surround sound
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Logitech Z506 review
Audiophiles are quick to name the umpteen flavors of Dolby, but at the risk of oversimplifying things a tad, there are just three types of surround sound today -- each easily identified by their plug. Virtual surround uses just simple stereo jacks, emulating multiple channels from two, while digital surround travels across optical or coaxial S/PDIF cables (or HDMI) and has to be decoded. Finally, there's analog surround sound -- the cheapest solution of all -- where you basically just plug a pair of dumb speakers into each of front, rear and center 3.5mm sockets on your existing PC sound card. Unsurprisingly, the $100 Logitech Z506 speakers use this last technique to deliver their true 5.1 sound, but that's no reason to count them out. The question is, do they deliver enough bang, boom and tweet for the buck? Read on to find out.
Microsoft, SRS team up on surround sound for Silverlight, will this finally bring 5.1 to Netflix?
Of course, this press release from SRS Labs doesn't actually say Netflix will use its technology to enable surround sound audio on Watch Instantly streams, but when you claim your tools add "easy and seamless" surround sound decoding to Silverlight apps then we have an immediate suggestion as to how they could be put to use. Whether you give any credit to (or have even noticed) the SRS stamp on a bevy of media playing software and hardware, its ubiquity certainly means that interested parties (like, say, Netflix) could be sure the audio would be supported across the multitude of platforms they stream video to. Microsoft and SRS have issued the tools for anyone (even Netflix) to support 5.1 streams just by adding this code to their apps and are demonstrating it at IBC 2010 and on a demo website, all we have to do is sit back and wait for the technology to be implemented. If only we knew of somewhere an upgrade to surround sound on streaming video was in high demand...
Pioneer shares affordable line of speakers, snobs sob
After releasing a bevy of value-packed Elite receivers, iPod Docks, and Blu-ray players in recent months, Pioneer has now announced a new line of entry-level speakers just in time for man cave upgrade season. Consisting of the SP-DS21-LR and smaller SP-BS41-LR bookshelf monitor, the SP-FS51-LR floor standing mini tower, the SP-C21 center channel, and SW-8 sub, the entire line is on sale now at selected retailers for a reasonable $79 to $199 depending on the component. Despite these wallet-friendly price tags though, all of the speakers sport higher-end details like radio frequency bonded, curved cabinets, improved multi-component crossovers, and gold-plated five-way binding posts -- which seems to fall nicely in line with Pioneer's recent recession-appropriate bang for your buck approach. In case that idea alone wasn't enough to make audiophiles roll over in their acoustically-perfect coffins, Pioneer's release also says the speaker packaging will feature QR barcodes that, when scanned, will direct consumers to YouTube videos of lead designer Andrew Jones discussing the new line. Luckily for you, we've embedded the video along with the full PR after the break, so you can skip the unnecessary mobile hassle and get straight to the unintentional laughs.
Sony's Ultimate Weapon Gaming headsets are as macho as the name suggests
According to Sony, your Ultimate Weapon when it comes to schooling fools on the FPS battlefield is a 3D surround sound headset. Just like its newly minted DR-GA500 above, what a coincidence! Coming with a separate box to process your computer's audio into a 7.1-channel surround sound environment, this mic-equipped set of cans is targeted squarely at gamers looking to optimize every last inch of their fragging experience. There's also a GA-200 model that makes do without the extra audio processing. Both variants share the super special "triple enfolding" padding design, which is intended to make the headgear comfortable for prolonged use. Prices and retail dates aren't yet available, but just to underline that gaming connection one extra time, Sony will be bundling a free copy of the latest Medal of Honor with these 'phones starting in mid-October.
