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For those in the security industry, 123securityproducts.com has recently uploaded a full range of Contacta window intercom systems to their website. You can find them listed on their shop page here.

About 123 Security

123 Security is a prominent distributor of security solutions across the United States. In addition to their comprehensive online store, they also operate several retail locations in the NY/NJ area, catering to installers and integrators who prefer to make in-person purchases.

The Importance of Window Intercom Systems

Window intercoms are a useful addition to various security setups, allowing communication between people on either side of a secure barrier, such as at a bank teller window or in a building with controlled access points. They are essential for maintaining both security and ease of communication in situations where face-to-face interaction is not feasible.

Enhancing Accessibility for Security Professionals

With 123 Security now offering these products, it makes it easier for professionals in the security and installation sectors to find the equipment they need, whether online or in-store. This move also highlights the growing trend of integrating practical communication tools into security systems.

A Trusted Name in Security Solutions

123 Security has been a trusted name in the U.S. security industry for years. Known for its wide variety of products, it caters for both commercial and residential needs. Their online store features products from leading brands in the security industry, offering solutions ranging from surveillance cameras to access control systems. The collaboration with Contacta has allowed not just widespread distribution of our window intercom systems but also spread awareness

How Window Intercom Systems Work

Window intercom systems are designed to provide secure and clear communication in environments where physical contact is not ideal. These systems are commonly used in places like banks, government offices, pharmacies, and schools. They typically consist of a microphone and speaker system mounted on both sides of a window or partition, allowing both parties to communicate without compromising security. These intercoms are not just useful in high-security environments but also in day-to-day situations where staff need to communicate with customers or visitors in a safe and efficient manner.

Commitment to Innovation

123 Security, along with Contacta, continues to expand its product range to meet the evolving needs of security professionals.

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There will be many among them who have hearing loss and might struggle to hear ticket office staff, order their drinks or merchandise, and may not hear announcements or the crucial half time entertainment.

Assistive listening technology can make all the difference to fans, throughout a noisy stadium, whether that’s for the NFL playoffs, or the main event!

Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester.

A Sound Welcome
Window intercom systems make ordering tickets at secure windows, clear and stress-free. With a microphone on either side of the glass, plus a speaker for fans and a headset for staff, both can hear each other despite the barrier. Our systems have built-in hearing loop technology that gives hearing aid users sound direct to their devices, cutting out background noise. It also makes every ticket office ADA compliant.

Our systems are installed at main sporting arenas across the US and in hundreds of other sporting venues worldwide.

Chicken Wings? Or Was That Onion Rings?
Hearing loops are also key at the bar and merchandise areas. With the chatter of thousands of fans and music being played, buying a beer or snacks could be a frustrating and time-consuming experience. The loop system includes a microphone on the counter that picks up the server’s voice, and an amplifier or ‘driver’ that then transmits the sound to a receiving T-coil in a user’s hearing aid. Such clarity of sound can be transformational for fans and do much for a venue’s reputation.

Hearing at Half Time
No-one wants to miss the half time show but it’s not the entertainment it should be if you can’t hear it. There are a number of assistive listening technologies that are designed for large spaces like sports stadiums that make performances clear and enjoyable.

The Boszik Arena in Budapest has used a Contacta RF system to bring clarity of sound to fans in its family area.

Safety First
Safety at sports arenas has improved immeasurably in recent years but fans with hearing loss need to be able to hear instructions and announcements. Assistive listening technology is not just a ‘nice to have’ feature but an essential part of a communication system.

Our expert Designers and Dealer network can plan and install an assistive listening system that makes every aspect of sport accessible to fans with hearing loss.

And that includes watching from the comfort of the sofa.

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Here’s an exclusive preview of what Contacta will be showcasing at ISE 2025:

The ID-6

• Combines powerful and efficient Class-D performance with flexibility and compact physical dimensions. It is designed for unattended operations including in signage, LED kiosks and elevators. With an output capability from 7V to 15VRMS and up to 5A, it includes adjustments for high frequency compensation to counteract metal loss, plus line gain and drive adjustments.
• Comes with a newly developed optional backup battery circuit to maintain an external backup power source.
• Offers more power, with an operating supply range of 9V – 24VDC. Two ID-7s can be daisy chained for a phased array layout, and it features a 100V line input.

The ID-7

• Designed for integration in smaller venues.
• Can power hearing loops in meeting rooms, classrooms or consultation rooms.
• A significant upgrade from Contacta’s existing HLD5 loop driver.

The RF-TXRM-D-865/915 Stationary RF Transmitter with Dante™ technology

• Available in both 865MHz (UK/EU) and 915MHz (USA/AU) frequencies.
• Designed to deliver high-quality, wireless assistive listening in large venues, this transmitter broadcasts audio via FM radio waves to compatible RF receivers.
• Its Dante™ connectivity allows seamless audio transmission over Ethernet, enhancing flexibility and integration within modern AV systems.

The RF-PK1-865/915

• Amplifies one-to-one conversations while the RF-PORTABLEKIT gives speakers the freedom of portability in conferences or lecture halls.

The Contacta team at booth 7B220 will also showcase their upgraded and latest release of the flagship V+ Series large area loop driver range, which now includes a host of new features. They will also offer a live demonstration of their all-new programming software of their VLD1 Transport loop system, allowing installers to experiment the setup process themselves.

“We’ve significantly expanded our RF range in response to strong demand from our customers, and we’re currently developing even more kits,” said Ran Meyrav, Head of New Business Development at Contacta. “RF technology offers an ideal assistive listening solution for hearing aid users, but our compact receivers are also compatible with headphones, making them versatile for a variety of applications. Whether in noisy environments like factories or warehouses, or in venues such as museums where they can serve as a tour-guiding system, our RF range delivers exceptional value and performance for anyone in need of clearer sound.

