WAEA - Anaheim, California, USA - The 21st WAEA Conference & Exhibition provided the backdrop for Matsushita Avionics Systems Corporation (MAS), SLAB DSP Limited and Labtec Inc. to announce a new strategic undertaking.  The companies are engaged in development of various noise-canceling solutions for potential incorporation into MAS In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) systems.

Ambient cabin noise - whether from the quiet hum of a jet engine or the loud squall of an unhappy child- is sometimes a source of annoyance for air travelers.  Typically, IFE headsets have provided some relief from the bother of outside noises, but have not blocked them out altogether.  MAS has entered into a strategic relationship with SLAB (and with Labtec through its existing business relationship with SLAB) to develop effective, inexpensive end-to-end solutions to the problem of ambient cabin noise.  Several potential solutions are being considered, including embedded in-seat noise cancellation modules in either analog or digital format, with connecting active headsets.

MAS, SLAB and Labtec displays at this year’s WAEA all feature prototypes of analog stand-alone noise-canceling headsets that are as effective as the leading noise-canceling headsets on the market today.  Standard, preferred and premium models are expected to cost much less than any of today’s models, and digital models will provide a "neuro-spatial enhancement" that will allow passengers to perceive the kind of virtual surround sound available from multi-speaker systems, all with only the benefit of a left and right earpiece.