Sound Isolation & Noise Cancelation Technology

There have never been more options for the audiophile than right now. Featuring unparalleled portability and audio fidelity, these products are sure to make anyone’s mouth water, and they help to increase the value of Apple’s iPod, a stellar success in its own right.

With iPod stereo accessories, you can increase what you can do with your iPod while enjoying it however you want. These are just some basic ideas for you to choose from, but there are in fact hundreds of different products you can browse to fit your individual tastes and needs.

Some iPod stereo accessories include cordless headphones and different jacks to hook your iPod up to a variety of electronic appliances to turn any piece of audio equipment into a media hub. All of this amounts to the fact that you can turn your entire house into a media hotspot with the ability to listen to your music literally anywhere in the house, even if you only have one stereo. Plug your iPod into a wireless transmitter, and cordless headphones will allow you to listen to your music in any room. If you put enough work into it, you could get full fledged speakers installed in various rooms, and have remotes to operate the music that you listen to from the comfort of a chair. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination, and as you might think, there are quite a few to pick from.

Other iPod stereo accessories include a radio receiver for your iPod, so that you can listen to FM and AM channels right on your iPod. Or, you could hook up a small radio transmitter to your iPod and listen to the music from any radio enabled stereo in the house. For any of these options, you should expect to pay $20 or $30s, but the amount of use you can get out of your audio equipment increases with each additional iPod stereo accessory that you purchase.

Ultimately, your iPod can have greatly increased value and functionality if you pay a little bit more for various iPod stereo accessories. Even if you’re content with how much use you get out of your iPod currently, chances are you would enjoy using it in conjunction with your stereo. Another benefit of the iPod radio transmitter is that you can then use your car’s radio to pick up the transmission and listen to your music library while on the go. These were just a few examples of various iPod stereo accessories. There are many more and almost an indefinite amount of ways you can use them.

Derek Mason
http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/stereo-accessories-for-the-ipod-741206.html

Of course, the advantage of wireless headphones is…no cords! That means convenient listening wherever you are without the hassle of cords becoming tangled, getting in the way, or even causing potentially dangerous situations.

But there are still other accessories that you’ll still need with your headphones. And both professional wireless headphones users and true audiophiles will want to have some of these accessories on hand to make sure that they are never without the use of their headphones.

Of course one of the first and most important accessories for your wireless headphones are batteries. Headphones do need power to operate and many of the smaller kinds simply use a little of the power that comes off of the listening unit to power the small speakers. More powerful headphones require an amplifier to power the wires. But wireless headphones don’t have the luxury of drawing power from the device or using an amplifier. Instead, they need to use batteries to power the small speakers.

Another accessory you’ll want to make sure you have is an ear pad. The type of ear pad will depend on the type of ear piece your wireless headphone has. Ear phones that simply rest on top of the ear and send most of its sound into the ear canal usually have the most inexpensive and highly replaceable ear pads. These headphones, though, are not always the best kind to listen on because they let in a lot of exterior noise and they don’t direct all of the sound into your ear.

If you are using one of those small, metallic wireless headphone and microphone combinations for when you’re talking on your hands free cell phone (using Bluetooth technology), you may consider getting a small carrying case for it. Those Bluetooth phones are a great way to stay connected and keep your hands free for driving or note-taking but if it breaks, you’ll potentially be at a loss in your business and unable to communicate with customers or vendors or staff.

Even if you have wireless headphones that you don’t necessarily use for work but want to make sure they function well should go inside a soft carrying case. The ideal carrying case has a hard outer shell (usually of plastic) and the inside is lined with a soft interior (such as foam or felt). This will protect your wireless headphones from crushing and being dropped.

Another type of accessory you’ll want to consider is a gentle cleaning solution. Headphones, including wireless headphones, are notorious for not being properly cleaned. The dirt not only captures and stores potential viruses in your wireless headphone but also can result in the early breakdown of the unit. Gently cleaning the outside with a gentle cleaning solution (for example, one that includes a mild water and alcohol combination with a cotton swab or “Q-tip”) will keep your wireless headphones working for quite some time.

Wireless headphones can be a higher priced investment to music enjoyment or professional hands-free convenience. Keep them in top working condition and always at the ready to work well for you.

Rc Rougeux
http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/wireless-headphonesseveral-tips-for-proper-care-56037.html

STOP! Headphones for joggers are a danger to health! Well that’s what one health columnist said recently, but just what did she mean exactly? Well, when questioned further she told the interview that joggers who wear headphones are a danger to themselves and others simply because they were not alert to their surroundings. “They bang into things and bump into other people, not to mention the dangers of crossing busy roads without being able to here oncoming traffic!” she added. Hmm! well I’m happy to say I’ve never had any such incidences and the thought of jogging without my headphones is just unimaginable.

