Very interesting article posted on CNN.com that iPods can potentially interfere with pacemaker monitoring equipment when placed too close to the chest. In some instances as far away as 18 inches. As the article notes, most people with pacemakers are not the iPod listening audience, but still a very interesting development here. As the study notes, only iPods were tested to date and it will be interesting to see if they get around to testing other audio and small electronic devices.
Now, that would be a breakthrough. Somebody with a pacemaker just wins the lottery? Start playing some elevator music to calm them down. Or, would that just cause them to get angry?
Ouch, not a good post to read when drinking the morning coffee. now I have to clean up my laptop from the morning spew! Brilliant post Sterling!
I saw an article suggesting that the music ON the iPod would kill an old person faster than the small electrical interference from the 'pod itself. And the music can kill 'em from a far greater distance.
Totally off topic, but everytime I see the title of this, my brain reads it as:
iPods may interface with Pacemakers
Now, that would be a breakthrough. Somebody with a pacemaker just wins the lottery? Start playing some elevator music to calm them down. Or, would that just cause them to get angry?
This is my personal opinion.... How about we stop trying to find fault with everything electronic using government dollars and spend this money on people who really need our help.
But we're already spending that money on Dubya's war. Where are we going to find money for the people who really need help in this country? More "Idol Gives Back" shows?
I'm not surprised that someone thought about this for a study that our governmental dollars went towards. Further studies also show that ANY electronic equipment can have this effect on people with pacemakers. Its the nature of electronics.
So, does this mean that we need to get rid of our iPods because of this unfortunate finding? I hope not, because that woul mean that I can't use a microwave or my garage door opener either.
This is my personal opinion.... How about we stop trying to find fault with everything electronic using government dollars and spend this money on people who really need our help.
Ok... I'm hoping off my soapbox...
Professional Video Editor, Producer, Director since 1990.
Credits include multiple Emmys, Tellys, Aurora and CableAce Awards.
Owner / Operator of Biscardi Creative Media, a full service video and film production company with about 65% of our work in HDTV. The show you know us best for is "Good Eats" on the Food Network. I developed the HD Post workflow and we also create all the animations for the series.
Favorite pastime is cooking with pizza on the grill one of my specialties. Each Christmas Eve we serve the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a traditional Italian seafood meal with approx. 30 items on the menu.
If I wasn't in video production I would either own a restaurant or a movie theater.
