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11/01/2001: It has been 10 months since the last announcements update, so this update is packed with information. The January announcements covered the 2001 Consumer Electronics Show (see the "Special Reports" page above for CES 2001 coverage). Although I did not finish writing all the CES reports due to numerous circumstances, it seems a bit late to do them in November. Instead, I thought it might be a better idea to take a look at the state of consumer electronics with just 2 months to the CES 2002.
HeadWize Peeks into the Consumer Electronics Crystal Ball
Back in January 2001, several industry luminaries gave packed-to-the-rafters keynotes, predicting that the future of consumer electronics lay with the evolution of the personal computer. Microsoft's Bill Gates and Intel's Craig Barrett asserted that humble PC would become the communications hub for the home and the gateway to the Internet. With the help of wireless networking, PDAs and other electronic devices would connect as "peripherals" to this PC server that would both store files (such as music files) and route messages between devices. Their visions emphasized the "Wintel duopoly" and held forth the Windows XP operating system and Pentium IV CPU as the primary enabling technologies of that future.
As an alternative to this PC-centric view, Panasonic's Don Iwatani evoked a world where the PC disappeared all together, being absorbed into cell phones, clothing, jewelry and other personal accessories and would connect the user 24 hours a day to the net through public wireless networks. The centerpiece technologies in this future were the miniature Secure Digital memory and I/O cards, which would provide expansion and interoperability for portable devices. Panasonic is a founding member of the SD Card Association. Microsoft and Intel are members of the SD Card Association.
Is one vision on its way to domination? As we approach 2002, passing through faltering economies and human tragedies, neither future seems on the verge of achieving reality. Intel's Pentium IV CPU sat in warehouses most of this year. Only a few weeks ago, Intel drastically slashed prices on the P4 to make it more attractive in a slow PC market. Already, Intel is looking beyond the P4. In October, Intel gushed about its new "hyperthreading" architecture, which will first appear in its Xeon processors for servers in the middle of 2002.
Microsoft's Windows XP is out. While reviewers have praised the rock-solid stability of the new OS and the pleasant Mac OS X-knockoff interface, the heavy hardware requirements, slow PC sales, privacy concerns and the new, costlier licensing model may delay widespread deployment. To nudge reluctant consumers, Microsoft is giving away promotional items with XP that are worth as much as the OS product itself. And in a bizarre twist to its own vision, Microsoft has chosen not to include Bluetooth wireless support in this version of XP.
Nor have Panasonic's e-wear cybernetic fashions based on SD technology become ubiquitous. Surely part of the reason for that is the price: the SD audio headset and armband player retail for $400 each. New SD products are almost as rare as hen's teeth. The two major backers of SD are Panasonic and Palm Computing, which has standardized on SD expansion ports for its PDAs. Back in July, Panasonic dropped the prices on its SD memory cards and announced a partnership with Palm Computing "to accelerate consumer and enterprise acceptance" of SD technology.
Clearly, neither the PC-centric nor the device-centric vision will pass into reality anytime soon.
The state of the global economy plays a major role in shaping consumer trends. The Reuters news agency predicted that consumers would "shun" luxury electronic goods for some time to come (09/14/2001). David Leonhardt and Louis Uchitelle in The New York Times said that the U.S. economy had come to a "wrenching halt." Last month, Forrester Research predicted that online sales would grow 10% to $11 billion this holiday season - compared to the 100% growth last holiday season. And paralleling the decline of the U.S. economy are the economies of the rest of the world.
Projections of consumer electronic sales in these times of economic contraction must still incorporate the trends that have become evident over the course of the year. In early September, the Consumer Electronics Association found that sales of DVD players have shown gains every month for the past 40 consecutive months. Over 670,000 DVD players were sold in August alone. Very strong sales of digital television products confirmed consumer interest in the video category. General electronics sales have been slipping. Sony's Electronics division reported flat sales for the second quarter and an operating loss of over $200MM.
