dsc.discovery.com — The roar of jets. The shriek of car alarms. The din of traffic. All-intrusive noises can distract us from our work and keep us awake at night. But help is on the way for the restless and sleepless. A noise-negating method that thwarts vibration with vibration could be available for use in apartments, hotels and offices in five years.
Apr 30, 2007 View in Crawl 4
rhettmaxwellMay 2, 2007
WHAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU! WHAT? OPEN THE WINDOW!!
bluescreenodMay 2, 2007
This seems like a neat idea, but I have a hard time believing that windows that are outfitted with sensors, wires, and vibrators are going to be cheaper then passive noise reducing technologies that we have now. Hopefully they’ll prove me wrong.
smkellyMay 2, 2007
This reminds me of the legendary spy proofed windows in the Pentagon. Essentially, they aim white (or other types of) noise at the windows to prevent people from using lasers or the like outside to spy by detecting window vibrations. No idea if that is a true story, but I've read it in a few places.
ironicsansMay 2, 2007
Maybe now we can finally get the Cone of Silence working, 99.
jbob1014May 2, 2007
I'm a night worker, so sounds during the day can be a real pain the ass. I've tried the noise canceling headphones, good for a plane trip but not everyday to go to sleep. Even if these windows were available today I doubt I would buy them, because I've found the best thing is good heavy curtains.
kaffeinMay 2, 2007
The key is getting windows to reject as much sound as your WALLS. You have to know how thick the materials are, that make up your wall.Say you have a 2.25" brick wall on the outside and 3/8" gypsum board on the inside, that is 2.625". Now all you need is 2 panels of glass that equal at least 1/3 that width combined. The more space in between the two panes the better, and make sure to put some silicon gel packets in between...(These tips don't take note of STC ratings, but they work better than an single or cheap dual pane window.)
kaffeinMay 2, 2007
@myself, At least that is one way it is normally done. ;)
bigslackerMay 2, 2007
That sounds very expensive. I think I'd rather just use a loudspeaker like a loudspeaker.
Closed AccountMay 2, 2007
total destructive inteference - finally my dream has come true! no more hearing the neighbours gay pop music!! hurry the f**k up and put it on the market!!
sotopheavyMay 3, 2007
In theory they could have windows that amplify noise. Crazy glass speakers/ bulletproof amphitheatre to come.
juliohmJan 3, 2009
Dead link?An error (404 Not Found) has occured in response to this request. Mirror appreciated. I have real interest in this.