Our clients are increasingly asking us which communication system to choose – analog or digital? To dispel doubts about choosing the right model, tailored to the needs of users, we asked Kanter Huang, the representative of the Okayo Electronics Ltd. brand, to comment.
Why does Okayo make its new tourguide system models in digital transmission?
Kanter Huang: Tourguide system relies on Radio Frequency to work. Usually, the frequency spectrum in use is UHF, and/or globally license free band 2.4G. The challenge nowadays is, however,
more frequency spectrum is reserved and reallocated for telecommunication industry because of increasing heavy demand. Naturally, narrower frequency spectrum was left for this industry. And, the real challenge is here – what will Okayo do for getting less (frequency spectrum) for more (features, functions and channel efficiency)? Digitalization is a way to approach above goals. Okayo has been working on it for many years with various solutions to fulfill different requirements coming from mixed levels. In fact, we do more for less! By the way, even analog and digital systems are working in the same frequency spectrum, they are not compatible at all due to different transmission method.
What are differences for the end user between analog and digital tourguide system? Is digital one better?
KH: For those people who use tourguide system regularly, they will easily observe big difference that digital tourguide system could bring to them. For example, in the same group the talker (guide) is not limited to 1 only. It could be 2 or even 3! This could increase more use cases which are not doable by analog system. Another example, some tourguide systems are designed to encourage group members (receivers) to be more active and engaged during the tour. So, the group members can access Talkback function to make a speech or raise a question to all group members, including the guide(s). It’s not a thing that analog system can do. What’s more? By utilizing digital transmission, we can manage channels in a better way to reach as many “clean channels” as possible, within a limited frequency spectrum. This means even in a crowded site where a lot of tourguide systems are in use, all groups can get better audio quality, less interference in same spectrum, and longer wireless distance. Anything else? Oh yes, we haven’t mentioned digital transmission can be more power saving which shall be welcomed to all users! In addition, no more “cross-talk” case or unexpected narration leakage to different group will take place accidentally. With digital technology, tourguide systems can be more secured by giving the live channel a different level of privacy. Is digital one better? You’ve got your answer.
Why are analog models more expensive now than some of digital ones?
KH: Well, it’s not the case. Remember question 1? Okayo always does more (job) for less (expensive). The world changes a lot after COVID. The whole supply chain can’t remain a healthy level as much as it was. More and more vendors, suppliers and manufacturers are ending business due to less demand, which leads to unstable material supply and unpredictable lead-time. To carefully manage such situation, manufacturers like us may either put stock to a higher level or buy just enough materials at higher cost from anywhere to secure our commitments with customers. All of these actions will push manufacturing cost to a higher point and it will reflect to finished products eventually. And, this could be a worse circle over time. Newly designed digital tourguide systems are adopting components from different supply chain which help the production process escape from already known troubles. So, the associated production cost is under control and, again, it will finally reflect to the market – just the way you’ve seen now.
When someone is buying a new tourguide system nowadays – would you rather recommend digital or analog?
KH: For users who never use any tourguide systems before, we highly recommend to give digital ones a shot – get more for less, why not? Some users may already have analog systems in use and are already familiar with how to use them. Buying the same system to maintain daily turnover rate or to enlarge service scope is certainly the right way to go. Digital system, however, with the extra advantages and features that will very likely create new application, new service scope and much more group engagement. By taking the cutting-edge systems to explore more opportunities on services and business, it’s the right time to do so.
What are the advantages of digital tourguide systems compared to analog ones?
KH: In the same class of audio quality, a digital tourguide system can be more talkers/presenters in a group, can empower group members to talk back to the whole group, can be more secured in communication, better channel interference-free, longer wireless distance and longer battery hours, and more, to name a few. All these advantages will bring tour experience to a new level.
Will the analog models still be offered and if yes – for how long?
KH: It’s for sure that we will keep supplying analog models as long as there is a need. Unless there are 3rd parties end their components supply, which is foreseeable in the coming years.
According to the vice president of Okayo Electronics Ltd., the future of tour guide systems will be increasingly related to digitality, which is a response to the dynamically changing expectations of users. It is therefore worth considering investing in new, multifunctional models that will serve for a long time and not be afraid of them!