The Next Generation of Inflight Noise Cancelling Has no Headphones
In a quiet nod to a better aircraft experience, Panasonic recently introduced its newest Active Noise Control technology, which can reduce cabin noise without the need for headphones.
TPG was among the first to test the new technology at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany. Panasonic built a special sound booth complete with full-size, business-class seats to show how they are using sound and light technology to help passengers achieve the optimal rest environment at 35,000 feet.
David Bartlett, Panasonic Avionics chief technology officer, explained that traditional noise-canceling headphones can work well to block noise for many passengers but headphones make sleeping on a plane uncomfortable — unless you are upright or on your back.
So Panasonic sound engineers developed technology that allows the noise to be canceled by predicting and blocking the loud noise from aircraft engines.
Unwanted noise is replaced with ambient white noise and other soothing sounds, by strategically placing speakers around the cabin to combat the engine sound during flight.
My experience in a business-class seat in Panasonic's sound lab allowed me to turn the noise canceling in the cabin on and off with the push of a button. The high-end sounds of the engine simulator were definitely diminished; unfortunately, the low-end sounds were still prevalent.
Panasonic also adds sounds to the sleep cycle, at the same time as canceling unwanted ones -- birds chirped as the sun rose through special mood lighting and the experience was not unlike a gentle, though rapid, sunrise.
For passengers in enclosed suites like the new Emirates 777 Suite the news is even better. This technology adapts well to the high walls of a suite and can theoretically be controlled by passengers adjusting noise-canceling speakers within the suite itself, rather than around the cabin.
The bad news is that this technology won't be coming to a coach cabin anytime soon. Speakers must be positioned in the cabin in such a way that passengers crammed into window seats underneath speakers won't benefit from the noise-canceling technology.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.