As per ASUS’ Xonar D2, at the heart of the D2X is the AV200 HD audio processor, which supports everything from Dolby Digital Live and DTS interactive capabilities through to 192KHz/24-bit audio playback. With the general consensus still that this audio chip is heavily based on CMedia’s CMI8788, the D2X also supports 3D audio capabilities in the form of OpenAL alongside EAX 1.0 and 2.0 acceleration. This means that there’s still no EAX Advanced HD support, but the D2X does offer some exciting news for Windows Vista owners – This board is the first to use a software feature known as DS3D GX. This is basically ASUS’ equivalent of Creative Labs’ ALchemy software, which is used to translate DirectSound-based EAX commands into OpenAL so that they are compatible with Windows Vista’s methods of handling audio. While it won’t give you all the latest EAX goodness available to Creative-based products, it should offer compatibility for any titles that use EAX 1.0 and 2.0. Unlike ALchemy, which basically ‘patches’ certain game titles, DS3D GX is designed (when enabled via the driver control panel, which it is by default) to work with all and any EAX/DirectSound games, which should give it a much broader range of compatibility than Creative’s equivalent software offering.
As we mentioned in our introduction, the real big selling point of the Xonar D2X is its use of the PCI Express interface, making it a departure from the numerous PCI sound cards on the market. However, this functionality isn’t supported natively within the AV200 chip, leaving the D2X requiring the use of this PLX PEX8111 chip. This is a PCI to PCI Express bridge chip, supporting a single PCI Express lane – Perfect for the PCI Express 1x connection required by this board.
Away from this bridge chip, the Xonar D2 also features four PCM1796 24-bit Burr-Brown DACs (Digital to Analogue Converters) which handle outputting any digital signals, together with a single 24-bit Cirrus Logic CD5381 DAC for the board’s analogue inputs. See more details…
Posted by Carla Tan on July 30th, 2008
Read More
Billed as the easiest way to upgrade from basic built-in PC sound to home-theater audio, Creative’s USB SoundBlaster Live! 24-bit external sound card is an affordable stand-alone audio interface for your PC that hooks up to your computer via a single, simple USB 1.1 connection (cable supplied). The card offers analog inputs for a microphone and an audio component (CD player, DVD player, etc.) and outputs including optical and coaxial digital-audio jacks and a trio of minijack analog audio outs that you can use with 5.1-channel surround-sound speaker systems. Your music and games will never be the same.
Now you can create MP3s from your CDs easier than ever and digitize your old cassettes and LP records, cleaning up the sound as you do so using Creative’s supplied software. (Be aware, however, that LP record playback requires, in addition to a turntable and cartridge, an outboard phono stage or an integrated amplifier equipped with a phono preamplifier; the USB SoundBlaster Live! accepts only line-level analog inputs.)
The unit’s onboard 24-bit Advanced HD and EAX Advanced HD technologies encode and decode (record and play back) audio at up to 24-bit, 96 kHz resolution, though you must disable realtime audio monitoring at the highest settings due to limitations in the USB 1.1 data-throughput spec.
Creative Multi Speaker Surround (CMSS) multispeaker technology lets you “upmix” stereo sources to 5.1-channel surround sound. The software includes a professional-quality panning and mixing algorithm, front and rear balance controls, muting, and panning control for mixer sources.
Realistic EAX reverb, panning, and elevation effects bring your music and games to life. The kit also includes advanced time-scaling (which allows variable playback duration without altering the pitch of your original content), an audio clean-up feature (which removes noise and clicks from playback of vinyl disk or cassette recordings), bass boost, smart volume management, and a multi-band graphic equalizer.
