The Week in Review: January 7-13, 2002

Last week's features at 3DsoundSurge

Drivers and bugs

• nForce reference drivers
  nVidia has finally released reference drivers for its nForce chipset. Just like with other the graphics driver the nForce drivers use a Unified Driver Architecture (UDP) so will work with all nForce chipsets. Here's what nVidia had to say:

  Extending our unified software support philosophy to our platform products allows NVIDIA to introduce performance enhancements and new features to our customers, system builders, and end-users quickly and efficiently. The nForce Unified Driver Package v1.0 also delivers a variety of system performance enhancements including improved broadband connectivity and graphics performance, and support for EAX® Audio Technology v2.0, a widely used environmental audio engine.

  NVIDIA's nForce UDP is forward and backward compatible with all nForce-based
  products. The benefits of NVIDIA's nForce UDP include:
  * Reduced hardware/driver conflicts-every driver is thoroughly tested with all previous products, and new products are even tested with old drivers.
  * Decreased maintenance time-ability to update the entire
  system in one pass.
  * Increased scalability-upgrading products, adding new
  hardware, and taking advantage of performance improvements is simplified when the graphics, networking, and audio solutions are based on NVIDIA hardware and software technologies.

• Very unofficial emu10kX (Live and Audigy) drivers
  I'm currently unable to connect to the kX project site but according to Live Center have they finally released their promised driver. In case you don't know the kX project mission is to developed WDM drivers that will work with all emu10k1/emu10k2 based soundcards. This includes all Live and Audigy cards as well as emu's APS cards. The feature set is clearly targeting musicians for now and most users, especially gamers, are likely to prefer Creative drivers if I guess.

• New Terratec DMX Xfire 1024 and SixPack drivers
  Terratec has released new WDM (WindowsXP/2000) drivers for both its CS4624 based DMX XFire 1024 as well as its CS4630 based SiXPack 5.1+ soundcard. Both drivers of version 3057. Thanks to Paul Tiak for the pointer.

• New (v4142c) Santa Cruz WDM Drivers
  Turtle Beach has released v.4142c signed, WHQL Microsoft certified Win2K/Win drivers for the Santa Cruz sound card. According to the readme here is what's new:

  • Added all speakers modes to selection dialog during install
  • Added new Library that drastically reduces CPU load
  • Optimized boot time of PC
  • Fixed error with Mediamatics DVD software
  • Took out 2-second delay coming out of s3
  • Added the virtual 5.1 disable if playing 6 channel stream;it is turned back on after playing the stream

• NOMAD II Firmware update
  Creative Labs ASIAN site offers a new firmware update (3.00.233 for NOMAD II O MB (Model DAP0001/DAP0002) only. This release includes support for 128MB SmartMedia.

New games, demos, patches and bugs

• Black & White Expansion Goes Gold
  Avault reports that Black & White Expansion, named Black & White: Creature Isle, has gone gold. The PC game is scheduled for release in the U.S. on January 21 and in Europe on Feb. 1. Never been quite clear if Black and White features support for 3D sound but they did claim in interviews they would support 4-speaker using QMixer.

• World War II Online Patch
  Cornered Rat has released a new patch (v1.51) for World War II Online. You can use the auto updater or grab it from their site

• Summoner patch
  A new patch (V1.40) for Summoner is available from Avault. The v1.40 patch fixes some minor problems with Radeon and other Direct3D cards, in addition to other minor changes

• Gothic Patch
  Pyranha Bytes has released 1.08k patch for Gothic. It's unsupported and only intended for users with those experiencing crashes during game start using a Radeon 8500 or the GeForce 3 under Windows 98. You can grab it from World of Gothic and Gothic@RPGDot

• Dungeon Siege Music
  The interview with Composer Jeremy Soule XGR conducted a few days ago has been updated with a new MP3 from the upcoming Dungeon Siege.

Reviews of soundcards, speakers, headphones and MP3 players.

• VideoLogic SonicFury
  RatedPC has posted an overall positive review of VideoLogic's SonicFury, a CS4630 based sound card. A few comments to consider if you read the review. First, EAX is not used for positioning sound sources, DS3D or A3D are two APIs used for positioning. In terms of the software bundle it's worth noting that several programs in the bundle are demo or trial versions. One other minor point is Half-Life only uses EAX 1, not 2. An interesting and to me surprising result from the review with respect to Half-Life is they found the EAX reverb to be too strong using the SonicFury, which is the opposite of our test results using the current Sensaura engine used by the card.

• Hercules Gamesurround Fortissimo II
  PC Game Central has done a short and overall very positive review of Hercules Gamesurround Fortissimo II. The complaint about lower sound quality when boosting the volume may be due to clipping and when it comes to lower quality when "alot is going on in a game" I would guess CPU usage related. I haven't found this to be an issue for me anyway.
  
• NVIDIA nForce Chipset
  x-bit has posted a two part review of nVidia's nForce chipset. The first part is a general overview with part II in more detail covering the graphics, IDE and sound performance of the chipset. potent nForce integrated Socket-A platform. In case of sound they found the nForce to outperform both the Live and Audigy in WindowsXP using the AudioWinbench test as well as Unreal Tournament. They also found the positioning to be a bit better thanks the the use of Sensaura but complained about lower sound quality and lack of 3D sound for 6-speaker systems. Not clear to me why they experienced lower quality sound, it's not something other reviews complained about. I don't get the impression they only talk about the reverb quality (that is EAX games) but in more general.

• Klipsch ProMedia 2.1
  OCAddiction has posted a very positive review of the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speaker system. A few comments. First, clearly other quality speaker sets can do much more than reach to 85 dB, as indicated in this review. Secondly, their calculation of speaker output power is not correct. I won't get into details here but if you want, you can check out the background in the the relevant boxes on page 4 of our own also positive ProMedia 2.1 review. Lastly, the THX certification of these speakers is not the same thing as found on hi-fi components, rather it is a multimedia speaker specific certification process.

  SourceMagazine has also posted a short and very positive review of Klipsch Promedia 2.1. The review is the same as appeared in the January 2002 issue of Computer Source Magazine.

