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AI Church Translation vs FM Headset Systems

FM radio headset systems were the standard for decades. AI-powered translation is a fundamentally different approach — no equipment, no headsets, no shared earpieces, and many more languages.

The case against FM headset systems

FM systems have served churches well — but they come with real constraints that AI translation simply doesn't have.

FM Headset Systems

  • × Upfront hardware cost: £1,000–£5,000+ for transmitter, receivers, and earpieces
  • × Shared earpieces are a hygiene concern — especially post-pandemic
  • × Limited number of receivers — latecomers go without
  • × Only as many languages as you have volunteer interpreters
  • × Equipment breaks down, batteries die, frequencies interfere
  • × No transcript, no record of what was said
  • × Requires a dedicated AV volunteer to manage distribution

Church Translation Live

  • ✓ Zero hardware cost — listeners use their own phones
  • ✓ No shared equipment — every listener uses their own device
  • ✓ Unlimited listeners — everyone with a phone can join
  • ✓ 100+ languages simultaneously, with or without interpreters
  • ✓ Nothing to break or maintain — runs in any browser
  • ✓ Full transcript saved automatically after every session
  • ✓ Self-service via QR code — no volunteer distribution needed

Cost comparison

Cost item FM Headset System Church Translation Live
Initial hardware£1,000 – £5,000+£0
Ongoing software£0 (but see maintenance)£0 – £79/month
Maintenance / repairs£100 – £500/year£0
Frequency licence (Ofcom UK)Required for some bandsNot required
Setup timeHours (installation)15 minutes
Number of simultaneous languages1–2 (limited by interpreters)Up to 100+
Listeners per languageLimited by receivers (10–50)Unlimited
Post-service transcriptNot availableIncluded
Hygiene (shared equipment)Shared earpiecesPersonal device only

What about existing FM systems?

You don't have to choose. If your church already has FM headsets and volunteer interpreters, Church Translation Live can work alongside them. Your volunteers continue serving on the FM system; the AI translation adds coverage for languages you don't have interpreters for, and provides a phone-based alternative for members who prefer reading to listening. The two systems are complementary, not competing.

Try AI translation alongside your existing setup

Start free. No credit card. No equipment to buy. Be live this Sunday.

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