Use of the sound card is as simple as plugging it into any available USB port: there’s no power adapter required. The card has an infrared receiver for use with an optional Creative remote control, which will let you operate your computer from the comfort of your sofa or bed, at a distance of up to 13 feet. See more details…
Posted by Carla Tan on July 30th, 2008
Read More
Let your select Sony HDMI components play in harmony with the simple setup and connectivity of the DAV-DX265 theater system. Highly advanced BRAVIA Theater Sync technology allows you to easily control select HDMI devices with one touch on the included remote control. And you’ll be enjoying music and movies in no time with automatic digital cinema calibration that optimizes sound from every speaker. For crystal-clear video, the integrated high-performance 5-DVD/CD changer upscales standard 480p DVDs to 1080i resolution (requires compatible television) and conveniently features a dedicated Digital Media Port (DMP) for connecting optional DMP-compatible accessories. The DMP allows you to play music from a PC client device, Bluetooth receiver, audio docking station, Network Walkman(R) or iPod digital music player. The system also automatically optimizes sound characteristics for movies or music. See more details…
Posted by Carla Tan on July 30th, 2008
Read More
McAfee Total Protection with SiteAdvisor is the final word in PC and Internet security. It provides the most comprehensive and complete security when you’re online, no matter whether you’re wired or wireless, surfing the Web, shopping, banking, using email, instant messaging, or playing games. Not only does it protect you from hackers, viruses, spyware, and email and phishing scams, but it also safeguards your online identity and your network. It even ensures the safety of your photos, music, videos, and important files with automated backup that takes just one simple click to restore. Also, you can easily share files with your family.
McAfee is always on, always updating, and always protecting your family from the latest Internet and security threats, providing you peace of mind. That goes for Wi-Fi too, because McAfee’s wireless protection stops even the most determined wireless hackers. McAfee’s trusted and complete protection constantly downloads the latest software and updates automatically so you never have to install anything manually. Also included in your subscription is McAfee NetworkManager, which simplifies control over the security of all your home PCs. NetworkManager plugs into McAfee SecurityCenter, which has been redesigned to give you an at-a-glance view of your security status. See more details…
Posted by Carla Tan on July 30th, 2008
Read More
Seven buttons automate the entire scanning process, so it’s simple to scan, copy and create e-mails and multi-page PDFs. This smart scanner delivers a max color dpi resolution of 4800 x 9600 and built-in retouching technology can further enhance your final images. Plus, the Advanced Z-Lid expansion top lifts approximately 1-inch vertically and lets you produce clear, complete scans even of thick originals such as notebooks. Easy scanning – Large function buttons automate the scanning process-select the use for the image and it’s ready in seconds Max Document Size – 8.5 x 11.7 maximum Max Film Size – 35mm x 6 frames (negatives), 35mm x 4 frames (mounted slides) Faster data – USB 2.0 interface enables the fastest possible image transfers and scanning speeds Software – ScanGear CS 11.1 (Windows/Mac), CanoScan Toolbox CS 4.9 (Windows/Mac), e-registration (Windows/Mac), ArcSoft PhotoStudio (Windows/Mac), NewSoft Presto PageManager (Windows), ScanSoft OmniPage SE OCR4 (Windows/Mac) System Requirements – Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows 98, Mac OS X v.10.2.8 to 10.4.x, PowerPC G3, G4 and G5, 300MHz/128MB RAM, USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Dimensions – Width 10.2 x Depth 3.3 x Height 18.7 inches Weight – 6.2 pounds. See more details…
Posted by Carla Tan on July 29th, 2008
Read More
Pinnacle Studio MovieBoard is the versatile movie making solution for people who want to make great home movies without limitation, offering flexible video capture capabilities with rich editing tools. The PCI card captures video from any analog or digital source to make great movies from existing VHS or Hi8 tapes,or new DV camcorders with plug and play ease. The included Studio Titanium Edition software offers the best of powerful yet easy-to-use video tools, and output options including CD, DVD, the Web, and mobile device outputs such as the Apple iPod and Sony PSP. Minimum System Requirements – Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon 1.4 GHz or higher (2.4 GHz or higher recommended) / 512MB RAM (1 GB recommended) / Windows XP / DirectX 9 or higher compatible graphics card with 32 MB / DirectX 9 or higher compatible sound card / 500 MB of disk space to install software + 3 GB to install bonus content / 1 PCI slot / DVD-ROM drive to install software. See more details…