• Speaker Round-Up
  Dan's Data has done a speaker round-up featuring Altec Lansing 4100, Cambridge SoundWorks FourPointSurround FPS1600, Creative Inspire 5.1 Digital 5700 and Logitech Z-560. It's very different speakers in price and feature set. Dan's Data has several complaints about each but with the notable exception of the Inspire 5700 find all to offer good performance for the price. The complaint about the Inspire 5700 is more if it's really worth it to get the control/decoder box for such cheap speakers than that there exist other system with those features at the same price point with better quality.

• Altec Lansing ACS54
  Hardware Avenue has done a review of Altec Lansing's inexpensive (sub US $75) ACS54 speaker system. They found it to be an excellent system considering the price and gave it a score of 8.5 out of 10.

• Logitech Z-560 4.1 Speakers
  ThinkTechie has done a review of Logitech's $200 Z-560 4.1 speaker system. As many other reviews they compare it to Klipsch ProMedia 4.1 and concludes that the bass is significantly better on the Z-560 with the midrange falling behind the ProMedia 4.1 and high-end to be about the same. Overall they prefer the Z-560 even if you ignore the $100 price difference

• Logitech Z-560 - Altec Lansing 641 Head-to-Head
  Firing Squad has posted a head-to-head review of the Logitech Z-560 and Altec Lansing 641 4.1 speaker systems. Overall positive conclusions for both systems but they give a clear nod overall to the Z-560. One thing worth pointing out is the Maximum Burst Output measure used by Klipsch and now Cambridge SoundWorks for some of their speakers is still a Watts RMS measure, it's just that they don't claim to do it for more than 30 seconds hence the terms "burst". It's very different than the (pointless) PMPO specs some still use. I'm not sure if the Z-560 really can do 400 Watts RMS continuously either, but that's what Logitech claims. While the two are at least in theory different, Klipsch claims the burst rating is reflective of typical real world performance where peaks are not maintained for long periods of time. One bit I wonder about is the statement in the review that the Z-560 is twice as loud as the 641. While that's certainly possible (it would mean 10 dB louder at clean peak volumes and the Z-560 is indeed loud), I wonder if they are perhaps are really referring to the fact that it's twice the Watts RMS of the 641, which does not necessarily mean twice the loudness. Thanks to Kuen Foo for the pointer.

• Apple Computer iPod
  Anandtech has done a detailed review of Apple's Apple iPod. As you probably now the iPod is a portable MP3 player featuring a 5GB hard drive and FireWire connection. Anandtech concludes as several other that the iPod is the best MP3 player they have seen so far. The only major complaint is the price ($399). Perhaps not expensive consider the storage space but a lot more than flash and CD based MP3 player.

• RioVolt SP250 CD-MP3 player
  NewsForge has posted a review of SonicBlue's RioVolt SP250 CD-MP3 player. It's a portable CD/MP3 Player that features 8 minute shock protection, an Integrated FM Tuner, Rechargeable batteries, a convenient on-wire remote control and a high-resolution backlit. NewsForge found it to perform well and worth the price (SRP $180 but according to the review can be found for about $150 online).

• A Look at the Panasonic SL-GC10 (Gamecube-DVD Player)
  Beachside Tech has posted an article that takes a look at the Panasonic SL-GC10, a device that is the combination of Nintendo's Gamecube, and a DVD/DVD-R player. Note that according to the article the SL-GC10 is only available in Japan.

• Acer MiniDVD Player
  T-Break has posted an overall positive review of Acer's PDV-6024DP MiniDVD Player. T-break describes the unit, which includes a credit-card sized remote control, as one where you can as easily attach it to your PC (via the USB or IEEE1394) to run data DVDs as you can to a TV and watch movies. They found the unit worked well for data transfers to the PC and with movies when connected to a TV but they could not get movies to work with PowerDVD on their PC.

• Creative Launches Sound Blaster Extigy
  Creative Technology has unveiled the Sound Blaster® Extigy(TM), the first external Sound Blaster in Creative's history. While the feature set looks very similar to the Audigy Creative says it use a different chip and that gamers will find the Audigy to performance much better. The Extigy still support positional audio and EAX 2.0 though. Other difference is no ASIO support.

  The Extigy connects to the notebook or desktop via the Universal Serial Bus (USB) port but can also be used without the PC as a Dolby Digital decoder for a set-top DVD or the X-Box. The decoding is in hardware unlike the Audigy and Live 5.1 which does that part in software.

  The Sound Blaster Extigy is slated to ship this month at an estimated street price of US$149.99. You can find more details in the press release or Creative's site.

• Extigy FAQ
  Creative has now posted an Extigy FAQ. Here's a couple interesting bits:

  Can I play PC games with Sound Blaster Extigy?

  Yes, you can. Sound Blaster Extigy is recommended for casual gaming. Sound Blaster Extigy supports the hundreds of EAX-enabled games that support the EAX 1.0 and EAX 2.0 API. With a fast CPU (Intel Pentium II-450MHz or faster, or equivalent), you can enjoy a 5.1 digital gaming experience just as you would with a PCI sound card.

  
  Can I play Multi-Environment PC games with Sound Blaster Extigy?

  Multi-Environment games support the EAX ADVANCED HD 4x effects processing capability. This technology demands a bandwidth that exceeds that available over USB. A desktop system equipped with a Sound Blaster Audigy product is ideal for Multi-Environment games.

  
  Would there be performance issues while playing games, especially since Sound Blaster Extigy is USB-based?

  Sound Blaster Extigy optimizes any available external bandwidth for audio processing without compromising quality or performance. However, it is recommended that Sound Blaster Extigy be used as the 1st device and not be used in conjunction with other USB bandwidth hungry devices over the same USB controller to ensure there is no impact on the performance (e.g. a video webcam).