We live in an age where most folks are addicted to their MP3 players and even the olds are plugged in these days. We’ve all seen the suites with their bobbing heads as they commute on the trains and busses during the Monday to Friday work-run. But for me and countless others, the MP3 player and a decent set of headphones really comes into its own during what would otherwise be a boring workout!

I used to hate jogging for exercise but I can’t get enough of it these days. Ever since I got a decent set of headphones for the job, I’ve been running like a whippet most evenings. My Logitech Wireless Headphones are just perfect for my MP3 Player. They are ultra light weight and so comfortable that I feel quite undressed without them.

It’s really important to choose the right headphones for jogging exercise. For one thing, they have to be more steady and snug than the standard types because of all the movement going on. The standard ear buds that came with my player tended to fall out all the time and I was constantly having to stick them back into the lug holes.

Whether you chose the in-ear, over the head, or over the ear neck-band earphones types, they have to be secure while running. There are some very good models around these days and once you ascertain which ones will stay in place, it’s just a matter of preference with sound and style. My girlfriend uses Sony MDREX71’s and I have to say they sound fantastic, but for some reason, I just don’t feel comfortable wearing them for jogging.

I’ve recently purchased the hugely popular Samsung D500 slide phone with 1.3 megapixel camera, MP3 player, video & Bluetooth device etc. So in effect, my old MP3 player is redundant as I can now jog with phone, music, and digi camera all bundled up into one neat little package. Another great feature of this mobile is that I can also use the MP3’s as ring tones. Yeah okay, so I’m a gadget geek but who cares, I love it!

But seriously folks, if you really want to get into shape and you’ve not yet got an MP3, I suggest you look as some of the new mobile phones which include the player. Exercise used to be boring, a necessary evil for those of us wanting to keep in tip top shape. Not anymore thanks to the mini MP3 player. I tell you, now that I’ve got music while I exercise and a decent set of headphones for jogging, my fitness regime is no longer something I dread but look forward to each and every day.

But to end on an important note, it’s not wise to crank up the music too loud when you’re out and about. For one thing, it can have a long term damaging effect on your hearing, and another is you really do need to be aware of what’s going on around you during your jog, otherwise you might just run into trouble as the health columnist was quoted at the start of this short article.

Gary Tooth
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/music-and-headphones-for-happy-joggers-69046.html

Quality Headphones

Music lovers often spend lots of money investing in the quality speakers and CD players, but how often do they think about headphones. Many people look around to find the best quality for their enjoyment. Headphones do not usually get the same thought however. Music lovers are usually stuck with the headphones that don’t offer good sound quality, they usually lack bass, and sound tinny.

Cost

You do not have to be stuck with this substandard quality. Headphones with good quality are available to you at minimal cost, especially when you consider the cost of the speakers, or CD player. When you are a true music lover the investment will be well worth your money. Why not spend the few extra dollars to get the optimal music experience you can.

Headphones Included
Have you stopped to think about the quality of headphones you get when you buy an electronic? Is the quality really what you want. We look at how many songs an Ipod or MP3 player can hold, but do we wonder about the headphones. Most of us just use the headphones that come with the electronic we have purchased, but why? The quality of the music is compromised without the proper headphones. When spending this money to ensure you can take your music with you, why not spend the money to make it a quality sound.

Mobility

Many people take their music with them all over the place. Stop and think of where you listen to your music. We listen to music in the car, when we wake up in the morning with our alarm clocks, some people listen at work, or while walking, or cooking, or cleaning, or even showering. With all the places we listen to music, why not make sure it is a quality sound? We might as well make our music as enjoyable as possible.

Advances

Look at the advances that have been made since headphones came out. We started with big headphones that covered you whole ear, then we got smaller ones that rested on your ears, and now we have the little ear pieces that fit in your ear. As the style of the earphone has changed, so has the sound quality.

Research

With a little bit of research and shopping around you can find a good pair of headphones with great sound quality. Don’t just settle for the headphones that come with your electronics, a little time investment will make your headphone investment well worth the time and money. Enjoy your music to its fullest with a pair of good quality headphones.

Gregg Hall
http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/how-to-choose-quality-headphones-for-your-home-entertainment-system-54232.html

This article will explain what noise cancelling headphones are, and the benefits associated with using them instead of standard headphones.

In a nutshell, noise cancelling headphones are specially designed headphones with the aim of blocking out external noises to improve the clarity and quality of your listening experience.

Whenever your ears are exposed to a really loud sound, your overall hearing decreases a little. This hearing loss is usually temporary, and you regain your normal hearing after a short period of time. But repeated exposure to high volumes of loud music and sound is likely to reduce your hearing ability for good.