Front rendered surround sound is not a gimmick
Yes, we know what you're thinking because it is what we used to; but after some extensive testings with the latest SRS front rendered surround sound technologies, we can't call it a gimmick anymore than any other surround sound we've tried. Now that we've gotten that off our chest, we would like clarify what technologies like SRS TheaterSound and SRS TruSurround HD are; both are sound processing technologies that enhance two speaker systems, and while we won't call them a gimmick, we won't be throwing our rear speakers away just yet. That doesn't mean they don't have a place in any home theater, but if you're interested in knowing where they do fit in, well, you'll just have to click through and read the rest for that tidbit. %Gallery-97873%
Logitech does 5.1 surround sound on a budget with $100 Z506 speakers
Logitech's boxed speaker sets have always gone over quite well with reviewers, and now it's offering a 5.1 system that may just be priced at a point that's too good to refuse. You know, if you holdouts were considering sticking with that 2.0 setup for another score or so. Launched today, the Surround Sound Speakers Z506 are designed to play nice with PCs, game consoles, PMPs and DVD / Blu-ray players. Pretty much anything that sends out an audio signal can be hooked up to these, and Logi even threw in color coded connectors to prevent you from getting overly confused and eventually doing something awfully regrettable with the satellites. There's 75 watts of RMS power, which should be plenty to fill your moderately sized gaming cave -- head on past the break for a promo vid, if you're into that type of thing.
Sony selling 3D bundle deals for a limited time
In a rare move, Sony has deviated from their pricey reputation to offer two special 3D bundle promotions until July 17th -- or while supplies still last -- with the clear intention of enticing wavering adopters to veer whole-hog into 3D. The options boil down to either a 46-inch or 54.6-inch Bravia HX8000 for $270 / $340 off their retail prices, respectively, and as a bonus, buyers will receive a variety of 3D accessories valued at $899 for free. Rolled into that $899 goody basket are two pairs of 3D glasses, a 3D sync transmitter, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs and IMAX Deep Sea 3D, as well as four 3D games for the PS3 (two are demos); and finally the BDV-E570 3D home theater in-a-box. Depending on how you define "savings," this deal amounts to around $1,200 greenbacks you won't have to shell out for a complete 3D-ready package. At $2,429 for the 46-inch and $3,059 for the 54.6-inch package though, you'll still be required to dig deep into your wallet to bring either of these promotions couch-side.
Insignia's new 5.1 surround sound offers plenty at a great price
We love us some high end equipment, but we also know everyone has to start somewhere and when you're starting from scratch, any surround sound system is better than no surround sound at all. The Insignia 5.1 system pictured above is available now from Best Buy at $399 and is hard to beat at that price. The specs claim it pumps out 110 watts per channel and includes a 120 watt powered sub. Best of all is it features the Audyssey audio technology, which makes proper calibration a real breeze. And in case you been eyeing a 3DTV, it has three HDMI inputs that are 1.4 compatible and will pass all the latest 3D formats.
Audi's Sound Concept cabin defines auditory excess: 62 speaker surround-sound
If you've been bragging about your all-encompassing 7.2 surround-sound system to of your friends, prepare for a mighty dose of humble pie. Audi has hand-crafted what it calls the Sound Concept, an in-car sound system so excessive it should be able to cause your soft, fleshy bits to pulsate in new and exciting ways. There are five tweeters scattered across the dash and the doors, five woofers (four in the doors and a monster in the back), and then a whopping 52 mid-range speakers encircling the entire enclosure, creating a package that's not likely to show up in the options catalog anytime soon. All these have been wedged into the interior of a Q7 SUV in the interests of Wave Field Synthesis, minimizing a user's ability to hear specific speakers -- and blowing Audyssey's paltry 11-speaker DSX system right out of the water.
Sony Surround Sound System gives your PS3 a matching soundbar for $199
Lookie here -- Sony's snuck in one more announcement after today's E3 press conference: this fall it's unveiling an all-in-one Surround Sound System for the PlayStation 3. It will go on sale worldwide for $199 / €199 / ¥19,800 and accepts audio via optical or analog inputs -- no HDMI 1.4 here -- and supports Dolby digital, DTS, MPEG-2 AAC and Linear PCM audio formats. The company has established its S-Force PRO Front Surround technology that promises realistic surround sound without the additional speakers in its HT-CT150 and HT-CT350 soundbar systems, but those include a separate subwoofer, HDMI and retail for $100 and $200 more, respectively. Those shortcomings make it doubtful audiophiles will look twice, but for an easy dormroom or bedroom upgrade this CECH-ZVS1 could easily do the trick. Specs are after the break. %Gallery-95361%
Ask Engadget HD: Best HTIB for under $500?
