Warwick Audio Technologies shortlisted in Lord Stafford Awards
Oct 28 2009 by Jon Griffin, Birmingham Post
A Warwickshire company pioneering the design of ultra-thin and lightweight loudspeakers is hoping to amplify its success after being shortlisted for honours in the prestige Lord Stafford Awards.
Warwick Audio Technologies, based at the University of Warwick Science Park in Coventry, is at the forefront of thin-film speaker technology and its work has seen it nominated in the Achievement Through Innovation category of the awards.
The technology, developed in collaboration with the University of Warwick, is an entirely new way of projecting sound. The ultra-thin and highly-directional loudspeakers are set to redefine the way sound is applied and incorporated across many industries.
Steve Couchman, Warwick Audio Technologies’ chief executive, said: “The flat flexible loudspeakers offer significant benefits to the public address, audio-visual and hi-hi markets and we are in talks with over 100 top companies with a view to working with them.”
Businesses in the electronics, aerospace, automotive, engineering and entertainment sectors are also speaking to the company with a view to improving their own products and services.
“Aircraft companies are very interested because of the weight-saving benefits of the FFL. When you think that there can be hundreds of speakers on board a conventional aircraft, that can add up to a lot of weight.
“The ability of the FFL to provide directional sound means the product will solve real problems and reduce noise pollution emanating from PA systems near residential housing, for example, near to rail stations. With this in mind, one of the organisations we are talking to is London Underground which is having a problem where overground public addresses overspill into the environment,” said Steve.
The company’s vision is to be the leading supplier of thin film sound panels in a market that industry analysts believe will grow to be worth $4.2 billion in 2010. Warwick Audio will target sectors in this market, estimated to be worth $1 bn.
Lord Stafford, patron of the awards, said: “I think everybody can see the benefits of technology like this, not only in the home but in public places as well.”