That’s why it’s generally a bad idea to crank up the volume on your headphones just so you can hear properly. You run the risk of suffering long-term hearing problems.

Noise cancelling headphones solve this problem by “cancelling out” external noises so you are able to hear every little detail in your music and sound without having to crank up to full volume. This enables you to listen comfortably at lower volumes, even in loud environments.

Using noise cancelling headphones can really save your hearing in the long term. They are popular for use on transport such as buses, cars, and planes because they eliminate the background noise of engines to allow you to listen in blissful silence. Noise cancelling headphones are also great for an immersive computer gaming experience on your PC or home console.

So if you’re looking at purchasing some headphones for your computer, mp3 player, television, or whatever it may be, consider getting some noise cancelling headhpones for a better listening experience.

Julien David
http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/noise-cancelling-headphones-will-save-your-ears-61658.html

Bluetooth headphones and accessories are one of the fastest growing trends in electronic technology today. Those little gadgets that fit snugly to the ear are fast becoming the hot piece of electronic equipment to own if you want to compete. This hands-free opportunity to communicate with other headphones, PDAs, laptops, and now, iPod technology makes it one of the fastest growing consumer purchases. Bluetooth headphones come in a variety of model and price ranges. For a moderate $40 dollars, you can purchase basic Bluetooth headphones with a standby time of up to 120 hours. This model is able to also receive calls while not attached to your ear, and has voice dial and regular dialing options.

For a little more, consumers can try the BlueTake GT400 G3 Bluetooth headphones. This one incorporates a sleek style in a nice shade of blue that offers an attractive alternative to other headsets. This one also offers a full line of accessories. Fans of Bluetooth headphones might also want to check out the VR-3 wireless cell phone speakerphone designed for a Bluetooth headphones set. For less than $50, this handy gadget can be used in your car. Another, larger speakerphone is also available for less than $75.

Moderately priced between $50 and $100 dollars, consumers may also opt to purchase Scosche wireless Bluetooth headphones, still less than $100. These Bluetooth headphones are a little more stylish than other models and come with a docking base system that can plug into your cigarette lighter. When you dock the Bluetooth headphones into the docking system, they immediately go to speakerphone mode. Moving on up the Bluetooth headphones models and price ranges, any fan of Bluetooth headphones may want to take a look at the I-Phono Plus Bluetooth headphones and Transmitter kit. This model enables wireless music listening capabilities. For less than $200, users are able to control play lists and listen to either music or incoming telephone calls with the easy flick of a switch. The kit does contain the Bluetooth headphones and a Bluetooth transmitter that will work with any stereo or audio equipment. Another choice for Bluetooth headphones, and one that still ranges below the $200 mark, is the Scosche Bluetooth headphones. These nifty gadgets have a flip down microphone and come with a full range of options and accessories as well.

Besides being the hottest selling item on many consumer electronic favorites listings, Bluetooth headphones and accessories will continue to ride the popularity wave. Newer models boasting additional options and capabilities continue to hit the market every few months. As prices come down, more and more people will be able to afford and enjoy such convenient technology. Be advised however, that bugs are still being worked out on several Bluetooth models, so make sure to do your research before you buy. Check out forums and feedback on various websites selling Bluetooth technology to learn more about particular models of Bluetooth headphones to make sure you purchase the one that best suits your wants and needs.

Chonticha Marijne
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-bluetooth-headphones-112069.html

With audio and video gear taking center stage in many households, it’s bound to happen: You’re relaxing to a classical CD when your kids start blasting MTV or a DVD movie. Rather than resorting to a duel of decibels, you can keep the peace by doling out headphones.

WHAT’S AVAILABLE

There are a few hundred different headphone models on the market. Sony is the market leader; other leading brands include Aiwa, Jensen, Koss, Panasonic, and Radio Shack.

Home/studio. Most look like earmuffs, with earpieces on a headband. They can be corded or wireless. Corded sets, which account for 9 out of 10 sales, have a wire about 8 feet long that connects to your receiver, CD or DVD player, or TV. Wireless sets have a battery-powered headset and an AC-powered transmitter that connects to your audio or video gear.

Price range: $20 to more than $1,000.

Portable. Headphones for use with portable audio devices such as CD and MP3 players vary mostly by whether the earpieces sit on or go into your ears. Because many sacrifice sound quality for size, serious listeners may prefer a home/studio model even with a portable player.

Price range: about $10 to $30.

IMPORTANT FEATURES

Headphones feature a few basic designs. Closed over-the-ear sets cup your ears and create a seal to your head that reduces the amount of sound that escapes. They also muffle ambient sound. But you may miss some things that you want to hear, like a doorbell. Open over-the-ear models don’t press as firmly on the sides of your head and are usually lighter. They let more sound in and out, so late-night listening could keep your spouse awake.

