Secret alarm becomes dance track
A high-pitched alarm designed to repel youngsters from shops is being used for the melody of a dance track after the success of a mobile phone ringtone.

Merthyr Tydfil-based Compound Security released the "Mosquito" ringtone as a way of letting teenagers hear their phones ringing without adults knowing.

It was developed because adults lose the ability to hear high-pitched sound.

But now the sound is being used in a dance track, Buzzin', with secret melodies only young ears can hear.

The tune was developed after the success of the company's ringtone which was released in June.

The track can be downloaded to PC or mobile

Simon Morris from Compound Security said: "Following the success of the ringtone, a lot of people were asking us to do a bit more, so we got together with the producers Melodi and they came up with a full-length track.

"It has two harmonies - one that everyone can hear and one that only young people can hear.

"But it works well together or separate," he added.

Mr Morris is the commercial director of the firm which developed the Mosquito box. It emits a high-pitched noise that can only be heard by young people and is claimed to drive gangs away from troublespots.

The alarms were originally designed by the business to repel gangs of young people loitering around shopping centres without upsetting adult customers.

For new ears only: parts of the track can be heard only by the young

The firm claims international success, with the product selling in 18 countries, including America.

"Although it (the dance track) isn't our main business, the demand for it is definitely there," said Mr Morris.

"It is a bit cheesy: it's got a great beat and rhythm. I'm 41 and I like it," he confessed.

Iain Kerr, who is a director for UK-based production company Melodi said: "We quickly realised the potential of releasing a song using the ultra-sonic sound."

Opera Telecom who will sell the track as PC and mobile downloads said it was expecting big sales.

Gary Corbett who runs the company said: "After the launch of the 'Mozzy Tone' ringtone many adults were surprised that they actually couldn't hear it.

"The secret sections within this new song will work in the same way and we're sure kids will love it just as much."

A condition called presbycusis, or ageing ear, means that by the time most people reach the age of 25, they cannot hear much above a frequency of 13 or 14 kilohertz.

Author -
Publication BBC News
Date 26 September 2006
Link www.bbc.co.uk