• NVIDIA Extends nForce Product Family With nForce 415-D
  NVIDIA has introduced the nForce(TM) 415-D processor set, the latest addition to the Company's nForce Platform Processing product family. The nForce 415-D, the perfect complement to the new AMD Athlon(TM) XP 2000+ and other AMD processors, combines nForce's heralded Media and Communications Processor (MCP) with a new System Platform Processor (SPP) to deliver, nVidia claims, unparalleled memory, networking, audio, and PC performance. As with the other nForce chips with the -D, this one feature Dolby Digital Encoding. More details can be found in the press release

• Microsoft Unveils New Home PC Experiences
  During his keynote address at the 2002 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Bill Gates previewed new technologies designed to enhance and extend the experiences delivered with the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system. Gates' demonstration included an early version of a set of technologies, code-named ``Freestyle,'' which includes a new user interface to enable consumers to access their music, videos and photos from anywhere in the room. ``Freestyle'' also will enhance Windows XP to deliver new TV experiences on the PC.

  In addition, Gates unveiled a set of Windows CE .NET-based technologies, code-named ``Mira,'' designed to be included in a new generation of smart display devices such as detachable, wireless mobile flat-screen monitors and digital televisions, extending a complete Windows PC experience to relaxed settings in any room in the home.

  You can find more details in full the press release. You can also check out the main Bill Gates keynote presentation press release where they cover some other parts of Bill Gates speech including the past year success of the Xbox and WindowsXP.

  In related news Samsung Electronics introduced its vision for the future of home electronics and previewed a new product called the Home Media Center. The Home Media Center is the center of Samsung's vision of is that future technology will provide seamless connectivity, easy controllability for all home devices, and the convenience of managing family information. This technology will be able to control all consumer electronic devices in the home including DVD players, VCRs, TVs, PCs, and household. The first Home Media Center will be introduced with new Microsoft technologies mentioned above code-named ``Freestyle'' for Windows XP. You can find more details in the press release

• Xbox Launch One of Most Successful in Video Game History
  Microsoft has issued a press release claiming that the Xbox(TM) video game system had one of the most successful launches in video game history. Microsoft sold 1.5 million units in North America between the Nov. 15 launch and the end of calendar year 2001. In addition, the NPD Group Inc. has reported that gamers bought more than three games with every Xbox system, the highest-ever game attach rate for a video game console launch. You can find more details in the press release

• Microsoft Announces Details of Japanese Xbox Launch
  Microsoft has announced details of the Japanese launch for Xbox. The game console will go on sale at retail outlets throughout Japan Feb. 22 at a price of 34,800 yen, with 12 launch games available from the best names in video games, such as Sega Corp., Konami Corp., Capcom Co. Ltd., Tecmo Ltd. and Microsoft Game Studios. More details can be found in the press release

• QSound Will Demo New 3D Audio Technology
  QSound Labs has announced that it will be performing technology demonstrations of its patented 3D audio algorithms in the Intel both during CES.

  One important new technology QSound will be demonstrating at CES is QImmersion. This is how QSound describe this new technology

  By combining localized 3D effects heard through headphones with an enhanced sound field through regular stereo speakers, QImmersion presents a layered audio effect that puts the player into the heart of the action.

  No mention of when/if any of the current companies using QSound technology (Philips being the most well know with their Edge series of soundcards) will licensee QImmersion.

• QSound's QSurround in New TV by Thomson Multimedia
  QSound Labs has announced that Thomson Multimedia will incorporate QSound's QSurround(TM) technologies via Zoran's Vaddis(TM) 4.0 AC3 Decoder into two new home electronics products - a 27`` television and an undercounter LCD TV with DVD and AM-FM. You can find more details in the press release

• Qsound's QHD Featured on Zoran's DVD Processor
  Zoran Corporation has announced availability of QSound's QHD(TM) technology on their Vaddis IV DVD processor chip. For DVD audio, QHD uses QMDV(TM) (QSound Matrix Decoder/Virtualizer) to effectively create virtual 5.1 surround sound over a two-speaker system. CD audio is processed using QXpander(TM), which takes the inherent stereo sound image information and applies 3D processing proportionately to it, resulting in two-channel stereo output with a dramatically wider perceived sound field, free of the annoying acoustic artifacts typical of lower-grade processes. And MP3 audio is transformed through QXpander, QBass(TM), and QSizzle(TM) to restore both punch and brilliance to the music. You can find some additional bits in the press release

• Dolby in Games
  Dolby Laboratories continues to bring its audio technology to the video game industry, with all three top video game consoles using Dolby® audio technology. In the press release they offer a list of PS2, GameCube and XBox top selling games using Dolby Surround and/or Dolby Digital. Interesting to note that one GameCube game (NFL Fever 2002) is listed as using Dolby Digital despite the lack of Digital output on the GameCube. Not clear to me if this is a typo or they did include Dolby Digital but won't be used until a GameCube compatible device with digital output appears. For the complete list check out the press release

• First Dolby Headphone Product for US Launches
  Dolby Laboratories announced that its licensee Denon has launched the first US consumer electronics product equipped with Dolby® Headphone technology: the AVR-5803 receiver for home entertainment systems. You can find more details in the press release

• Dolby Puts Surround in Motion
  Dolby Laboratories used the huge Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to showcase its comprehensive in-car entertainment technology suite, demonstrating the first convenient, scalable, and affordable solutions for creating a rich surround-sound experience in the car. Visitors to the Dolby Laboratories booth (No. 13120, South Hall 3-4) can experience Dolby's latest Surround in Motion(TM) technologies for themselves in Dolby's newest demonstration vehicle: a 2001 BMW X5 outfitted with the latest Dolby technologies, including Dolby® Digital, Dolby Surround Pro Logic® II, and Dolby Headphone. You can find more details in the press release

  In related news Dolby Laboratories also announced that several audio manufacturers are unveiling in-car surround solutions featuring Dolby® Surround Pro Logic® II technology. Alpine, Clarion and Zapco join Rockford-Fosgate in offering aftermarket car surround products. In addition, Volvo will roll out its new SUV, which includes a Pro Logic II entertainment system, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, January 12-21. You can find more details in the press release

• SRS Labs Presents Latest Audio Technologies and Products
  SRS Labs has announced its participation in the electronics industry's largest trade show, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The company will be presenting its latest audio technologies, Circle Surround II(TM) (CSII) and TruSurround XT. SRS Labs is introducing and demonstrating its new flat panel speakers, which received a CES Innovation 2002 Design and Engineering award.