What, then, do all these indicators seem to be saying for end-of-year and early 2002 sales of audio/video consumer electronics? If Leonhardt and Uchitelle are correct, sales of digital televisions, which are high priced items, should fall, but sales of DVD players (not the portable types), which are mostly inexpensive, should be relatively strong. DVD-related hardware and software, such DVD/RW drives and media, are also likely to do well, but sales of new PCs, which have been declining throughout the year, should experience an even more precipitous drop due to market saturation.
Sales of PDAs may be better, especially as alternatives to PC purchases or as a companion to an existing PC, in this recessionary holiday season. Palm computing reported a net loss of $32MM for the quarter ended August 31, compared to the same quarter last year, but revenues were up by 30% over the previous quarter. Handspring also reported increased revenues of $61.4MM in October, slightly better than the $61MM in the previous quarter.
The big PDA sales are likely to be with color models (with and without music playback features), especially if purchased as an alternative to a PC. Most of the non-entry-level monochrome models have been languishing on dealer shelves. Pocket-PC PDAs (such as Compaq's iPaq and HP's Jornada) have had excellent expansion options and built-in media players from the beginning. Some Palm-based PDAs have multimedia capability; others are catching up. Always-on wireless modem/802.11 networking capability may be the next hit feature in PDAs, although not until 2002. Palm's pending purchase of Be Inc. could be hinting at the transformation of PDAs into always-on Internet appliances.
Indeed, wireless capability could be the next hit feature in all types of portable equipment. Both the PC-centric and device-centric visions of the future depend on wireless technology for connectivity to the PC server or to an all-pervasive wireless network. Even without such networks in place, there are more modest ambitions for wireless connectivity such portable audio/video players and PDAs docking with a PC to transfer files and information quickly and easily.
And whether the music comes from a PDA or from a dedicated audio player, the most popular audio-ear interface is still the venerable headphone (you were wondering when I would get to headphones, huh?). As a form of low-priced audio gear, headphones are likely to remain a popular holiday gift. Headphones, even very good headphones, are relatively inexpensive. And what more economical and tasteful a gift than to upgrade a beloved audiophile's old headphones or to replace the cheap, tinny ones that come with most portables. Headphones now come in such an abundance of styles that headphoners will often own many pairs and choose phones to match their mood or clothing.
Headphone sales could also ride high with sales of hardware and software DVD players and surround sound decoders that feature headphone virtualizer technologies such as Dolby Headphone. Products incorporating Dolby Headphone and other virtualizers have been slow to come to market. DH has been available in software DVD players since 2000. DH exists in a few hardware devices (portable DVD and MD players and a surround amplifier). Such players began appearing this summer, and the pricing remains high and distribution of these devices limited (mostly in Japan).
Rumors are that a slew of Dolby Headphone and other virtualizer-based products should appear at the beginning of 2002. If the performance of these virtualizers lives up to expectation, consumers may purchase quality headphones in order to get the best listening experience. However, there may be a great deal of consumer confusion about virtualizers. The technologies are new and the performance varies. There are products labeled as virtualizers that do nothing more than add echo or reverb to the audio signal, and mediocre performance at this stage could taint the entire product category.
Assuming that these marketing and technical issues are resolved, the long-term future looks rosey indeed for the headphone market. Virtualizers promise to eliminate the main objection many consumers have to listening with headphones: a flat, claustrophobic sonic perspective that is objectionable with music and very much objectionable with surround movies, which demand to be heard in 3D. Headphone manufacturers are already creating products optimized to work with virtualized audio, such as Grado Labs' new Cinema headphones.
HEADPHONE PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Philips Electronics's new SBC-HP820, SBC-HP840 and SBC-HP890 headphones feature neodymium transducers for strong bass and crisp details, ergonomically-shaped ear cushions and self-adjusting headbands. The HP820 has 40mm transducers. Its specs are: 104dB/mW sensitivity, 32 ohms impedance. The flagship model SBC HP890 has 50mm XXL transducers, a metal grill, replaceable cord and velvet ear cushions. The HP890's specs are: 106dB/mW sensitivity, 110mW power handling, 32 ohms impedance. The HP890 retails for about $60 US.