We look forward to welcoming you at our booth and sharing these exciting innovations with you.

See you at ISE 2025!

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Here’s a taste of what you can expect from the webinar series:

• June 28th, 9:00am EST: Join an expert session with a focus on hearing loop design using the Contacta 3D loop visualizer. Learn about fault finding in ALS and gain expert insights in a large area loop masterclass.
• Presenters include James Jardine, Technical Training Manager and Ran Meyrav, Head of New Business Development at Contacta
• Throughout July to October: Engineers can participate in sessions covering topics such as specifying and installing RF systems, ensuring comprehensive knowledge and practical guidance. The program focuses on an in-depth look at the window intercom masterclass.

Registration for these webinars is free, and all sessions will take place at 9:00am EST. Even if you cannot attend live, recordings with captions will be available for later viewing.

Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to expand your understanding of assistive listening technologies with Contacta. Mark your calendars and register today to secure your place in these informative sessions.

1. Friday, June 7^th– Assistive Listening Technologies in the 21st Century
2. Friday, June 28^th– Large Area Loop Masterclass
3. Friday, July 12^th– Loop Design with Contacta 3D Visualizer
4. Friday, July 26^th –Contacta V-Pro Masterclass
5. Friday, August 9th –Hearing Loop Fault Finding
6. Friday, August 30th –Integrated Hearing Loop Systems
7. Friday, September 20th –Hearing Loop Integration in Transport
8. Friday, October 4th –New Contacta RF System Masterclass
9. Friday, October 18th –Window Intercom Systems Masterclass

Register now to take part.

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We were thrilled to see so many dealers taking time out from work and family life to join the event. We all had such enthusiastic engagement from everyone who came and enjoyed the experience.

The presentations and discussions were insightful, and many thought-provoking questions were asked. Topics included new products, industry news, the impact of Covid,  hearing loop integration in large projects, and much more.

The highlight of the event was no doubt the 2-day breakout rooms, manned by Dave Scroggins, Warren Brown, David Nordberg, James Jardine and Ran Meyrav. These live experiences allowed dealers to have a hands-on experience in small groups with test loops, ceiling installation, network connection and remote access of Contacta V-pro drivers, and window intercom systems. The feedback we received was incredible and we would like to extend our special thanks to Dave, Bob, Warren, David, Ran, Mallorie, Alyssa and James for all their help.

Special thanks to speakers and presenters including Andrew Thomas, Juliette Sterkens, Alan Antilla, Richard Pocker, Jim Scott and Erin Nichols.

Our dealers presence and contributions are what makes this event so successful year after year, and we are grateful for all the loyalty and ongoing support. Attending a conference like this is an investment of both time and resources, and we appreciate the continued commitment of the Contacta dealer network across the USA and Canada.

Hearing loops significantly enhance the lives of people with hearing loss throughout North America, and better understanding gained in events such as this help in expanding the technology.

We hope everyone found the Dealer Meeting informative and valuable, and enjoyed our evening recreational time too.

We look forward to seeing you in our next dealer meeting, currently planned for early 2024!

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 In a statement following its World Congress in Budapest last week, IFHOH highlighted that ‘Auracast’ is not yet available for people with hearing loss, and won’t be for some time.  In the interim, it said telecoils should still be included in hearing aids and current assistive listening systems should still be installed “for the foreseeable future”. 

 It also recommended training for audiologists and other hearing health professionals in hearing loops, telecoils and other existing technologies, to make sure people can enjoy the benefits of clear sound now.

 Contacta’s Head of Business Development, Ran Meyrav, said; “We welcome this statement from IFHOH.  It echoes our viewpoint that hearing loops are, and continue to be, life-changing technology for people with hearing loss.

 “While Auracast will undoubtedly have much to offer, its abilities are still largely untested and it will take some time yet for it to be widely available, and in enough settings, to benefit the majority of people with hearing loss.

 “In the US, insurance rarely covers hearing aids but when they do, they typically only allow replacements every 3 years and oftentimes longer.  Add to this to the significant investment people make in purchasing hearing aids privately, and the costs involved in purchasing new Auracast compatible hearing aids and smartphones, and you have several reasons why Bluetooth Auracast technology won’t be adopted for some time.

 “Hearing loops may be ‘old’ technology but that is not the same as ‘outdated’ and we are glad that IFHOH has made this so clear.”

IFHOH statement Oct 2022

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Travelers with hearing loss can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that more and more travel ports in the New York City area are becoming accessible to hearing aid wearers. In March of 2021, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) issued revised accessibility requirements, including requirements for hearing loops in new or significantly updated airports, bus, rail, and ferry facilities that PANYNJ operates.

Specifically, these revisions require that each individual departure gate in an airport is looped so that all audible announcements will be transmitted to passengers at that gate only. These loops must comply with IEC-60118-4. Those who wear hearing aids with a T-coil can access the loops.

Travelers with hearing loss know just how difficult it can be to navigate a busy airport with so much commotion and background noise. By installing loops at each gate, speech comprehension can be increased from zero percent or 10 percent to as much as 90 percent. This technology can eliminate the need for other types of accommodation, such as attendants having to alert passengers individually of flight delays, gate changes, or other important information.

The revised PANYNJ requirements also mandate that airports and other travel terminals provide signage to let travelers know there is a hearing loop available for their use.

It’s amazing to see more and more traveling facilities “get in the loop”. It might not be visible to everyone else, but traveling with hearing loss can be a miserable experience if not properly accommodated, especially during the busy holiday season. The updated revisions from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey are just the start to accessible and inclusive travel everywhere here in the U.S.

For more information on PANYNJ requirements and traveling ports “getting in the loop”, check out this article: http://www.sofnabq.com/SandC_PANYNJ.pdf

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