Recently we've gone decidedly high end with our queries, but now we've got a question that returns to the opposite end of the home theater spectrum. Our friend Jason wants to upgrade to surround sound without spending too much cash, so think about passable HTIB (home theater in a box) systems while you read his question: "I'm looking to add a surround sound system to my living room. It's a pretty small room, so I don't need anything too powerful. I've already got an upscaling DVD player, and plan to add a PlayStation 3 later this year so I also don't need one with a DVD/BD player included. I wish I could say money was no object, but this is going to be my Birthday Present from my fiancé and since I'll be purchasing the PS3 soon I need to keep it in the low to mid range. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated." He asked for solutions under $500, so feel free to suggest any HTIB that might fit -- Sony's 3D ready, LG kicks in VUDU and Harman Kardon has refreshed hardware just to mention a few -- or would you try to talk him into a higher end / custom system? The power is in your hands, use it wisely. Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Bose simplifies surround sound setup with Lifestyle systems, charges dearly for it
So, you've got a few options here. Do a little research and piece together your own surround system, hire a voyeur from Geek Squad to do it for you, or just hire a live-in technician to handle both present and future issues. Whatever you settle on, you can pretty much rest assured that it'll be cheaper than forking out for one of Bose's hilariously overpriced Lifestyle systems. In typical Bose fashion, the company is introducing a new trio of 5.1 rigs (the V35, V25 and T20), each of which utilize a new "Unify" technology that is said to make "connecting speakers and sources, programming remotes, and accessing content easier and faster than ever before." And by that, they mean "we'll show you pictures of the connectors on your television screen." Each setup comes with a handful of tiny, cube-like speakers and a surely unimpressive Acoustimass bass module, and if you're hoping to find detailed specifications -- you know, things like RMS, impedance, frequency response range and other vital audio statistics -- we wish you the best of luck. Oh, but here's a few figures that are being handed down: $3,299, $2,499 and $1,999. Yeah, those are the MSRPs in order of mention, and amazingly, we aren't kidding.
Psycho gets 5.1 surround for the first time on Blu-ray
Even if you've seen Albert Hitchcock's Psycho before (and seriously, you should have) the Blu-ray edition arriving for its 50th Anniversary October 19 has a new trick up its sleeve in the form of a remastered 5.1 surround sound audio track. The original mono soundtrack is included for purists, but it certainly seems like the a due amount of effort was put in by Universal's BluWave Audio postproduction team and third party Audionamix, to create a discrete DTS HD 5.1 that would live up to the standards of a classic, and still light up the special lights on your receiver.
Psyko Audio finally ships outre 5.1 surround sound headset
Psyko Audio, remember those guys? No? Can't say we blame ya -- after all, they first introduced these very headphones at CES in 2009, and we're just now seeing the first sets ship to consumers in North America. We're just as curious as you as to what caused a nearly 1.5 year delay, but hey, if you've been longing for 5.1 channels of audio in a package that requires nothing more than a source and your dome, we suspect you'll be in the "better late than never" camp. And yeah, the company is indeed charging a borderline insane $299.99 for these, but considering that said outlay buys you an "unfair advantage over the competition through precise 3D sound that drastically heightens awareness of your gaming surroundings," it's fairly easy to justify. Oh, and the public humiliation that'll come with wearing these outside of your basement is on the house. Huzzah! Update: So, we found out that these have been slipping out in limited quantities since last August to those who pre-ordered, but the flood gates have just now opened up.
