Significance

• Keeping outside noise from cars, people talking or other ambient noises is critical to a good movie experience and the success of the theater. Movies often change volume quickly and without warning; movie-goers can miss a whispered conversation between two characters if there is outside noise. Sound insulation is an important part of theater construction and makes up a large portion of the construction costs.
  
  

Effects

• Sound insulation is a foam or padded material that is designed to reduce or stop noise transference. Sound is the vibration of air particles, and what we hear is how our brains interpret that vibration. Sound travels through the air in waves and is transferred through walls or other materials by vibrating their molecules and the air molecules around the materials. Sound insulation prevents air particles from vibrating past the insulating material, thereby stopping the noise transference.
  
  

Benefits

• Sound insulation not only prevents sound from entering the theater, it also prevents or reduces sound from escaping the theater. Sound insulation prevents noise pollution escaping from the theater to the outside environment. Reduction in noise pollution is beneficial to any commercial or residential area and enhances the value of the property.
  
  

Size

• Sound insulation size depends on two factors: the size of the space being insulated and the decibel level to be insulated against. Higher decibel levels of sound will require thicker insulation material and require more space.
  
  

History

• Sound insulation has been common since the 1970s, when the first noise barriers were erected along U.S. highways. As residential areas began to expand, residential areas grew closer to state and federal highways. Noise barriers reduced the amount of traffic noise from major U.S. highways and improved living conditions in the areas surrounding them. One of the earliest noise barriers was constructed outside of Arlington cemetery. Since then, noise barriers and soundproofing has become commonplace, even in the home theater.