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The Week in
Review: July 14-20, 2003
Last week's features at
3DsoundSurge
Last week's sound news
Drivers and bugs
New
games, demos, patches and bugs
New World Order Patch
A new patch (v1.42) for New World Order has been released.
- Republic: The Revolution orchestral soundtrack
Article
Music 4 Games has posted an article about the creation of the orchestral soundtrack for
Republic: The Revolution.
- Monolith Productions Audio Director Interview
(Tron 2.0)
SoundBlaster.com has conducted an interview with James Ackley, Director of Audio and Lead Sound
Designer at Monolith Productions. In the interview they focus on the recently gone
gold Tron 2.0. Here's a coupe interesting bits:
Q6. What is your favorite part of the game acoustically? Is
there anything that people should listen for?
A6. I think my favorite part is the ambience. If you just stand still, look around and
listen there's a lot going on. With the beautiful graphics (like the city level) and
density of some of the soundscapes you'll be glad you spent the extra money on the nice
speakers and subwoofer.
Q7. How did you use EAX ADVANCED HD in TRON 2.0?
A7. We used EAX everywhere in Tron. One of the main things that the movie did was use a
sorta slappy reverb on all the Tron world scenes. So, we had to have reverb, no question.
EAX does the best job of it by far. Since it does everything on the card, the engineers
were happy and I was happy because it sounded the best. For most of the levels, we just
did a simple slappy reverb. But in the corrupted levels, we used some crazy version of the
Drugged environment. I was lucky enough to have an engineer early on who set it up so I
could change just about any of the parameters (including the environment) in one text
file. This meant that I could have a new reverb for every level if I wanted. I used this
flexibility to create some special reverbs for different scenes, like real world, big
city, or small dark spaces and so on.
Q8. What does EAX ADVANCED HD add to the game?
A8. Having to test for all situations, I played TRON without EAX a few times to make sure
things were still ok, with or without. There was a few times when I would play the game
for a week or two without any environment effect on and man, once I turned them back on it
was like I was no longer playing in a dry sterile computer generated world. As soon as the
reverb comes on the Tron world comes to life.
Reviews of soundcards, speakers, headphones and MP3
players.
- M-Audio Revolution 7.1 Sound Card
X-Bit Labs has posted a detailed review of M-Audio Envy24 based Revolution 7.1 Sound Card.
They offer some comparisons to Creative Audigy 1 and 2 series as well as Terratec's Aureon
7.1 Space. They found sound quality to be excellent, better than the Audigy 2, but
consider it a rather poor gaming card and overall a bit too expensive. I have not really
used the card but I don't consider the Sensaura technology as half-dead just because it
doesn't support EAX Advanced HD. The 3D sound is still really the best available when it
comes to 2-speakers and headphones IMO.
Other sound news
- Micronas Boosts TV Sound Quality With Dolby Pro
Logic II Processor
Micronas has introduced the first single-chip TV Audio processor with integrated Dolby Pro
Logic® II decoding that significantly reduces both cost and development time. You can find more details in the press
release.
- Denon Announce World's First Audio Product with
Dolby Virtual Surround Sound
Denon Electronics and Dolby Laboratories have announced the US debut of Denon's D-M71DVXP,
a DVD receiver system that is the world's first audio/video product to incorporate Dolby®
Virtual Speaker surround sound technology. Comprised of an integrated DVD/receiver unit,
two satellite speakers, and a subwoofer, the compact, elegantly designed system provides a
realistic 5.1-channel surround listening experience. You can find more details in the press
release.
- TerraTec Producer PHASE 26 USB Available in July
TerraTec Producer announces the shipping of the second TerraTec Producer product: PHASE 26
USB will be available in July 2003. The PHASE 26 USB is the first external studio
interface to feature TerraTec's tried-and-true audio technology in 24-bit, 96-kHz
resolution. This makes it the perfect mobile recording solution for all Windows notebooks
or Apple PowerBooks furnished with USB ports. Featuring two analog inputs and six outputs,
a MIDI interface, a microphone input, and an amplified headphones output, the PHASE 26 USB
is a remarkably versatile audio system for musicians and producers. You can find more details in the full
press release.
