each other. The same application can apply to band rehearsals and even home entertainment systems!

This product is a compact and lightweight audio tour guide that provides personal, interactive audio interpretation for museum, heritage site and attractions visitors, in multiple languages with variable content depth. With high quality digital MP3 sound, the Tourmate provides random access recordings through a DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compatible keypad interface in a small, lightweight and ergonomically optimised hand-held package. The slim design of the unit is comfortable and easy to handle for all ages and abilities and weighs only 240g. It is made of rugged ABS plastic with an anti-slip handgrip and a secure carrying strap for ease of use.

The Tourmate from blackbox-av is powered by internal rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries, which can deliver up to 12 hours of continuous play from a full charge. The batteries are recharged overnight in the special charger/storage units supplied as standard. A depleted unit will re-charge in approximately three to four hours. Up to 64 hours of interactive interpretation in up to 10 languages can be stored on the units. The Tourmate features a Mylar composite speaker, which combines high quality sound with strength and durability. Additional options include an internal anti-theft device that alerts you to when guides are leaving your premises and a headphone/induction loop socket.

Key Features

• MP3 high quality digital sound
• Built-in Mylar Composite speaker
• Random non-linear capability
• Lightweight and easy to use
• DDA compliant ergonomic keypad
• Battery management system
• Great for indoor and outdoor use
• Multiple language capability
• Optional active security system
• Optional headphone output jack
• Data logging software
• Flexible leasing options

The Screen

The 40” touchscreen is an excellent choice to display high quality images for your audience – its bound to leave a good impression. The unique integrated touch screen enhances the user experience. Built in to the unit is a compact, high performance PC capable of displaying your LightBox Pro constructed interactive.

The Software

Do you have lots of un-used digital images, video files or audio recordings in your archives that could be used to create new and exciting interactives for visitors? Well we might have an easy to use solution that would enable you to utilise this media. LightBox Pro is a software package from blackbox-av that helps you to easily collate, organise and display your digital media collections.

To Find Out More

To receive more information on the Spring Special Offer or to discuss your exact requirements please call  Rebecca Morris on 01639 767007. Alternatively send an email to sales@blackboxav.co.uk.

Lightbox pro is a software package from blackbox-av that helps you to collate, organise and display digital images, video and audio collections in an interactive viewer. If you only want to display images see lightbox lite.

How does it work?

Within the administration area the software guides you though, step-by-step, the process of creating an interactive image, video and audio gallery.  You are able to edit each image, add captions and categorise images, as you sort them into your new presentation galleries.

The software also helps you create and crop thumbnails of each image for display within the browser.

What does the presentation look like?

Having brought together the images you wish to use you can now select one of the standard layouts that will present the thumbnail images to your visitors. As standard we offer a five different layouts that you can choose from.

The show can be displayed can be loaded on to a pc and driven by a mouse or through a blackbox-av touch screen system.

Would you like your own bespoke design?

Contact our sales team on 01639 767007 to discuss your design requirements.

Lightbox lite is a software package from blackbox-av that helps you to collate, organise and display your digital image collections in an interactive viewer. If you want to display audio and video as well as pictures, please see Lightbox Pro.

How does it work?

Within the administration area the software guides you through, step-by-step, the process of creating an interactive image gallery.  You are able to edit each image, add captions and categorise images, as you sort them into your new presentation galleries.

The software also helps you create and crop thumbnails of each image for display within the browser.

What does the presentation look like?

Having brought together the images you wish to use you can now select one of the standard layouts that will present the thumbnail images to your visitors. As standard we offer five different layouts, or ‘skins’ that you can choose from.

The completed and edited show can be loaded on to a pc and images are selected by a mouse or via a blackbox-av touch screen system or kiosk.

Would you like your own bespoke design?

Contact our sales team on 01639 767007 to discuss your design requirements.

In addition to our specialised blackbox-av products we are able to supply and install a full and comprehensive range of “off the shelf” audio-visual products at competitive prices.

These products include:-

• Projectors
• Projector screens
• Rear projection
• LCD screens
• Touch screens
• Plasma screens
• White Boards
• Public address
• Induction loops
• Racking systems
• Microphone systems
• Stands, trolleys and mountings
• Computer systems and accessories
• Integrated audio-visual installations

We can supply all makes, all models and any accessories, spares and consumables. Please contact us with your requirements.

Sound Domes

This is one option for providing contained music and messaging within a museum. The dual parabolic technology directs high-performance audio; whether music, messaging, broadcast audio, special effects, etc, to an exact spot or small area. blackbox-av has supplied this product to a wide range of organisations including museum, heritage sites, attractions, retail environments and corporate information points and kiosks.

VSP Speakers

The VSP range is specifically designed for applications that demand quality sound reproduction with maximum installation flexibility. The range offers four sizes of compact two-way music and speech loudspeakers in weather resistant casings. The VSP range also comes with a multi position U shaped mounting bracket for optimum installation flexibility. The devices have a strong bass response with high power/size and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Directional Speakers

Advanced technology gives these speakers the ability to direct sound precisely where it is required. The combination of an ultrasonic powered emitter and a unique signal amplifier focuses sound into a tight beam, just like a light beam from a torch. This technology uses ultrasonic energy to “shine” the audio into a tightly focused area. The audio forms a tight beam directly in front of the emitter, which remains focused as it encounters listeners. This ability to direct or focus audio into a tight beam has a wealth of applications. Within the museum and heritage sectors this can include audio for specific exhibits, kiosks, welcome points and small video shows. These innovative devices are ideal for providing discrete audio information and presentations without disturbing employees or causing unwanted noise pollution within the rest of the building or exhibition.