Posted by Carla Tan on July 29th, 2008
Read More
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate combines the new release of the best-selling consumer video editing software, Studio Plus Version 11, with popular professional audio and video tools. It has the latest technology such as a complete HD workflow, with native HDV and AVCHD editing and HD DVD format disc burning & Hi-Fi audio music capabilities. True video enthusiasts will harness the power of the latest technologies without compromising ease of use. Pinnacle Studio Ultimate includes SoundSoap audio cleaning tools, professional level special effects from ProDAD VitaScene, precision Panning and Zooming with StageTool MovingPicture & a ChromaKey green screen backdrop. The BIAS SoundSoap Pinnacle Edition audio noise cleaning tools & complete Dolby Digital 5.1 audio encoding ensure your movie creations will sound as good as they look. The sleek new user interface is perfect for working on today’s wide screen monitors and the new Web publishing feature makes it easy to share your movie creations publicly or privately. Scorefitter music generator creates soundtracks, with 40 source tracks & 48k audio samples Simplified Web publishing – share your video creations on the Web publicly on Yahoo! Videos or privately Improved speed and performance – installs and exports faster files Windows Vista compatible. See more details…
Posted by Carla Tan on July 29th, 2008
Read More
Sit back and enough the beautiful images, deep colors and modern design of the 32″ Class BRAVIA S-Series digital LCD HDTV. Add class to any room and beautifully styled your favorite movies and TV programs. With the BRAVIA Engine full digital video processor, you immediately notice improved color and sharper details, no matter what you’re watching. For all-digital audio and video integration, this HDTV features HDMI and PC connectivity that lets you seamlessly connect your compatible computer to the large display. An innovative light sensor also monitors ambient light in the room and automatically adjusts screen brightness, making it much more comfortable for viewing. Bravia Engine Video Processing System Noise Reduction 3D Digital Comb Filter Light Sensor Picture Modes – Vivid, Standard, Cinema Wide Mode Sound Mode – Dynamic, Standard, Custom MTS Stereo Decoder Dolby Digital – AC3 for ATSC Timer Clock Channel Label Channel Skip/Add Favorite Channel Parental Control (V-Chip) Sleep Timer – 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, Off Timer Events – Timer 1, Timer 2 Power Save Mode – Standard, Reduced, Picture Off Energy Star Compliant Inputs and Outputs – 5 (4 Rear/1 Side) Analog Audio Inputs, 1 (Rear) Audio Out, 2 (Rear) Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Inputs, 3 (2 Rear/1 Side) Composite Video Inputs, 1 (Rear) Digital Audio Output, See more details…
Posted by Carla Tan on July 29th, 2008
Read More
The Intel Core 2 Quad processor is the latest in cutting edge processor technology for the desktop PC. Based on the Intel Core micro-architecture, the Intel Core 2 Quad processor delivers four complete execution cores within a single processor, delivering unprecedented performance and responsiveness. More instructions can be carried out per clock cycle, shorter and wider pipelines execute commands more quickly, and improved bus lanes move data throughout the system faster. Four dedicated, physical threads help operating systems and applications deliver additional performance, so you can experience better multi-tasking and multi-threaded performance across many types of applications and workload. A 4-pin connector is included for fan speed control to help minimize the acoustic noise levels generated from running the fan at higher speeds for thermal performance. Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT) Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology (Intel EM64T) Execute Disable Bit Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS) Intel designed Thermal Solution for boxed processors CPU Speed – 2.40 GHz PCG – 05B Bus Speed – 1066 MHz Bus/Core Ratio – 9.0 L2 Cache size – 8 MB L2 Cache Speed – 2.40 GHz Package Type – LGA 775 Core Stepping – B3 CPU ID String – 06F7h Thermal Design Power – 105W Thermal Specification – 62.2 degrees C Core Voltage – 1.100V-1.372V See more details…
Posted by Carla Tan on July 28th, 2008
Read More