- TerraTec Producer PHASE 28 - 192-kHz Multi I/O
Recording Interface
TerraTec announces the shipping of the first TerraTec Producer Product: PHASE 28 - the
24-bit/ 192 kHz Multi I/O Recording Interface. With PHASE 28, TerraTec Producer offers the
perfect introduction to the world of professional studios. Sporting two inputs and eight
outputs, a MIDI interface, and digital I/Os designed for a variety of uses, PHASE 28
features plenty of ports for all audio applications on a specially shielded break-put
cable. Configured as balanced 6-3 mm (1/4") jacks, all analog connectors are designed
to accept studio levels and signal resolutions of up to 24 bits / 192 kHz. Selected
converters and cleverly designed circuitry enable recordists to make crystal-clear stereo
recordings and play back high-resolution 5.1/7.1 Surround productions. You can find more details in the press
release.
- Harman Multimedia Introduces JBL Duet and JBL
Encounter
Harman Multimedia has announced the introduction of the JBL® Duet (TM) speaker system, a
two-channel audio solution, and JBL® Encounter(TM) 5.1, the company's first 5.1 surround
sound speaker system for the home computer. Featuring 12
watts of total power, JBL Duet employs the latest in Phoenix Tangential Strain Relief
(TSR(TM)) technology for extra bass with lower distortion, thanks to a more controlled
linear excursion. Bass performance is also enhanced by Harman Multimedia's SlipStream port
design, which reduces "unwanted noise" while maintaining performance benefits.
Further, JBL Duet's super neodymium magnet creates more power and sensitivity for clear,
crisp sound to complement consumers' digital lifestyle.
It will be available in mid-August online and at national retailers
for a suggested retail price of $59.95. You can find more details in the press
release.
JBL Encounter 5.1 comprises 4 self-powered satellites, a clip-on or freestanding center
channel and a tremendously powerful subwoofer for performance to match the needs of
today's gamers and movie buffs. JBL Encounter is also available in a 2.1 system for music
enthusiasts.
JBL Encounter 5.1 leverages proven JBL industrial design and the
latest in desktop surround technology for an unparalleled consumer experience. This 5.1
multichannel audio system comprises 4 self-powered satellites, a clip-on or freestanding
center channel and a tremendously powerful subwoofer for performance to match the needs of
today's gamers and movie buffs. JBL Encounter is also available in a 2.1 system for music
enthusiasts.
JBL Encounter 5.1 and JBL Encounter 2.1 are compatible with all
analog stereo and multichannel sound cards in desktop and laptop computers, as well as
with game consoles, and digital music and personal CD players. They will be available in
November 2003 and December 2003, respectively for a suggested retail price of $399.95 for
the JBL Encounter 5.1 system, and $299.95 for the JBL Encounter 2.1 system. You can find more details in the
press release.
- Interview with Klipsch
GDXBox has conducted an interview with Amy Platt, Klipsch Multimedia Product Specialist, Don
Inmon, National OEM Accounts Representative and Mark Casavant, VP of Multimedia and
Business Development.
- Alpine Delivers the Ultimate in Mobile Sound
System Fidelity
Alpine Electronics has announced that it has completed delivery of a full
AlpineF#1Status(TM) benchmark car audio system with the addition of an ultimate fidelity
four-channel amplifier, and three-way component and two-way single speaker systems. The
new AlpineF#1Status speakers and amplifiers are available now through approximately 80
exclusive, highly certified dealers in the U.S. and Canada. You can find more details in the
press release.
- NVIDIA Introduces Product Suite for Microsoft
Media Center PCs
NVIDIA Corporation (has announced the availability of key new products designed for PCs
running Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition. The Company has added TV tuner
cards with built-in MPEG2 encoding to enable higher-quality TV playback, as well as a
feature-rich software suite with DVD decoder drivers for Windows XP Media Center Edition.
With these new products, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and PC system builders
now have access to the most compatible, reliable and complete suite of products for
unleashing a new generation of desktop and notebook Media Center PCs. You can find more details in the press
release.