- Aiwa has introduced a series of stylish, low-cost, clip-on and lightweight headphones. The Aiwa HP-EC1 comes in 4 colors and have an elliptical shape to match the ear. The the black, blue, and pink versions have a holographic design. The white EC1 has a pearl-like finish. All feature 30mm transducers, a 50cm cord and a 70mm extension cord. Specs: 102dB/mW sensitivity, 100mW max. power handling, 32 ohms impedance. The EC-1 sells for about $35 US.
The EC-101 Shellz clip-on phones are available in black, pearl white, blue and pink and have 30mm drivers. The EL-101 Ear-Link model are actually earbud headphones (15mm drivers) held in an ear frame that completely surrounds the ear. They come in royal blue/silver or orange/silver and in three different ear frame sizes to fit different size ears. They retail for $25 and $30 US respectively.
The HP-JS35 ($25 US) is a new water-resistant model in Aiwa's Swoops line. It has a black band and silver earpieces with red accents and a headphone cord with inline volume control. The HP-VJ201 ($20 US) is an in-ear version of the Swoops design in metallic gray. Swoops phones were originally vertically-mounted earbuds on a neckband frame. The in-ear version places the earbuds flush in the ears. It has 13.5mm drivers with Acoustic Plus and Pipe-Phone technology to improve the bass response. Colors: metallic black and red. The HP-AJ101 ($20 US) is an open-back neckband headphone. It has 28mm transducers and comes in metallic blue and pearl white.
- Sennheiser introduced four new headphones at the IFA 2001 in Berlin: HD477, HD497, PX30 and PX40. With impedances of 32 ohms and sensitivity ratings of 109dB/mW and 112dB/mW respectively, the open-back, circumaural HD477 and HD497 are designed for hi-fi and portable audio systems. They have been optimized for the best dynamic range and wearing comfort in the 400 series as well as the resolution of detail and spatial information. The HD477 and HD497 have user-replaceable parts and a two-year warranty. The HD477 and HD497 retail for about $40 and $60 respectively.
The specifications of the new PX Series lightweight-headphones are matched to the headphone outputs of portable players. Their sound quality is "optimised for pop and rock music." These headphones have a "bass tube" for a rich bass response. The PX40 adds an inline volume control. General specifications: 32 ohms at 115dB/mW sensitivity.
- Audio Technica has added two models to its "Art" series headphones to commemorate its 40th anniversary. The ATH-A100CTi is a limited edition closed headphone (2000 units). The enclosure is based on the ATH-A10ANV headphones, except that the earcups are made of titanium in a bright blue finish and the transducers are from the ATH-W2002. The self-adjusting headband uses the new "wing" support pads. The earcups feature Audio-Technica's "Total Ear Fitting" design that accommodates the entire ear for best fit and acoustic coupling. Specs: 53mm transducers, 100dB/mW sens., 38 ohms impedance, 2000mW max. power handling. The ATH-A100CTi retails for 33,000 Yen ($272 US).
The ATH-W2002 has lacquered cherry wood earcups and features AT's Double Air Dampening System for extended bass response. Audio-Technica is marketing these as the ideal headphone for listening to SACDs. The headband is self-adjusting with the new "wing" support pads. The Total Ear Fitting earcups surround the entire ear for best fit and acoustic coupling. Specs: 53mm transducers, 102dB/mW sens., 40 ohms impedance, 2000mW max. power handling. The ATH-W2002 retails for 100,000 Yen ($825 US).
To drive the ATH-W2002 headphones, Audio-Technica has created the companion AT-HA2002 headphone amplifier. The circuitry is class A with MOSFET output transistors and can provide up to 1.2W per channel. The lacquered cherry wood front-panel sports gold-plated brass hardware and two headphone jacks. The back panel has AC- and DC-coupled audio inputs. The headphone outputs will drive loads from 16 ohms to 600 ohms. Other specs: 0.006% THD, 117dB S/N, 1.1V/50K ohms sens., 62dB channel separation. It measures 180mm(H) × 360mm (W) × 350mm (D) and retails for 140,000 Yen ($1200 US).
