Hi,
Here at the Australian War Memorial we have numerous exhibits that use an audio
sound-track to complement the display. This appears to be very popular with
visitors.
These are used in a variety of ways - We have a Prisoner of War(P.O.W.) hut that
features narration from a female and a male P.O.W. speaking about life as a
P.O.W.
We have an early 1940's Kittyhawk Aircraft that has 2 mannequins "working" on
it, in a "jungle air strip" setting that features a sound-track composed of
typical noises that would have been present ie other craft, vehicles and
personnel movement, insects, craft flying over etc. This is also very popular
with visitors.
The gallery containing this Aircraft also has a Mitsubishi Zero fighter attack
aircraft that features a audio "flyover" through the gallery a couple of times a
hour.
You would be prudent to thoroughly research your replay device, loud speakers
and speaker placement as these factors will contribute to how effective your
soundscape is.
Also consider other factors that may conflict
- Will your Public Announcements/Emergency alerts still be clearly audible?
- How far will any sound "spill" out to other areas in your Museum? (Put a
portable radio where your speakers may be a walk around to experience what and
how far sound is travelling.
- Will this detract from other visitor services (Guided tours and soundscapes
can sometimes require some degree of "fine tuning"
Overall this can be an effective, low cost method of making your static displays
"come alive" and increasing the experience of your visitors

Dean Jackson
Multimedia Technician
Gallery Development
Australian War Memorial
Canberra, Australia

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).