- Kano Leads Intros Fast 4x DVD+RW/R Drives For
Macs, PCs
Kano Technologies has introduced its K4Xtreme(TM) 4x DVD+RW/R drive. A complete storage
solution, the fast new drive is available in an internal model for the PC, and external
models for PCs and Macs. The K4Xtreme has a 4x write speed for DVD+RW / +R media. MSRPs
are: $199 for the K5240RI-WHT internal model for Windows; and $299 for the K5240RU
external USB 2.0 Windows model and the K5240RF external FireWire Mac model. You can find more details in the press
release.
- JVC Selects LSI Logic DiMeNsion(TM) Processor for
New Dual-Format DVD-RAM and -RW Recorder
LSI Logic has announced that JVC has selected the LSI Logic DiMeNsion(TM) (DMN-8600) DVD
recorder system processor for its all-new dual-format DVD-RAM and DVD-RW recorder, the
DR-M1. JVC becomes the first Japanese consumer electronics manufacturer to adopt the
DMN-8600, addressing the needs of consumers who seek the very best digital home
entertainment experience. Based on the LSI Logic DoMiNo(TM) architecture, the DMN-8600 is
the world's first single-chip DVD recorder system processor that reduces cost, design
complexity, and time-to-market through its high level of system integration, and delivers
a rich feature-set including the industry's highest-quality video. The DR-M1 will be
available this month in Japan and Europe. You can find more details in the press release.
- DPS Now Shipping Dual Format Dual Interface DVD
Burner With DDR
Digital Peripheral Solutions has announced it is shipping its new Que! DVD 2i dual format
dual interface drive with direct-to-disk recording (DDR). The external DVD burner offers
IEEE-1394 (FireWire) and USB 2.0 interfaces and supports DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R,
CD-R and CD-RW formats for PC and Macintosh. You can find more details in the press
release.
- Sampo Launches New DVD Recorder
Taiwan-based Sampo Corporation has announced the launch of its new DVD Recorder, the
DV-R1, made ready for the mass market by Cirrus Logic DVD recorder integrated
silicon/software reference platform. With an expected sub-$500 retail price, the DV-R1
will be available in retail outlets in the U.S., Taiwan and Europe later this month. You
can find more details in the
press release.
- Memorex Dual-X DVD Recorder Delivers Powerhouse
Performance
Partnering with the leaders in DVD research and development, the all-new Memorex Dual-X
DVD Recorder debuts new precision recording technologies and delivers specifications that
propel this Dual Format DVD Recorder, Memorex claims, ahead of every other comparable
drive -- ensuring that consumers are always ready for show time. The drive writes to DVD+R/-R discs at 4X and CD-R discs at 16X; rewrites
DVD+RW discs at 2.4x, DVD-RW discs at 2X and CD-RW discs at 10X; and reads DVD-ROM at 12X
and CD-ROM at 32X speeds. You can find more details in the press release.
- New DVD Quad Cruiser Supports DVD-R/RW and
DVD+R/RW
Alera Technologies unveils its new DVD Quad Cruiser(tm), the external DVD recorder that
solves the DVD format dilemma. The new DVD Quad Cruiser is based on Dual Standard 8-in-1
DVD- and DVD+ R/RW Technology and supports all popular DVD formats. Now customers will be
able to use DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW and CD-ROM discs all with
one product. The DVD Quad Cruiser is an external 4x DVD Recorder with USB 2.0 A-Connect
strategy that can support optional IEEE 1394 FireWire or Cardbus/PCMCIA connections and
includes a unique software suite (Ulead MovieFactory, Ahead Nero Express Suite, MusicMatch
Jukebox, and a DVD Movie Player). The estimated street price
of the DVD Quad Cruiser is a low $399. You can find more details in the press release.