The ATH-A55 is a closed headphone with 53mm transducers for extended bass response. The dampened housing reduces interior resonances for the clearest sound. Specs: 60 ohms impedance, 102dB/mW sens., 1400mW max. power handling. The ATH-A55 retails for 11,000 Yen ($90 US).
The ATH-PRO5 MS is a monitoring headphone (closed) with new camouflage styling. Both earcups are reversible for single-sided monitoring. Specs: 40mm transducers, 40 ohms impedance, 103dB/mW sens. The MSRP for ATH-PRO5 MS is 8000 Yen ($66 US).
The ATH-F55 is a stylish, folding headphone with a remote control in the headphone cord for use with portables. Both earcups can be reversed for single-sided monitoring. Specs: 40mm transducers in closed-type earcups, 35 ohms impedance, 108dB/mW sens., 1000mW power handling. Color options: Camouflage (green and blue), Panther, Pearl Blue, Skeleton Black, Zebra Red and Zebra Blue. The ATH-F55 retails for 5500 Yen.
Audio-Technica's two new clip-on headphones focus on style and comfort. The ATH-EZ5 "EARZ" clip-ons have clear-plastic caps that change color when exposed to sunlight. The color-change models are blue, orange and red. ATH-EX5 Specs: 32mm transducers, 104dB/mW sens., 32 ohms impedance, 500mW max. power handling. The ATH-EZ5 sells for 2500 Yen. The ATH-EQ2 is a high-comfort clip-on. The ear clip is hinged so that the wearer can adjust the amount of applied pressure. It comes in blue, metallic and silver. Specs: 19mm transducers, 100dB/mW sens., 16 ohms impedance, 500mW max. power handling. The ATH-EQ2 sells for 1800 Yen.
- Dowumi's EZ500P is a lightweight (80 gr.) neckband headphone which uses a bone conduction element in place of a standard acoustic transducer. They are worn so that the bone conduction elements are in contact with the side of the face. Vibrations from the transducers are transmitted through the cranial bones to the auditory nerves. People with hearing loss but undamaged auditory nerves may be able to use these headphones.
The headphones are relatively inefficient, and require the EZ-S20 amplifier when used with portable gear. The EZ-S20 weighs 30 gr. and is powered by 2 AA batteries. EZ-500P Specs: 75dB/mW sens. (90dB with amplifier), 70mW max. power handling. EZ-S20 Specs: 50Hz - 20kHz frequency response, 40dB crosstalk.
- The DT234 Pro from Beyerdynamic is basically the DT231 (closed type, supra-aural) with a microphone boom. Created for multimedia applications, the DT234 Pro excels in speech applications thanks to it's noise-cancelling cardioid electret microphone. Specs: 32 ohms impedance, 95dB/mW sens., 125dB SPL (microphone). The headphone cord is terminated with a standard 3.5mm stereo mini-plug but custom connectors are available.
- Sony's PSYC Streetstyle have interchangeable headphone caps in different colors to complement the colors of the Sony PSYC portable audio players. The MDR-G63LP is a neckband-type headphone with red and yellow caps. Specs: 30mm transducers, 105dB/mW, 24 ohms impedance. The MDR-G63LP sells for about $30 US.
The MDR-G73LP is a open-type, clip-on headphone with single-sided cord. Sony calls a spiral neckband style because the curved section of the cord running between the transducers is covered is thicker than the cord itself. Specs: 30mmm transducers, 105dB/mW sens., 24 ohms. The MDR-G73LP is available in metallic blue and retails for aobut $40 US.
The NW-E8P Network Walkman is a pair of clip-on headphones with integrated audio player. It has 64M of flash memory for up to 120 minutes of recording time (at 66kbps ATRAC encoding). One of the earpieces has a backlit LCD that displays tune and volume information. It will run for up to 7 hours on a single AA battery. Music files must be downloaded from a PC through a USB port. The minimum system requirements are Windows OS (Win98, WinME, Win2000), 233MHz CPU, 64M of RAM.