On-ear headphones have earpieces designed to lay flat on your ears, with no gaps. Models can be open or closed. They let more sound in and out than closed over-the-ear headphones. Comfort is a very individual matter; any type of headphone may feel uncomfortable after a while, especially when it’s hot.

Portable models vary in a few ways. Lightweight on-ear headphones, a good choice except in noisy environments, are secured by a headband, neckband, or earclips. The in-ear style features earpieces held securely in place by ear clips or a neckband. These are a good choice except in noisy settings. Earbuds (and a variation called earplugs) are the lightest, but active use may shake earpieces loose. Earplugs are best for noisy settings.

On wireless models, multiple channels are a plus. As with cordless phones, you can switch channels to minimize interference. On some wireless sets, the transmitter uses radio frequency (RF) to communicate with the headphones. Other sets use infrared, much like a TV remote, which requires a line of sight between the headphones and the base.

For connecting headphones, most models have a 1/8-inch plug and a 1/4-inch adapter so they can work with home- and portable-audio systems. Some home/studio models have volume and mute controls. On some models, earpieces swivel and fold for easier storage; of these, some have earpieces that reverse for single-side monitoring, of particular use to DJs.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Performance differences. Headphones should feed you clear, accurate sound with sufficient volume. Based on our tests, corded models are likely to offer better sound quality than wireless units. Wireless models are prone to interference from devices such as cordless phones resulting in static, hissing, or clicking. All the models we’ve tested recently should produce adequate volume with any home-audio device, but some sets exhibit lower sensitivity that results in reduced volume with used with certain portable players.

Recommendations. Price isn’t always the best gauge of sound quality. Some low-priced corded headphones have performed as well as sets costing far more. Headphones scoring good in our Ratings are fine for watching TV or, if you’re not too fussy, for music. Like speakers, headphones may emphasize various parts of the audio spectrum, so sets with the same scores may sound different.

Because potential interference problems with wireless headphones wouldn’t be known until you tried them at home, we suggest you buy wireless models only if they can be returned for a refund.

Whichever type you go for, try them on before buying, if possible, to judge the comfort and sound quality. Online shoppers should be sure to check out return policies.

Copyright © 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org.

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Brooke Yan
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/consumer-reports-headphones-95493.html

For anyone wanting to enjoy their portable DVD player outside of the privacy and solitude of their own room, headphones are a critical accessory. They allow the viewer to listen to movies and music without disturbing those nearby and often act to reduce environmental noise which can intrude on the audio experience. Both comfort and audio quality are important considerations when selecting earphones.

• For those who will be using their portable DVD player to entertain two viewers at a time it is important to assure that the device has 2 headphone ports on it; otherwise a splitter (Y-plug) will be needed.

• Various styles of headphones offer different advantages.

For anyone wanting small, inconspicuous devices any style of in-the-ear headphones can be a good choice. They are often the headphone of choice during activity, but in the case of use with a portable DVD player this is generally not a concern unless it is used for listening to music. Ear bud style headphones are often less comfortable and offer lower quality sound than in-the-canal type headphones. On the other hand, in-the-canal headphones generally require more frequent cleaning. Both require a good fit to offer the best quality sound.

Around-the-ear headphones with earcups can be quite secure and reduce the intrusion of outside sound without consuming additional battery power although they tend to be a bit more noticeable to the wearer than in-the-ear models.

Over the ear headphones help reduce the risk of hearing loss as the signal from in- the-ear devices is amplified by several dB. For comfort, padding over the earpieces and an adjustable headband is recommended. Some users feel that sound quality with over the ear headphones is superior and helps to reduce noise escaping which can disturb others. Some models even offer behind the neck or headband-less styles for added comfort which allows users to don a hat and avoid disturbing their hair. These types of headphones tend to be lighter but also more fragile.

Wireless headphones free the user from wires but have the drawback of using a great deal of battery power in conjunction with a portable DVD player which already consumes a great deal of energy. With wireless headphones, users are also given freedom to move about when listening to music via their player.

Noise canceling headphones are effective at eliminating environmental noise by creating an out-of-phase signal to cancel unwanted outside noise. As this is not a passive process, additional battery power is consumed to achieve this effect.

• A final, but important consideration in selecting headphones for a portable DVD player is to assure that it is compatible with the device. The cord on the earphones must obviously be capable of connecting to the player or an adapter will be needed, adding more weight and bulk where it is not wanted.

Christine Peppler
http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/portable-dvd-players-just-the-basics-about-headphones-104701.html