  SRS Labs proprietary flat panel speakers are based on its patented design and technology to industry retail buyers and OEM candidates. Developed by the original inventor of the company's namesake SRS technology, Arnold Klayman, these speakers not only boast dynamic, immersive sound quality, but also feature a sleek 2`` deep flat panel design. The Klayman Signature Series and Prestige Series allow for upgrading single speakers or complete 5.1 surround systems. You can find more details on these as well as the other technologies mentioned above in the full press release.

• SRS Labs Further Expands in DVD Market With Aiwa
  SRS Labs has announced that it has further expanded its dominance in the DVD market with a new customer Aiwa Co., Ltd. Aiwa recently introduced the XD-DV10 DVD player with SRS TruSurround. Aiwa has initially launched the XD-DV10 to the Japanese market. You can find more details in the press release

• SRS Labs Chairman Announces Positive 2002 Business Outlook
  SRS Labs, Inc. has announced its positive business outlook for 2002. Citing the current momentum of the home theater market, the amount of new design-in wins for its audio technologies, the increased number of projects and the new diverse clients for its ValenceTech ASIC chip business, and the interest from major broadcast networks for audio broadcast solutions from its SRSWOWcast subsidiary, the company estimated that its annual revenue in 2002 will increase 20 to 25 percent over 2001, resulting in moderate profitability. For quite a bit more detail you can check out the full press release.

• Cirrus Logic Introduce Single Chip DTS 96/24 Audio Processing Solution
  Cirrus Logic has announced the launch of CS49400 digital signal processor (DSP). Cirrus Logic claims this will enable manufacturers of high volume audio video receivers (AVRs) and integrated home theater systems to deliver the realism of the new DTS 96/24 audio standard to more consumers. You can find more details in the press release.

• New THX Ultra Premium Car Audio Program
  Lucasfilm THX has announced the THX Ultra Premium Car Audio program, a performance breakthrough for automotive entertainment from the company that set the standard for high quality cinema and home theater sound. The first vehicle to offer a THX certified car audio system will be the 2003 Lincoln LS.
  The new THX program, the company's first for the automobile, draws upon THX's two decades of experience in sound system engineering and acoustics for professional and home applications to redefine the performance standards needed to deliver the highest quality audio performance in an automobile. Rather than certify individual components, the program sets performance standards for a system. All the elements that affect system performance, including the electronics, speakers, speaker placement and equalization, are engineered to deliver that performance within the specific vehicle's acoustic space.

  The company's approach to the 2003 Lincoln LS audio system is indicative of how THX will approach all car audio projects. The car was extensively tested under a wide range of road and driving conditions, and computer simulations were conducted to evaluate possible solutions for delivering THX quality sound within the challenging environment of a moving car. Working with performance parameters that include bandwidth, peak levels and uniformity of coverage, the goal is to create a system that delivers smooth spectral balance for all listeners and wide dynamic range without the need for sound compression.

  For additional details you can check out the following two press releases:

  - New THX Ultra Premium Car Audio Program Brings Renowned THX Sound Quality to the Car
  - Music to Drivers' Ears: Lincoln to Be the First With THX Certified Premium Car Audio Systems

• Altec Lansing Unveils New Corporate Direction and Products
  Altec Lansing Technologies long-time leader in the design and manufacture of computer speaker systems has unveiled a revitalized corporate identity program at 2002 International CES. Created by Altec Lansing's new senior management and marketing teams, the program is designed to build upon the trusted brand's rich heritage and compliment the company's new direction, marked by the introduction of a broader line beyond the PC.

  At CES, Altec Lansing previewed its first step beyond the PC with a new line of speaker systems designed to enhance the TV audio from video game consoles, like the Xbox®, GameCube(TM) and PlayStation® 2. The company plans to introduce three video game speaker systems, including a 5.1, 2.1 and 0.1 version. The products will debut later this year. You can find more details on these new plans in the press release. More details on the new speakers (XA3001, XA3021 and XA3051) targeting consoles are available in a separate press release

  In related news Altec Lansing introduced a new line of mid-range PC speaker systems that deliver quality sound for a wide range of audio uses. The 200-series line includes three speaker systems that run the gamut of PC audio, ranging from the 2-channel 220 to the 6-channel 251. The third is the 3-piece system 221. The SRP is $100, $50 and $30 respectively.

• Delphi Showcases 5.1 Theatre Surround Sound in Cars
  Imagine putting a theatre in the back seat to keep children occupied as you journey on a long trip from Detroit to Las Vegas. Delphi Automotive Systems (NYSE: DPH) showcased this scenario at the 2002 International Consumer Electronics Show with a demonstration of its new 5.1 Theatre Surround System that features premium quality audio and crisp color video.

  Delphi worked closely with Polk Audio to develop the demonstration. Polk, a leader in high performance home theater surround sound, furnished the smart digital amplification to optimize the 3D imaging of the vehicle's acoustics, while Delphi provided the overall system integration in the display vehicle. The 5.1 channel audio features Dolby® digital and DTS decoding. The unit features a DVD playback integrated into the radio head that also has a six- disc CD changer in the same head unit. You can find more details in the press release

• Benwin Introduces New Flat Panel Products
  Benwin has announced the introduction of two remarkable new models within their DML family of flat panel multimedia speaker products. The new LTS2 3-Piece Speaker System and UTS Universal Subwoofer significantly extend the company's line of flat panel speaker offerings.

  The new UTS Universal Subwoofer is the perfect complement to the company's LTS Compact Flat Panel Speaker System introduced earlier this year, but is designed to work with most two-piece amplified multimedia speaker systems on the market today. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is $29.99. Benwin also offers a package deal of the LTS Compact Flat Panel Speaker System with the UTS Universal Subwoofer for $80. You can find some additional bits in the press release

  In related news Benwin announced the launch of its newest multimedia speakers that merges their exclusive H-DML audio technology with breakthrough industrial design. Benwin engineers perfected an exclusive H-DML (Hybrid Distributed Mode Loudspeaker) audio technology by combining DML flat panel speaker technology -- for wide dispersion and high frequency response -- and traditional high performance conical drivers for clean midrange frequency reproduction.

