Editor’s note: The following article excerpt was provided by a relatively new CFSA member, AmpliVox Sound Systems. Although the target audience of the article may be cemetery owners and funeral directors, we thought that many of our CFSA members will be interested for their own companies and/or their customers.
When planning funerals, clergy and family members spend long hours finding the perfect words to express their feelings. Sharing memories and tributes is a significant part of the healing process for the family, bringing comfort to them and all who attend the service. It is vital, then, that funeral homes and other service sites provide reliable, easy-to-use sound equipment so that messages can be shared with clarity.
Different venues – large sanctuaries, intimate funeral homes, and cemeteries — require different approaches in style, power, and mobility. Lecterns and portable sound systems deliver advanced technology, including Bluetooth® streaming, to amplify sound and allow music and other media to be controlled directly from familiar handheld devices. An investment in the right equipment today will ensure years of meaningful services for your clients.
Today’s presentation lecterns combine elegant design with advanced audio technology. Materials including wood laminate finishes, veneers, and solid hardwoods provide options to complement the décor of any venue. Integrated sound systems with onboard microphones and dashboard controls make it easy to adjust volume and other settings.
Height adjustability is an outstanding new development in lectern design, allowing speakers of any height to use the lectern comfortably. Silent electric lift mechanisms make height adjustments easy and unobtrusive. Other appealing features include built-in reading lights, spacious reading surfaces, and interior shelves for water or storage. Concealed rolling casters make it easy to move and position the lectern without detracting from the lectern’s appearance.
Services can also be greatly enhanced with multimedia presentations, including music, video, and slideshows of treasured family photos. Multimedia lecterns make it easy to incorporate external devices like projectors and computers, with integrated shelves, power and USB outlets, Bluetooth® connectivity, and convenient device storage. This increased functionality can all be accomplished in elegant, traditional furniture styles to complement your funeral home setting.
Communication is particularly challenging for outdoor services, but no less meaningful for the participants. Portable sound systems solve this problem by providing powerful amplification in compact, mobile packages. These systems can also be useful in indoor settings without an established sound system or sound-equipped lectern.
Portable sound systems are available in a wide variety of sizes and power ranges. Portable systems can be remarkably compact: for gravesite settings, consider briefcase-style units that contain speakers and amplifiers, with sound coverage up to 1000 people. More powerful systems, with expanded coverage and added features like Bluetooth® and multiple microphones, transport easily on wheels with luggage-style handles.
Don Roth is the owner and CEO of AmpliVox Sound Systems, which engineers, designs, and manufactures a wide array of sound and presentation furniture products. Don has been a featured writer in Religious Product News, HCO Magazine, FSR Magazine and many other publications. In 2016 AmpliVox was awarded Business of the Year by the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce, and awarded Top Honors in the Astor Awards for Homeland Security. Contact Don at droth@ampli.com.
AmpliVox offers Made in the USA lecterns and sound systems with a warranty of up to 12 years. AmpliVox is a proud member of the Casket and Funeral Supply Association of America (CFSA), National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA), and Cremation Association of North American (CANA). To learn more about AmpliVox Sound Systems products, visit Ampli.com.