Last night I watched the TED video below and was blown away by inventor Woody Norris. I had heard about sound cannons being used to thwart pirates on the news, but never understood the genesis of the technology. Woody is man behind the concept and this video explains how it works.
The second I was done with this video I set out to purchase a directional sound speaker for my office. I want to set one up in my cube so I can jam out without bothering others or wearing headphones. I also thought directional sound speakers would be great for keeping the noise complaints to a minimum at my lake parties.
Woody’s company is American Technology Coproration. ATC doesn’t sell product on thier site so I had to dig around a bit. Unfortunately the prices haven’t come down very much since this video was made in 2004. The lowest price is $663.47 as of today and the speakers are only available through one distributor (which doesn’t seem to have any in stock). I tried eBay, no such luck. I am still going to try and get one, I am fascinated by directional sound techology. I will let you know how it works.
I sat at a table with Woody at a luncheon about 2 years ago. He is is an amazing guy with a ton of cool ideas. Woody demonstrated his directional sound – it is one of the coolest and weirdest things you can experience! You can literally be listening to something that the person right next to you can’t hear! Would be a great way to drive someone crayzee!
@Craig Murphy:
He seems like he would be all over the place in a conversation. I like that.
@Ted Murphy:
I had a great time talking with him. He’s wickedly smart but also a real down to earth kind of guy. Oh, and he’s also invented a personal flying vehicle:
http://www.airscooter.com/index.html
What a brilliant guy. I’d love to pick his brain over dinner! I love what he said about creating silence as much as they are creating noise. What an awesome perspective he seems to have on a whole lot of things!
Amazing stuff. I had no idea this existed. The guy is certainly brilliant.
I HAVE ONE ON SALE ON EBAY!!!
only 699. will be raising the price soon..
its now 599. message me and i could work something out. practically new, only used it a few times to show friends..
Philips Precise Directional Sound In-ear Headphones: Philips SHE9700 Stereo Earphone SHE9700/27 Headphones & Earphones http://t.co/4nRln7tN