  The DML200 2.1 multimedia speaker system carries an MSRP of $49.99, and the DML220 4.1 system at $69.99. Both systems feature Benwin's H-DML audio technology, powerful subwoofer, and wired remote control for convenient adjustment of all system controls. You can find more details in the press release

• ViewSonic Brings Unparalleled Digital Large-Screen Entertainment
  ViewSonic® Corporation used the 2002 Consumer Electronics Show to unveil its first offering in a new category of smart displays that allow users to view all forms of digital and analog entertainment -- TV, VCR, DVD, camcorder, digital camera, cable box, game player and PC signals -- at resolutions up to four times higher than standard television images.

  To further augment the viewing experience, the VX3600 offers virtual surround sound with a 100-watt digital audio system, two 25-watt maximum front-firing speakers and a 50-watt maximum bass subwoofer. ViewSonic has also built-in 2.4 Gigahertz wireless technology, which is easier to use than infrared pointing technology. The VX3600 ships with a 2.4GHz remote control and has an optional 2.4GHz multimedia keyboard. For more read the full press release

• Plantronics Announces New .Line of PC Headsets
  Plantronics has announced the availability of the new .Audio line of PC microphones and headsets designed to give consumers more styles and choices at leading retail outlets.

  Plantronics has now established an aggressive strategy to expand its PC product line to a broader audience providing multiple styles and price points including a new foldable stereo headset for portability, a stereo earbud headset, and a new behind-the-neck stereo headset. You can find some details on the new product line in the press release

• Amphony Presents Digital Wireless Headphones
  the world's first Digital Wireless RF Headphones to transmit audio in true CD quality, Amphony is presenting it's 2.4 GHz Digital Wireless Headphones, Model 1000 at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

  The 2.4 GHz Digital Wireless Headphones are geared towards the medium and high-end consumer as well as the audio professional. The Model 1000 2.4 GHz Digital Wireless Headphones from Amphony have a suggested retail price of $129, and have already started to ship to U.S. retailers. Additional details can be found in the press release

• FreeSystems and Grado Release Digital Wireless Headphones
  FreeSystems and Grado Labs have launched the limited edition FreeSystems-Grado Digital Headphone System.

  The pioneering system consists of the FreeSystems-designed digital infrared transmitter, a digital receiver-headphone amp and a handcrafted Grado headphone. To assure audiophile-grade performance, FreeSystems has incorporated the well-regarded Grado RA-1 headphone amplifier within the receiver. The total build quantity of the Limited Edition is less than 500 pieces. For more details read the full press release

• Apogee Showcases Products Using DDX Amplifier
  Apogee Technology will showcase new electronic products incorporating its DDX® (Direct Digital Amplification) amplifier technology at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) from January 8 to 11, 2002. Products on display includes DVD receivers, digital speakers, commercial audio systems and professional audio amplifiers.

  Apogee's DDX is an all-digital, high efficiency amplifier. You can find more details in the press release.

  In a separate press release Apogee announced that Power Zenith DVD Surround Sound System will feature the DDX technology. The Zenith DA3520 is a DVD Dolby Digital Surround Sound System which plays CDs/DVDs as well as a radio tuner and includes six loudspeakers powered by 180 Watts of DDX all-digital, high- efficiency amplification.

  SanDisk Introduces 256 Megabyte SD Card
  SanDisk Corporation has introduced the 256 megabyte (MB) SD Card, a removable, postage stamp-sized flash memory card capable of storing up to eight hours of digital music, more than 80 minutes of MPEG-4 video or more than 250 high-resolution digital images. The announcement, made at the Consumer Electronics Show, doubles the capacity of SanDisk's highest capacity SD Cards currently shipping.

  SanDisk is currently shipping 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128MB SD cards. The 256MB SanDisk SD Card will be available in this quarter and is expected to sell for approximately $199. More details can be found in the press release

• World Wide Licenses Launches Digital MP3 Player With AM/FM Radio
  World Wide Licenses has introduced its Cool-i Digital Audio System which combines a digital MP3 player with an AM/FM radio. The Cool-iBoombox, model CI-350 suggested retail price is $149.99. You can find details in the press release

• Thomson multimedia: mp3PRO Family Grows
  Thomson multimedia, the exclusive licensing representative for mp3 patents and software of Fraunhofer and Coding Technologies, has announced that the mp3PRO music format continues to gain widespread industry and consumer support as content providers, hardware manufacturers and software developers conclude licensing agreements for the advanced mp3 codec for their products.

  According to Henri Linde, Vice President, New Business of the Patent and Licensing unit for Thomson multimedia, the company has reached a number of significant mp3PRO licensing agreements with leading Internet providers, software developers and designers and hardware manufacturers, underscoring the rapid expansion of the next generation mp3 format. You can find more details in the press release

• Alpine Unveils New DVD/MP3 players for Cars and Digital Amplifiers
  Alpine Electronics of America has unveiled a broad range of premium performance components for building superior, mobile digital audio, visual and navigational systems in 2002. You can find the details in the press release.

  In a separate announcement Alpine introduced its new FantomFace(TM) XL CD/MP3 in-dash players, the first DIN chassis head units designed with a 30 percent larger-than-normal faceplate. Alpine's new FantomFace XL head units incorporate several design elements previously only available with its industry-benchmark AlpineF#1Status(TM) products. Underscoring this design achievement, the FantomFace XL CDA-7998 tuner received the 2002 CES Innovations award for design and engineering. You can find more details in the press release

  In related news Alpine unveiled its new DVA-7996 in-dash DVD head unit, the industry's first automotive DVD-based AM/FM tuner to feature a built-in MP3 decoder. Alpine designed its new DVA-7996 to provide consumers with an in-dash component system that provides both premium video playback and high quality sound performance from a variety of popular audio formats, including DVD video, CDs, MP3s and XM Satellite Radio. The DVA-7996 is Alpine's first XM-Ready DVD product, providing an easy upgrade path to all digital media compatibility. More details available in the press release

  Alpine Electronics has also unveiled a, they claim, breakthrough in Class-D amplifiers with its new V12 AccuClass-D(TM) mono amplifier line, the industry's first to feature a complete digital architecture inside the chassis from input to power amplification stage. By incorporating this total internal digital architecture, Alpine is the first to bring DSP-based digital sound tuning and precision amplifier control to the market.