What is it?

Its an audio handset made from cast aluminium which has been polished. The cable is fed through an armour core cable meaning the handset not only looks great but it can also withstand the rigours of the public environment.

How does it work?

The audio handset contains a small quality speaker which you can connect to your audio playback device such as blackbox-av’s SB Lite.

A setup like this allows you to connect buttons to the SB Lite which in turn will activate messages and playback crisp sounding audio to your audience.

How is it fitted?

The handset comes with a cradle to allow you to mount the handset where ever your require. The connecting cable end of the amour cabled wire features a grommet although we advise upgrading to a 90 degree swivel grommet at extra cost.

Trackball

This sealed, rugged stainless steel trackball is specifically designed for use in museums, heritage sites and attractions where the client requires an easy to install unit for a standard kiosk or perhaps a bespoke plinth for a particular exhibition. So in essence blackbox-av can offer a fully featured and robust track ball solution with the minimum of fuss. Its solid stainless steel trackball, buttons and back mounting plate makes our unit highly vandal resistant and long lasting.

Buttons

These are some of our most popular items. If you need a quality button for a bespoke exhibit we can assist you and source a suitable unit. Whatever you need blackbox-av is able to assist, recently we have been asked to supply piano keys and simulated bakelite products for particular installation and exhibition projects. As standard we are able to supply a huge variety of designs, from illuminated to stainless steel, in a large range of sizes and many colours.

Passive Infra Red Sensor

Many of our audio-visual devices can be triggered into operation by a passive infrared sensor (PIR), which we can supply for particular projects. These devices can detect the motion of an infrared emitting source, usually a human body, passing through its detection field. These small and unobtrusive devices are perfect for use in museums, heritage sites and attractions to trigger the playing of soundtracks, background atmospheric sound effects or the start of a video presentation. They can also be used to trigger the action of animatronic puppets or even wind effects and cold air blowers.

The VS 300 is designed for the reliable playback of high quality video files and still photos on screens and monitors in demanding commercial environments- including museums, heritage sites and attractions. The files are stored and played directly from a solid state Compact Flash memory card – the access door to which is protected by a security screw. The VS 300 has an exceptionally small footprint and comes in an elegant rugged housing with an easy-to-install mount plate (VESA).

Product Summary

The VS 100 is a digital video and audio player designed for the repeated looping playback of MPEG-1, MPEG-2 & MPEG-4 video formats and still pictures on CRT, LCD and Plasma screens in commercial environments; including museums, heritage sites and attractions. The video and image files are stored and played directly from a solid state compact flash memory card.

Product Summary

blackbox-av kiosks combine robust construction with a pleasing and ergonomically crafted design. They provide stand-alone finger controlled interactivity and information to visitors on demand. Each unit enables your visitors to access textual, graphic and video information linked to your displays and exhibits in a quick, easy and comprehensive manner. The level of information you choose to provided is really only limited by the content available. The display systems can be used on both temporary and permanent exhibitions and you can find many such units in company receptions, foyers and many other business applications.

Installing a kiosk system is usually one of the last stages in a major project, helping customers, clients, or visitors to access information about your museum, heritage site or attraction electronically and without the costly repetitive assistance of your staff. This demands a robust terminal that combines uncompromising technical performance with outstanding design, elegance and style.

Our interactive units are compatible with both digital video players and PC based computer systems to provide both information and multi-media interactive in numerous formats seamlessly and reliably time after time.

Key Features

• Information/multimedia interactive only and transactional versions available
• Ultra-modern optional neon illuminated fascia surround
• Easy maintenance access via lockable, hinged front
• Rugged steel and aluminium construction
• Minimal footprint to ensure good throughput
• Well proven, stable and architecturally sound software platform
• Variety of touch screen sizes available
• Wall mountable or freestanding
• Customised finish and silk screening service available
• Leasing options available
• Industrial quality track ball, speaker and button options

The GuidA Rotate Kiosk is able to rotate through 360° opening up for museum designers and specialists new interactivity horizons for their visitors. The free standing kiosk, fabricated from mild steel, has been designed to be robust and reliable; able to stand up to the rigours of daily use. With an interactive able to utilise the 360° rotation visitors will always be correctly orientated to view information on their surroundings, whether panoramic landscape views, large graphic panels or room interiors.

Key Features:

• Full 360° Rotation
• Opens New Interactive Possibilities
• Free Standing Stable Design
• Robust Mild Steel
• DDA Compliant
• Stunning Design
• Single Button or Touchscreen Interface Option

The Interactive

Our in-house team of creatives – Clocked In – have created interactive software that uses position sensitive “hotspots” to enable access of more in-depth informative on particular items or locations visible to the visitor. These hotspots are linked to the direction the GuidA Rotate is pointing and can provide text, video, animation or audio information on items of particular interest. So the 360° interactive is totally synchronised to the space around the kiosk and the direction the GuidA Rotate is facing – ideal for greatly improving the visitor’s comprehension.

Looking Back in Time

A GuidA Rotate Kiosk system has been prepared for a newly renovated Museum in Southampton. This will enable visitors to discover the “space” within the house and view the room through four different historical periods of habitation – Tudor, Georgian, Victorian and Modern. Additionally, the interactive will help visitors to explore other aspects of the heritage site; how the building fits into its surroundings, and what’s in the rooms not yet open to the public – further enhancing the sites’ DDA access compliance.

We are just in the process of updating all the contnet so please bear with us!