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sounding off

blog of acoustics, noise, vibration & audio-visual systems

How Does 3DTV Work, and Is It Just a Gimmick?

Tom Thelen | Cinema | September 29th, 2010 | 1 Comment

image of 3DTV gimmick versus HDTVWith visions of dollar signs dancing in their heads, manufacturers are foaming at the mouth thinking of how they can make 3D Television sets the next big thing. But if I want to watch a 3D movie at home, do I really need to throw out my HDTV and buy a new 3DTV? I mean, I can currently watch 3D movies on my HDTV at home with my 3D glasses, so what does 3DTV offer that my “normal” HDTV doesn’t? I need a filter to sort through all the hype. (more)

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Church Tech Team Training

Tim Hamilton | Worship | September 23rd, 2010 | 3 Comments

image of church audio-visual tech team training in worship artsEverybody talks about “training the tech team”, but in reality it seems that it very rarely happens as well as it needs to. I think perhaps what people commonly refer to as training could better be described as demonstration. Showing tech people how to push faders, twist knobs, pan cameras, and dim the lights is critical for people to understand how the equipment works, but is this really “training”? (more)

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Apples, Oranges, and Sharp Pencils

Tom Thelen | Auditorium | September 15th, 2010 | 2 Comments

image of how acoustical consultants save you money in the long runIn the world of sales idioms, you never want to compare “apples with oranges”, but you always want the salesperson to “sharpen their pencil.” You don’t want to compare two unlike things, but you do want to make sure you get the best possible price. So, in the world of audio-video design, how do you know that you are comparing apples with apples and making the right purchase for the right price? (more)

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Electronic vs. HVAC Sound Masking

Administrator | Healthcare | September 8th, 2010 | 2 Comments

image of electronic sound masking versus HVAC sound maskingOccasionally clients ask about using HVAC system noise as a sound masking system. While dual use of the HVAC system would save money and be more sustainable, most ventilation systems cannot be relied upon to produce a constant level of background noise with a desirable spectrum of sound. With the widespread use of variable air volume systems, the inconsistent air flow volume produces varying levels of background sound. At best, it would provide a hit-or-miss situation: sometimes it would be an effective masking system, assuming the spectrum doesn’t annoy the occupants, but most of the time it would not. Furthermore, the sound spectrum cannot be changed; you get what it is, which may not be what the occupants need. (more)

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Say What? Acoustics for College Cafeterias and Social Spaces

Kenric Van Wyk | University | September 1st, 2010 | Leave A Comment

I was recently interviewed by College Planning & Management magazine for their article on “How schools can create cafeterias and other social spaces to shout about, not over?These spaces are where university students come to dine, to study, to relax, and to socialize, so why are they always so loud? And more importantly, what can be done to optimize these spaces for sound? Read the full article here http://www.peterli.com/cpm/resources/articles/archive.php?article_id=2616.

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