  Unlike other Class-D amps that modulate from the analog domain, Alpine's new V12 AccuClass-D amps have a custom DSP front end and a highly accurate digital amplifier stage. With this custom DSP and an advanced power supply design, Alpine's V12 AccuClass-D amps set a new industry benchmark for power, stability and value. You can find more details in the press release

• SONICblue Launches the Rio Riot and New Go-Video DVD
  Expanding its digital audio leadership into new market categories, SONICblue has unveiled its first hard drive-based portable music player -- the Rio Riot(TM). Designed to store an entire music collection, the Rio Riot is built around a 20GB hard-drive that holds more than 5,000 songs or 400 CDs(1) worth of high-quality, digital music. The Rio Riot ($399.95 MSRP) is available for preorder on SONICblue's eStore and will be available toward the end of February in North American retail outlets. You can find more details in the press release

  SonicBlue has also introduced a new Go-Video® DHT7100 DVD instant home theater system that includes everything a consumer needs to instantly convert their television into a home theater system. DVD digital home theater system carries 270 watts of total power and sports a digital AM/FM tuner, Dolby Digital® decoder, DTS digital output, subwoofer, and five wall-mountable satellite speakers for the ultimate in convenience. This ultra-compact system comes in metallic silver with a reflective front panel, and features an illuminated blue LED surrounding the volume control for a sleek, elegant look.

  SONICblue's new Go-Video DHT7100 DVD home theater system retails for $399.99 and will be available through retail outlets throughout the United StatesMore details can be found in the press release

• Archos Announces Jukebox Multimedia
  Archos has announced that it will be shipping its Jukebox Multimedia at the end of January. The Jukebox Multimedia, which is priced at just $325.00, is designed with an adaptable, multi-capability base unit that can accommodate active modules for various entertainment functions. This tiny, hand-held device (12.3 oz / 4.5`` x 3.2'' x 1.3``) comes configured with a 10 GB hard drive and combines an MP3 and WMA music player and recorder, plus built-in microphone, photo album viewer, still camera and camcorder, plus video player and recorder. You can find more details in the press release

• Kenwood Excelon Unveils Music Keg for Cars
  Kenwood USA Corporation has unveiled at the International Consumer Electronics Show the Kenwood Excelon(TM) Music Keg(TM), a high capacity digital music storage and playback mobile audio system, that builds a bridge between desktop and vehicle music environments. The Music Keg comes with 10GB of storage capacity to record, organize, store and play MP3, WMA and WAV digital music files. For more details read the press release

• e.Digital Unveil MTV DataPlay-Enabled Music Player
  e.Digital, Evolution Technologies, MTV: Music Television, and DataPlay(TM) have announced the MTV portable DataPlay-enabled music player.

  The device is scheduled to be one of the first music players on the market to utilize DataPlay's innovative technology. The music player will be demonstrated at the 2002 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas Jan. 8-11, at the Evolution booth No. 13432 in the MP3 Pavilion. Using DataPlay's removable, quarter-sized 500 MB digital media, the MTV music player holds up to eleven hours of compressed digital music, or five complete pre-recorded albums of CD-quality music. The device design is much smaller than CD players and many solid-state digital audio players at 75mm X 85mm X 23mm. It supports MP3, AAC, QDX, and Windows Media(TM) formatted music files and is firmware upgradeable so that end users can download and install additional features as they become available. You can find even more details in the full press release

• Fullplay Debuts New Digital Audio Jukebox System and New Home Media Center
  Fullplay Media Systems has introduced the Darwin(TM) Digital Audio Jukebox at the 2002 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). As a standalone unit, the Darwin Digital Jukebox plays standard audio format CDs as well as MP3, WMA and AAC digital format CDs. What's more, it can encode CDs and other music (such as from a turntable or tape player) into a variety of MP3 sample rate formats and copy and store this music on its hard drive, providing quality digital music playback.

  Manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Darwin Digital Jukebox is $499.95. The Darwin Digital Jukebox will be available for pre-order via Fullplay's new website later in Q1 2002. You can find more details in the press release

  In related news Fullplay Media Systems previewed the Fullplay Muse Media Center. The Muse Media Center replaces and combines the features of a standard, multi-disk CD player, a DVD player, a digital image viewing system, and a home computer. For audiophiles, Muse creates both uncompressed PCM files as well as high bit rate MP3s (up to 320 Kbps) for CD quality audio playback. With support for leading digital video formats such as MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4, Muse can record or playback movies and videos from VCD, DVD or streamed from the PC or Internet. The basic design fits right into existing stereo or home entertainment systems and supports both analog and digital connections. And with the inclusion of standard surround sound audio formats such as Dolby DTS, you'll hear and see all the action. More details can be found in the press release

• Universal Music Group Announces Its First Super Audio CD Titles
  Universal Music Group has announced further details of its commitment to make music available on Super Audio CD (SACD). Starting with the first releases in Spring 2002, UMG plans an ongoing program to make a combination of best-selling artists and core catalog titles available on SACD in major regions worldwide. A substantial number of these releases will incorporate SACD's multi-channel surround sound. Further details are available in the press release

• DVD Players and Cars support MS WMA format
  We mentioned this before but now during CES MS has issued a new press release announcing that leading DVD player manufacturers have adopted MS Windows Media(TM) Technologies for their new DVD players.

  Panasonic and Apex Digital have now also unveiled the first DVD players supporting Windows Media Audio (WMA). In addition, Shinco and Toshiba Corp. announced will introduce DVD players which support Windows Media later this year. You can find more details in the press release.

  In related news Microsoft  announced that several leading manufacturers are demonstrating new car stereo systems supporting Microsoft® Windows Media(TM) Audio. The manufacturers include AIWA America Inc., Blaupunkt USA, Kenwood USA Corp. and Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. You can find some details about the products in the press release

• Sony Delivers Networked Products at CES
  Sony Electronics has issued a press release where they are highlighting the company's strong sales performance in the last two months of the year, and pointing out key network product introductions that start to deliver on the company's vision of a ``Ubiquitous Value Network.

