Hearing Loop Systems in Christchurch Cinemas

Over the last few weeks I have been investigating what Cinemas in Christchurch have regarding hearing loop  systems.  It has been an interesting exercise to say the least! It is still “work in progress” but thought I would report on what I have found to date.

Handy Hints:

Make it be known at time of buying tickets that you would like to be seated where you will get the best signal from the hearing loop system (these areas tend to differ from cinema to cinema within the same complex)
Not all hearing loop systems are equal (given variations of where they are placed etc) therefore you may encounter some cinemas where they will work better than others.

Hoyts Papanui

All Cinemas looped got someone in especially to test it was working and came up with a plan for each Cinema highlighting best seating area. Cinema 4 system not working but Simon (Manager) looking into that. Plan has been placed at the counter so all staff should be able to seat you appropriately. If you encounter difficulties, contact Simon as he was very approachable and proactive! 

Hoyts Moorhouse

All Cinemas looped however Cinema 2 not working due to damage to loop when refurbishing. After refurbishment of all Cinemas, loop system was “buried” deeper therefore I found the signal to be weak.

Hoyts Riccarton

Cinemas 6 and 3  have an induction loop which is accessed by  using the Telecoil switch.
Cinemas 1,2,4 and 5 have an infra-red hearing loop which requires you to sit in certain seats with an infra-red set of headphones that is looped to an infra-red panel at the back of the theatre .The headsets have an adjustable volume   control. I am guessing you don’t use your telecoil with them.
 I didn’t get a chance to go and try this system before the  newsletter went to print but intend to go and see how they work and will report back re this! I have asked if they would put a plan at the front counter so all staff  know what each cinema offers and where best to seat people.

Town Hall

Both the James Hay Theatre and the Auditorium have hearing loop systems located on the ground floor around the  semicircle at the front. Therefore you need to be seated in these front rows to get the best signal. Staff should be  able to give you seats in the best area on request. There is no hearing loop upstairs in either of these places.

Convention Centre

Evidently there is a  hearing loop around the outside wall at the Convention Centre. It is not turned on all the time as it can interfere with other electronic equipment which may be operating close by.
If you are attending an event there, the staff recommend that you ask if the hearing loop can be switched on.

As I mentioned ,it is “work in progress” so will report further in the next newsletter!