Soundproofing | Noise

Archive for the ‘Technology’ Category

Sound Proofing Techniques

Saturday, February 14th, 2009
sound proofing
Barney Garcia asked:


Are you frequently disturbed by different sounds entering your room while you are working or sleeping? It is then time for you to take a look into the different sound proofing techniques. Sound proofing is done by materials that either block the sound from entering the room or absorb the sound to contain it in an area. Since sound is measured in decibels, all the sound proofing materials have a standard transmission class rating. This helps to depict how much sound decibels the sound proofing material will block or absorb. A normal wall has an STC rating of 20 or 25 which allows you to hear normal speech through the wall. If you want the normal speech to be heard as a murmur, you will need a wall with an STC rating of at least 42.

An inexpensive method of soundproofing is the use of foam sound proofing materials. The foam fits in any space and can be either 1/2 inch to 2 inches thick. The STC rating of the foam is between 40 and 50. Vinyl sound proofing materials, having an STC rating of 42 to 55, are also used. He Inexpensive metal wall channels with a STC rating of 38 to 50 are other alternatives. The location of the home, the nature of the noise problem, and of course the budget of the homeowner is a major factor in determining the techniques for soundproofing required.

One of the most effective noise proofing techniques for new construction is to stagger the location of the doorways so that they are not directly opposite one another. This technique restricts the sound from traveling across hallways and reverberating around the house. Absorbent materials like carpets, curtains or furniture helps to absorb sound. Installing a soundproofing mat on the walls and ceilings is also helpful. The use of two sets of disconnected wall studs framed as back to back walls acts as soundproofing. Even the use of fiberglass installation will help to absorb sound. The use of double paned glass and vinyl frames for windows is another good way to soundproof a home. Even adding shutters to the interior of the window can be a big help. The rugs and carpets not only help to soak up noise, they also provide a form of insulation when used beneath tables and chairs, since hardwood floors tend to amplify sound the most.

The mechanism involved in the construction of buildings rendering them impervious to sound and creating soundproofed chambers within is called soundproofing. Special soundproofing materials are used to achieve this. These act as an effective barrier and insulation provider against sound.

Soundproofing may be accomplished by undertaking several different approaches- the space in which the sound can dissipate may be increased, huge barriers can be used to absorb the sound waves and dampening structures can be used to suppress the sound and preventing it from spreading. Active anti-noise sound generators may also be used to counter noises and undesirable sounds prevailing.

Soundproofing aspects

The reducing or deadening of sound by setting up of acoustical barriers is what soundproofing is concerned about. New materials have become available like vinyl barriers that help bring about soundproofing in an effective manner. The process of soundproofing has also been made greatly simplified. Advanced technology enables quick, easy and low cost retrofitting in existing home and office buildings. The existing drywalls of the structures need not be removed and yet there is a considerable increase in the Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings. The STC rating serves as an indication of the extent of soundproofing achieved. The higher the STC rating the greater is the soundproofing or capacity to dampen sound.

While venturing into soundproofing programs four things need to be given due importance. These four items of interest worthy of consideration are weight, space, cost and aesthetics of the soundproofing setup. The viscoelastic (viscous as well as elastic) properties of some materials have been put to gainful usage in soundproofing. Techniques of soundproofing vary depending on whether the home is under construction or whether retrofitting is being done to prevent sound pollution.

Adopting soundproofing techniques in construction and retrofitting

Construction of doors can be made in such a manner so that they do not line up directly across from each other. This will ensure that sound is not transferred across and through opposite open doors. If the room has some absorbent material then this will further help reduce reverberation of sound. Curtains, carpets, soundproofing mats on ceilings, pieces of furniture- all absorb sound. Retrofitting with acoustic ceiling panels will help dampen and isolate stray sounds and reverberations of these. Various kinds of panels are available for choosing. Pyramids, bass trap contours and fabric panels are commonly used. Panels made of fiberglass are quite popular. The grid for the acoustic ceiling can be installed in a few hours time and the special tiles for the ceiling can be soon placed. This proves to be an inexpensive but quick soundproofing setup in existing structures of homes, offices etc.



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The Sagem Axium Hd-l32t LCD TV – All Picture and Damn All Sound, But Overall not Bad

Thursday, February 5th, 2009
sound proofing
Stephen Morgan asked:


Aquiring that new TV for the home is a major decision and one that should not necessarily be taken that lightly but having said that thankfully there is plenty of advice out there that can be had. If you are going to spend what could be considered a small fortune or at the very least a large amount of money then it would be prudent to try and make the correct decision at the outset.

Given the way technology changes it is essential to try and make sure that your purchase is relatively future-proof.

Television over the years has taken a great number of forms from the old days of analogue Black and White, through the launch of colour television to the latest technologies known as Digital Television (DTT). Other ways have been devised to receive digital television. Among the most familiar to people are digital cable and digital satellite. In some countries where transmissions of TV signals are normally achieved by microwaves, digital MMDS is used.

With this article the aim is to take a look at what is on offer with the latest generation of Flat Screen Televisions and in this case the Sagem Axium HD-L32T.

The HD-L32T is a 32in LCD TV and currently these TV’s can be found for 900 pounds sterling or 1800 US dollars. The screen resolution is 1366 X 768 and with regards to being HD Ready the answer is yes. The Sagem Axium has 2 (2 RGB) scarts and the type and number of Multimedia interfaces the HD-L32T uses is HDMI and 1. The type of Tuner for this TV is Analogue and Digital and the Sagem Axium is available from limited outlets only.

So given this information, what would be our view of the Sagem Axium HD-L32T?

First up, we would look at the picture quality and our score here would be 10, next we would look at the sound quality and our view of this would be 6. With regards to the availability and number of relevant connections, our score would be 10. With regards to the overall level of features, our view would be 8 if we then take a look at the ease of use and overall value for money then our scores would be, 6 and 8 respectively.

The overall verdict would be The quality of the pictures on the TV make it an absolute bargain for the price…but…..it is let down by the poor quality of the sound reproduction and we are baffled why? Things have moved on somewhat since the days of the silent movie and this sort of mixed up matchup is really rather unforgiveable in todays climate. The other thing to be wary of is the overall poor level of user friendliness regarding the operating system.

The fact is that given the wide variety of models and makes available today you should find something that suites your needs as well as your wallet. You could either opt for one of the more cutting edge newer options available or stay safe and go for one of the more established options available. We hope that after reading this article you will find yourself better informed and as such it will mean that really it will not matter which rout you take.

Please be aware that the prices quoted in this article are taken from a number of leading e-commerce websites and as such should be taken as guides and indications of prices rather than absolute quotes.



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