The Network Walkman is Sony's first product to have its Net MD interface, which connects MD players to PCs via a USB port. Although music files transferred to MD discs are, in fact, converted to Sony's Atrac format, Net MD is meant to capitalize on popularity of using MD discs to store MP3 music files. To address copyright issues, Net MD supports the Serial Copy Management System (SCMS).
Sony's 900MHz wireless headphones all feature a 150-foot transmission range, the AFM Transmission System which resists static and distortion, three selectable transmission channels and automatic power on/off for the transmitter and headphones. The headphones all have a self-adjusting headband, volume control and rechargeable batteries.
The MDR-RF975RK transmission system adds noise reduction and automatic tuning for best reception. The headphones are closed-type with 30mm transducers. The MDR-RF945RK has similar features except that the headphones are open-type. The headphones on the MDR-RF915RK are also open-type, but the system does not have noise reduction or automatic tuning. The MSRPs are $199 US, $129 US and $99 US respectively.
- The Koss is following the latest trends in portable headphones with their introduction of the model KSC-50 and KSC-55 headphones. The KSC-50 is a open-type clip-on style with a nylon covered cord to eliminate tangling and improve durability. KSC-50 Specs: 60 ohms impedance, 101dB/mW sens. Retail price is $20 US. The KSC-55 is a neckband version of the KSC-50. KSC-55 Specs: 60 ohms impedance, 101dB/mW sens. The KSC-55 retails for $20 US.
Koss has adapted its "The Plug" canal-type headphone to communications headsets. The COMPlug is a single Plug earpiece with a microphone. The noise reduction microphone is mounted on a mini boom that can be extended for optimal pickup. COMPlug specs: 16 ohms impedance, 112dB/mW sens. The MSRP for the COMPlug is $20 US. The CS-15 is similar to the COMPlug except that the microphone is concealed inside the earpiece. CS-15 specs: 16 ohms impedance, 112dB/mW sens. The CS-15 sells for $15 US.
- The Stax SR-4070 is a closed electrostatic design with an internal air chamber system that absorbs the rear waves from the diaphragm. Specs: 110pF capacitance, 145K ohms impedance (1kHz), 97dB/100Vrms sens., 118dB max. SPL (at 400Hz), 580VDC bias voltage, 480 gr. w/o cord (625 gr. with cord). It retails for 150,000 Yen or about $1250 US. Stax recommends using these amps with the SR-4070: SRM-313, SRM-006t, SRM-717 or SRM-007t.
- Panasonic/Technics has created headphones specifically for listening to the high quality audio of SACDs and DVDs. The model RP-FDA100 has 2-way transducers (57mm woofer and 20mm tweeter) with a frequency response extending well into the ultrasonic range (3Hz to 100kHz). The light weight (11.3 oz) and self-adjusting headband make these headphones comfortable to wear for long periods. The 10-foot, user-replaceable headphone cord will automatically detach if it gets caught on furniture or other objects. Specs: 32 ohms impedance, open-type enclosure, 100dB/mW sens., 1000mW max. power handling. It retails for about $350 US.
Panasonic's new clip-on headphone designs are both stylish and functional. The RP-HS100 incorporates the XBS bass system and an auto-rewind headphone cord. (MSRP $34.95 US.) The RP-HS77 is water-resistant and comes in silver, blue and red. (MSRP $24.95 US.) The RP-HS79 is similar to the HS77, except it has interchangable color caps (two pairs of red and blue) and is water-resistant. (MSRP $29.95 US.) The RP-HS9 series headphones have ear frames molded in a spiral shape. They are available in green, orange, blue and silver. (MSRP $14.95 US.)
