Sony announces MDR-NC300D Digital Noise Canceling Earbuds

For frequent fliers, good noise-canceling headphones can make the difference between a relaxing, enjoyable trip and a barely tolerable one. Of course, not all such cans are created equal, and two years ago, Sony upped the ante with its first pair of digital noise-canceling headphones. This designation refers to the fact that the headphones use a digital equalizer combined with a software engine in order to cancel ambient noise and reduce stress on your ears. It also allows the headphones to react in-kind to various environments, such as an airplane, a train, or an office, which all generate different types of noise. The result is superior performance in the noise cancellation department, something we found to be true when testing Sony's first model using the technology.

Now, the company is releasing the first pair of in-ear 'phones to utilize the technology, the MDR-NC300D Digital Noise Canceling Earbuds. Thanks to the combination with passive sound isolation, these earphones purport to offer 98.4 percent noise reduction and superb sound quality. They include an inline remote for controlling volume as well as settings and the "monitor" function. The 'buds include seven sets of eartips to help with fit, and they offer up to 20 hours of battery life via a AAA cell.

The MDR-NC300D earbuds are due out in February of this year and they're gonna cost you...$300 to be exact.