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October 24, 2006 3:08 PM PDT

Make your co-workers sound like Charlie Brown's teacher

by Erica Ogg
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You know that person at work who always starts droning on right when you've finally buckled down on that day's project? He wanders by your desk and starts chatting your ear off, while you pretend not to see/hear/notice him.

Or there's the Loud Talker--the one whose voice is somehow several decibels stronger than everyone else's. (Really, how do they not notice that?)

ChatterBlocker

The Sound Guy might be able to help. Its ChatterBlocker software uses an auditory masking algorithm to render background conversations unintelligible. Translation: "Nature sounds" + music + background chatter = "soothing" and "relaxing." Apparently, distraction stems from actually being able to make out distinct words.

The Sound Guy says you can choose the mix of noise/music piped into your eardrums. Select the tracks that come with the program, or supply your own. Depending on your situation, $19.95 may or may not be a high price to pay for a little peace. Oh, and it's PC only. I guess Apple consumers don't have noisy cube-mates.

Do you think they pay extra for that too?

(Photo: The Sound Guy)

Erica Ogg is a CNET News reporter who covers Apple, HP, Dell, and other PC makers, as well as the consumer electronics industry. She's also one of the hosts of CNET News' Daily Podcast. In her non-work life, she's a history geek, a loyal Dodgers fan, and a mac-and-cheese connoisseur. E-mail Erica.
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Great Idea!
by bobskerry October 25, 2006 9:43 AM PDT
I think all of us , at one time or another, have at least ONE of these kind of people in your immediate vicinity! I would pay 50.00 to have something that would drown out the biggest annoyances of my day! Whoever came up with this idea is a genius! :)
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I already have something for this.
by zhatka October 25, 2006 10:31 AM PDT
It's called WinAMP.
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Adaptec GameBridge AVC-1400
by angelia1 November 17, 2006 10:20 PM PST
I purchased an Adaptec GameBridge AVC-1400 for my son from another source. He accidentally threw away the CD with the software and drivers. Do you know of any way we may obtain another copy of the software? The Adaptec site has been no help so far.
Thank you,
Angelia
by willofgodmini May 12, 2008 7:07 PM PDT
"ChatterBlocker software uses an auditory masking algorithm to render background conversations unintelligible." . What a crock of ****
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