Sony magically adds third dimension to new soundbars, 5.1 sound system
The 3.1 channel HT-CT350 and HT-CT150 soundbars a) don't require special glasses to use and b) look fairly flat to us, but -- along with the 1,000 watt HT-SF470 5.1 surround system -- but the magic is in their HDMI repeaters (three inputs, one output) capable of 3D and standby passthrough just like Sony's latest higher end equipment. The 400 watt HT-CT350 steps it up by shipping with a mounting bracket that affixes it to bottom of select 40-inch (and up) 2010 BRAVIA HDTVs, while the 340 watt HT-CT150 attaches to select 32-inch sets. You'll also find LPCM support via HDMI and BRAVIA Sync compatibility, and if you're drinking the Kool-Aid, you can find the 40-inch CT350 on sale next month for $400, the 32-inch CT150 retailing for around $300 and the 5.1 SF470 hitting shops in June for $550. %Gallery-91405%
Dolby issues Axon SDK to bring surround sound to online console / Mac gamers
Dolby's Axon surround sound technology isn't exactly new (it's already used on a number of PC titles), but to date, it has yet to make a stand in the online console and Mac gaming sectors. All that changes today at GDC, with the aural company introducing an Axon software development kit that will make it possible for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and OS X titles to integrate the technology. According to the company, this here solution provides improved audio chain processing (noise suppression and echo suppression), surround sound voice chat over stereo headsets, 5.1 playback and support for any stereo headset. We're told that the ports should be available for devs starting in April, though only time will tell how long it takes for your Xbox Live experience to go from haunting to all-encompassing.
ASUS Cine5 is 'world's most compact' five-channel speaker, doesn't forget the blue LEDs
Seriously, who told manufacturers that we're in love with garish LED status lights?ASUS has strapped a glowing orb of unnecessariness around the volume knob of the Cine5 -- an otherwise perfectly acceptable and appreciably diminutive PC soundbar. With an array of speaker drivers integrated into that curvy body, ASUS claims the Cine5 produces realistic multidirectional surround sound, but does admit it's mostly intended for smaller spaces such as study rooms. The announcement also includes a nod to FPS gamers, with claims that the improved positional audio on offer will benefit both gameplay immersion and accuracy when identifying a sound source, though we reckon the biggest boon will still be the elimination of the extra cables and speakers one usually needs to get one's surround sound on. Price and availability have not yet been made public, but knowing ASUS both should be in the reasonable range of the market.
Hanwha Japan's tube-powered USB dongle promises DTS audio on-the-go
If you're of the persuasion that likes to get their DTS surround sound from a pair of headphones (and we ain't), the kids at Hanwha Japan have just the thing for you. The X-Tube is a USB dongle that contains a vacuum tube-shaped headphone jack that glows blue when in use. When combined with its Windows-only software and compatible headgear (both included) this bad boy promises DTS Surround Sensation (DTS' surround sound effect from 2 speakers), and looks really cool to boot. See for yourself after the break. On sale now in Japan for $45.
Sherwood's internet-streaming R-904N NetBoxx receiver review
Why have two gadgets when you can have one that does two things? The answer, of course, is when that one thing doesn't do either of its two tasks well -- the Jack of All Trades Syndrome. When Sherwood told us last year it was making a receiver that had built-in network playback capabilities, meaning we could ditch our media streamers (tiny though they may be), we were naturally stoked. Many months on we've finally had a chance to put one through its paces and, if you click through, you can read our impressions of this slim and uniquely styled audio/video receiver -- and find out why we'll be reluctantly hooking our dedicated streamers back up. %Gallery-85612%
1080p, 5.1 surround sound coming to Netflix Watch Instantly in 2010? Update: No, yes (and closed captioning)
Netflix Watch Instantly fans could be due for a big upgrade, as CNET has heard the company will roll out 1080p and 5.1 surround sound later this year. No word on timing or any other details, but this could mean its moving to version 3 of Microsoft's Silverlight streaming platform with its additional tweaks for adaptive streaming and hardware graphics acceleration. Also unknown is how much bandwidth would be necessary, but considering Microsoft already uses very similar technology for its 1080p Instant On videos on Zune Marketplace through the Xbox 360 while only requiring 3 Mbps and VUDU HDX 1080p videos only state a minimum of 4500 Kbps, a massive jump in available bandwidth might not be necessary if you already get clear 720p video. The last big hurdle? How much content will be available that way, Gizmodo points out only about 6 percent of current offerings stream in HD we'll be watching carefully if the pace picks up going forward. Update: Netflix pinged CNET to let them know that 1080p was mistakenly included on a roadmap of 2010 features, however if you can get over missing all those extra pixels, surround sound and closed captioning are definitely booked for an appearance later this year.
