>  I have looked at CD controller units ( from Museum Technology Source in
> Mass, USA) and Digital message repeaters ( from INNOVA in Calif., USA).

I have used the Museum Technology controllers and found them to be extremely
reliable as well as simple to set up and program, but have only used them in
stationary applications. They will not work with all CD players, but should
work with any that use an infrared remote. Their support staff is quite
helpful, and they can advise which units would be best suited to your
application.

There are totally solid state digital audio repeaters which would presumably
be more durable than a CD player. There are greater limitations to the
length and quality of the program with these units, but these are changing
in pace with general developments in digital technology. Your requirement of
12 programs at 4 minutes should be within the capabilty of these units,
although more than one might be required, and additional memory may need to
be purchased depending on your sampling requirements (it has been over a
year since I have checked on the specs of such devices). It is also possible
that a separate show controller may be required for some systems, although
there are standalone units available.

You will need to use a computer to program either the solid state or CD
systems, but the manufacturers tend to supply the software and support
necessary. Your biggest problem may be your budget. Most of these solid
state units are expensive, but again, in keeping with digtial technology
developments, the prices are falling. My last analysis had the Museum
Technology controller and a CD player being the more economical alternative
for long, high sample rate musical programs.

I would like to know which units the American Museum of Papermaking has been
using.

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