  The press release offers details of products featuring this seamless integration of digital content in three strategic areas: Net MD Walkman Player, Camcorder Advances and Innovations in Mobile Electronics. For details read the press release

• SONICblue and Coca-Cola Team up
  SONICblue( has entered into a licensing agreement with The Coca-Cola Company to design, promote and sell a Coca-Cola and Rio® co-branded line of digital audio players in the United States. Some additional details are available in the press release

• Zandiant Introduce Wireless MP3 Player for Cars
  Zandiant Technologies will introduce a new MP3 Player that will enables MP3 and Wav files to be downloaded to the vehicle via IEEE 802.11 wireless technology. By introducing the wireless connection, buyers will be able to eliminate having to transfer music onto CD-ROMs or other media for playback in their vehicles. Zandiant's device will connect to aftermarket car stereo receivers, interfacing in the same manner as typical add-on CD changers. You can find a lot more details in the full press release

• Delphi Automotive Systems MP3 Playback Capwability
  Delphi Automotive Systems will showcase its original equipment Communiport® MP3 audio playback at the 2002 International Consumer Electronics Show. Delphi has led the industry in MP3 playback development for new vehicles since the technology's introduction. The Communiport MP3 playback devices demonstrated at CES use several playback mechanisms. One MP3-equipped audio system houses a CD-ROM that looks like a standard CD player. In another, the MP3 unit uses hard-disk drive storage and playback. For some quotes and links you can check out the full press release.

• RioPort Unveils Technology for Secure Playback of Subscription Music Downloads On Portables
  Delivering a major step forward for the emerging online music subscription market, RioPort, Inc., the leading music application service provider (ASP), has announced what they are calling a ground-breaking advancement to its d2d(TM) (Direct-to-Device) technology that enables rental/subscription music downloads to be played on consumer electronics devices such as portable playback devices, Web-based home stereos, set-top boxes or car stereos while maintaining security and ensuring that content usage rules for rental music tracks are enforced. These rules include termination by play count, cumulative play time or time-based expiration. RioPort's technology works in conjunction with existing digital rights management (DRM) solutions (e.g. Microsoft Windows Media DRM) to provide support for rental music download expiration. For lots more detail you can check out the full press release.

• Cirrus Logic Showcase New Products at CES
  Cirrus Logic have announced plans to display the power of its vision at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Jan. 8 - 11, 2002 in Las Vegas. Products they will have on display includes their new DVD processor which they claim are the industry's first progressive scan technology priced at mass market price points. You can find more details about Cirrus Logic's CES plans in the full press release.

  In a separate press release Cirrus Logic unveiled more details on the new DVD processor which they say will enable Digital TV ready DVD Players for less than $150. When it comes to audio the CS98100 is designed with a 32-bit audio DSP running at 90 MIPs that supports all audio standards of Dolby Digital®, DTS®, MP3, WMA, and MPEG along with virtual speaker output capability. For a lot more on check out a the press release.

• Pioneer Unveils New Products at CES
  Pioneer Electronics has unveiled nearly 75 new products for home and mobile entertainment, designed to provide a connected world of convenience and entertainment for consumers. The company offers a growing line of universal plug and play ``smart'' products that are compatible and equipped with the ability to communicate with each other, bringing to life the concept of Entertainment Anywhere, Anytime.

  Highlights of the new product line-up include The Digital Library, next generation DVD recorder, PureVision Plasma televisions, CD players with hard discs, XM Digital Satellite Tuners, In-car Visual/Audio system and a truly universal DVD player that offers playback of DVD-Video, DVD-Audio and Multi-channel SACD. You can find some additional details in the press release

  For a lot more details of the first AM/FM/CD player with built-in 10 GB hard disk drive for in-car use, The DEH-P90HDD, you can check out a separate press release.

• ESS and Denon . Announce New DVD Players
  ESS Technology and Denon have jointly announced the new Denon DVD-9000 DVD player, powered by ESS's ES6038F DVD chip. Denon will be demonstrating their DVD-9000 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas beginning on January 8, 2002.

  The ES6038F features the most advanced audio format, DVD-Audio, which offers high fidelity recordings with surround sound capability of up to 6 independent channels of 96-kHz/24 bit audio, with 2-channel resolution of 192 kHz/24 bits. It supports multi-channel Meridian Lossless Packing (MLP) audio decode, Linear Pulse Code Modulation (LPCM) audio decode, audio watermark detection, and Copy Protection for Prerecorded Media (CPPM). You can find even more info in the full press release

• Toshiba Develops Next-Generation Rewritable Optical Disk
  Toshiba Corporation has announced a next-generation large-capacity rewritable optical disk and read/write optical head incorporating 405nm blue-laser technology. The new 120mm disk can store up to 30GB on a single layered, single side, capacity enough to record three hours of high definition moving digital images. You can find more details in the full press release

• Philips Announce its 2002 Lineup
  At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Philips Consumer Electronics announced its new lineup of cutting-edge, lifestyle-driven products designed to change the way consumers see and hear their world.

  The full line includes Philips Pixel Plus technology that creates high definition-like picture characteristics, plasma and LCD FlatTV(TM) televisions, DVD-Recorders, Internet Audio and MP3-CD systems. As a testament to Philips' commitment to a long history of innovation and industry ``firsts,'' many of its new products were recognized for Innovations 2002 awards -- 12 in total. You can find more details in the full press release. For more details about Philips new Portable CD Photo Viewer/MP3 player and new DVD recorder (DVDR985) check out separate announcements.

• Samsung Unveils ``Everything In One'' DVD Player
  Building on its past success in DVD technology, Samsung Electronics has announced the introduction of its latest, most innovative series, the DVD-2000 series. Billed as the ``everything in one'' system, the DVD-2000 is dual-vision combining both a DVD player and VCR in one unit that is also able to read Audio CD, CD-R, MP3 (kept in CD) Video CD and Super VHS. A technological advance, the DVD offers a DTS decoder and digital Dolby, while the VCR has four heads and hi-fi sound. For more details check out the press release

• Zenith Launches Broad Family of DVD Players
  Zenith Electronics Corporation has announced introduction of a dozen new DVD players and changers, advanced digital audio products and VCRs at the Consumer Electronics Show. Chief among Zenith's new DVD players are two progressive scan models, the single-tray DVB216 DVD Player and the DVB257 5-Disc Changer. Both feature MP3 decoding-as do all the DVD players-and component, progressive scan, and S-video outputs. The DVB257 also features DVD Audio. The players are expected to be available at suggested prices of $159.99 and $299.99, in April and August, respectively. You can find details on the rest of the line-up in the press release

• Alera Technologies DVD+RW Cruiser Goes to Hollywood
  Alera Technologies, developer and manufacturer of Advanced DVD and CD Recording Solutions, is supplying DVD technology products to 3Oh!5 Creative, Inc., a Hollywood creator of film and video productions for the entertainment industry.