- Intersil Unveils Laser Diode Driver Supporting 8X
DVD+/-R
Intersil has unveiled the world's first laser diode drivers (LDDs) that integrate write
strategy waveform generators for all DVD and CD formats, including DVD-RAM. Intersil's new
Elantec EL691X programmable LDDs offer the flexible architecture needed to support
different media, DVD or CD standards and read/write speeds in today's high performance
recordable disk drives. "We continue to add innovative
products to our optical storage portfolio that enhance our position as the world's number
one supplier of laser diode drivers," said Zhong Li, Marketing Director for
Intersil's Elantec Optical Storage Products. "This new family of write strategy LDDs
is the first in the world to address DVD+/-R 8X, DVD R/W 4X and DVD-RAM 3X formats, and
will help enable many innovative optical storage platforms including new generations of
high-speed disk drives, DVD camcorders and consumer DVD recorders. Our goal is and will
continue to be delivering innovative, flexible laser diode driver architectures that allow
our customers to bring their products quickly to market." You can find more details in the full
press release.
- Panasonic Introduces DVD Recorder With Industry's
Largest Hard Drive-120GB
Panasonic introduces the DMR-E100H DVD recorder with built-in 120 GB hard disk drive as
the newest member of its "DIGA" line. During the first three months of 2003,
DVD-RAM/R-format recorders captured 70.2 percent of the U.S. DVD consumer recorder market,
according to The NPD Group. The new DMR-E100H reaffirms the growing strength of DVD-RAM/R
and Panasonic's leadership position in recordable DVD. The
DMR-E100H gives consumers the option of recording on either a DVD-RAM or DVD-R disc or
storing up to 160 hours of video on its hard disk drive. The DMR-E100H will be available
in August at an MSRP of $1199.95. You can find more details in the press release.
- TDK Introduces External DVD Multiformat Burner
TDK is now shipping its ultra-versatile external Indi DVD Multiformat burner (model
DED+440). Capable of recording DVD+R/+RW, DVD-R/-RW and CD-R/RW media. It offers both
FireWire and USB 2.0 connectivity. The external Indi DVD
Multiformat (Model DED+440) is currently available at an estimated street price of
$339.99. In addition to the new external Indi DVD Multiformat, TDK offers a 4x internal
Indi DVD Multiformat Burner (Model AID+440) and a 4x internal Indi DVD +R/+RW burner
(Model AID+420N). You can find
more details in the press release.
- AOpen Introduces World's First 4X DVD+RW/+R Drive
AOpen has announced a cutting-edge new DVD burner that not only writes DVDs at 4X speed,
but also is the first DVD drive on the market that has the ability to re-write DVD media
at 4X speed. The AOpen DRW4410 4X DVD+RW/+R drive has an affordable MSRP of $169.99 US.
You can find more details in
the press release.
- Panasonic's Ultimate Home Theater Package Include
DVD Recorder
Panasonic introduce the SC-HT1000 Recordable DVD Home Theater Sound System. The new system
combines the power of Recordable DVD with a fully-featured home theater system for the
ultimate viewing and listening experience. "Panasonic's
newest 5.1 channel home theater system not only plays back the most popular audio and
video formats, DVD-Audio and DVD-Video discs and CDs," says Jim Kiczek, national
marketing manager, Panasonic Home Audio Division, "but it also records TV programs
and dubs recordings from a video camera onto DVD-R(1) or DVD-RAM discs with optimum
results. In short, the SC-HT1000 is the next step in home theater."
The SC-HT1000 Recordable DVD Home Theater Sound System will be
available in September, 2003, with an MSRP of $999.95. You can find more details in the press
release.
- Sonata Case is Three Times Quieter Than
Competition
Antec, Inc.'s Sonata PC enclosure has been proven to be three times quieter than
comparable cases. An independent research lab in the Silicon
Valley recently ran a series of tests on Antec's Sonata case and a comparable
high-performance mid-tower case with a 400W power supply. Both cases were tested in their
standard configuration of power supply and fans, and the tests were measured according to
ISO Standard 7779.
From a distance of one meter, Sonata generated only 20.4 dBA of
noise, compared to the 37.3 dBA generated by the other mid-tower. Since an increase of 10
decibels represents a doubling of perceived sound, the 16.9 dBA difference indicates that
Sonata is three times quieter.
For comparison, a quiet whisper from about one meter away generates
about 30 dBA, making it nearly twice as loud as Sonata. At 20.4 dBA, Sonata proved to be
as quiet as rustling leaves, which generally produce about 20 dBA.
News Source: Press Release
For more news from last week check out our news archive.
Upcoming features at 3DsoundSurgeReviews 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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