  The DVD+RW Cruiser is based on the newly released DVD+RW technology which boasts the fastest DVD ReWrite speeds and also reads DVD+RW, DVD Video, DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, CD-R and CD-RW discs and writes CD-R and CD-RW. The DVD+RW Cruiser solution is offered with a FireWire IEEE 1394 interface. The DVD+RW Cruiser has an estimated street price of $699. You can find more details in the press release

• Recordable DVD Council Announces Support for DVD Multi Specifications
  As part of its commitment to build increased understanding of the recordable DVD formats established by the DVD Forum, the Recordable DVD Council (RDVDC) announced at its CES press conference that it will expand its support to include the Forum's new DVD Multi specifications. DVD Multi, is a set of hardware specifications developed to enable disc compatibility for virtually all formats officially created by the DVD Forum. You can find more details in the press release

• Analyst Predicts 725% Growth in Recordable DVD Sales
  During his presentation at the Recordable DVD Council's CES press conference, Jon Peddie, president of Jon Peddie Research, predicted that Recordable DVD drive sales will grow from 1.3 million units in 2001 to 9.8 million in 2002, more than 30 million units in 2004, and 50+ million in 2005. Members of the RDVDC, a coalition of 83 leading DVD technology developers and manufacturers who are working to expand the understanding of the DVD Forum's recordable DVD formats (DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW), were confident that they could meet the growing demand. You can find more details in the press release

• Zoran and Digital 5 Partner to Demonstrate Wireless Home-Networked DVD Platform
  Zoran Corporation and Digital are partnering to deliver network connected home entertainment platform solutions. In a joint technology demonstration at CES 2002, Zoran's Vaddis V reference DVD platform and Digital 5's Netmedia wireless networking technologies are combined to deliver wireless home networking.

  DVD players based on Zoran and Digital 5 technologies can be wirelessly connected for access to all multimedia content stored on a home server or PC. What this means to consumers is that files in multiple audio and video formats such as MP3, JPEG, MPEG-4 or Windows Media Audio and Video files will be freely displayed on every home TV connected to a Zoran-enabled DVD player in any room of the house

  Zoran and Digital 5 expect to show first versions of DVD players based on the connected platform in mid 2002 with first shipments to consumers in late 2002. You can find more details in the full press release

• Hitachi Unveils Expanded DVD Player and VCR Line
  The Home Electronics Division of Hitachi America announced a new progressive scan DVD player along with the rest of the company's new DVD and VCR line at the 2002 Consumer Electronics Show. Featuring two new models for 2002, the DV-P325U and DV-P725U, Hitachi's DVD player line features expanded functionality and new industrial design. Both units incorporate a dual laser pickup providing compatibility with DVD, DVD-R, VideoCD, CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs as well as MP3 playback capabilities, front panel shuttle, virtual surround sound, DTS digital out and multi-brand remote. Where they differ is mostly the DV-725U progressive scan support. The DV-P325U is scheduled for release in March 2002, retailing for $139.95, while the DV-P725U is scheduled for release in April 2002, priced at $189.95. You can find more details in the press release about these as well as the VCR and VCD/DVD combo units

• Movie Producer Tad Devlin Q&A @ SoundBlaster.com
  Creative has posted an interview with Movie Producer Tad Devlin on SoundBlaster.com. As you may guess uses Sound Blaster sound cards in the production of his short films and videos. The interview focus on his impression of the Audigy and is even titled as an Audigy review. Here's a couple interesting snips:

  Q1. Hi Tad! So what are your overall impressions about the Sound Blaster Audigy?
  A1. Installation was a snap.Software too. No driver issues. Everything worked perfectly. The clarity is outstanding. No other card at the consumer/pro-consumer level sounds this good. The 5.1 Dolby Digital decoding works really well when played through a home theater system as well and competitive with commercial DVDs. Impressive!

  Q2. Compared to other sound cards, what do you like about Sound Blaster Audigy?
  A2. It can be compared with professional products that cost 5 times more.It has the ability to work with 96kHz/24-bit tracks and it is HDTV-compatible. For clarity of sound, I'd give it a 10!
  Q4. On a scale of 1-10 what do you feel the Sound Blaster Audigy delivers in quality?
  A4.

  
  Dimension of Sound -10
  Bass - 8
  Treble - 10
  Mid tones - 9

  I do wish the bass end of the card had a bit more bass dynamic in it. Also, I noticed some slight rumble in the sub-woofer with certain frequencies.

• PowerDVD XP 4.0 Ultimate Sights & Sounds Event
  Cyberlink is holding a contest where you can win a free Hercules Game Theater XP, an SRS WOW Thing audio enhancers, or a 2-channel Jazz speaker set. They are also allowing you to tell three of your friends about this event (by submitting their e-mail address in the entry form) making them eligible to win one of 20 free copies of PowerDVD XP 4.0 Standard. For all the details head over to Cyberlink's event page.

• Reviews that we are currently working on:
  Updated Santa Cruz/Sonic Fury and GameTheaterXP reviews
  Hercules Fortissimo II
  Terratec DMX Xfire 1024
  CMedia CM8738 Reference Review
  Full Audigy Review
  Full Philips MMS305 Review
  
• There are several other hardware reviews in the pipeline including, but not limited to the following:
  Guillemot Maxi Sound MUSE
  Terratec m3po
  DigMedia MusicStore
  Philips Seismic Edge
  Lots of other stuff on the go in including several guides and major site revisions that we will soon be releasing more details on.
  

As always if you have any ideas for products we should review or features we should do, please let us know.

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