- Antonio Precise Products has released three new headphones with built-in 3D sound processors based on WOW technology from SRS Labs. All are powered by two N-size batteries, have volume controls and surround on/off switches. The SR90 has 50mm transducers mounted in earcups with acoustic air vents and cirumaural earpads for "super bass" sound. The SR20 is a folding, supra-aural headphone with 40mm drivers. The SR10 is smaller and lighter than the SR20. No pricing info available yet.
- The Telex ANR 4105 is an enhanced version of the ANR 4100 headset. It adds extra deep ear cushions, lighter weight (18 oz.), improved active noise reduction performance (17dB) and a passive noise reduction of 20dB. The 4105 will operate off a 9-volt battery for around 40 hrs. Pricing starts at $550. It is avaiable in adult and youth models and comes with its own flight bag.
ACCESSORIES PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Stefan AudioArt's Vision 1 replacement cables for Sennheiser Headphones (models HD200, HD270, HD490, HD495, HD500, HD570, HD575, HD590) are braided from high purity copper wire and result in a unique soundstage presentation and improved bass response. The heavy-duty 2.5mm and 3.5mm terminating connectors are gold-plated and are joined to the cable with silver solder. Vision 1 cables come in 6-foot, 8-foot and 10-foot lengths and retail for $69, $69 and $79 respectively. For more information, contact James Serdechny.
- Two Sharp consumer products now include Dolby Headphone processing. The Sharp MD-ST880 is the first portable MD player to feature Dolby Headphone virtualization. It measures 2.8" x 0.5" x 3.1", weighs 3.4 oz and will operate for up to 130 hours with the external rechargeable battery pack. Sharp will release the MD-ST880 in Japan on August 8. No pricing info yet.
The DV-L90TC portable DVD player has an 8.7" LCD screen (the largest of any portable to date), an SD (secure digital) card slot for viewing digital photographs stored on SD memory cards, a VHF/UHF television tuner, and Dolby Headphone processing. It has numerous audio/video input/output jacks, two integral 28mm speakers and is available in Japan now for 138,000 Yen (about $1100 US).
- Lake Technology has released a Personal Listening Space Dolby Headphone plugin for the MusicMatch JukeBox, a popular jukebox application that is bundled with over 60 brand name PCs such as Dell, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard and IBM. It retails for $12.95 US. MusicMatch will be announcing the plugin in its next bulletin.
- InterVideo has released WinDVD 3.0, a software DVD player with Dolby Headphone virtualization. Other WinDVD 3.0 features include Dolby Digital decoding for 2 to 5.1 channels, S/PDIF digital outputs, time stretching, optional DTS decoding and support for the VR (Video Recording) format for DVD-RW and DVD-RAM media. WinDVD retails for $49 US ($69 with DTS decoding). It can be purchased online from InterVideo. A trial version (limited to 5 minutes of playback per title) is available for download. WinDVD requires Windows 95/98/NT/2000/Me, a DVD drive and a minimum Pentium 350MHz MMX or AMD 450MHz CPU.
- The 3-tube Cyber 20 headphone amplifier from Opera Audio can output up to 1W/channel. The entire system weighs about 7kg, with the power supply housed in a separate enclosure. The output impedance of the transformer-coupled output stage is adjustable to drive headphones ranging from 10 ohms to 600 ohms. One 12AU7 and two EL84 make up the tube complement. The Cyber 20 retails for about $300 US.
- The Bit88 from 1388 Technology is a tube-based 3D sound enhancer incorporating SRS Labs' WOW and TruBass technologies. The enhancer restores the original dynamics in the audio signal with rich ambience and deep bass. The rear panel includes RCA and miniplug inputs/outputs. There is also a dedicated headphone output with volume control. The tube appears to be a 6JD8/6922 - probably used as an output buffer stage. 1388 Technology is targeting this processor to audio and gaming enthusiasts. Specs: 100K ohms input impedance, 22K ohms min. output loading, 2.2Vp-p max. input, 1.6x gain. The Bit88 retails for $193 Sg (or about $100 US).
- HeadRoom has revamped several models in its line of headphone amplifiers. The Supreme, Cosmic, Home, Maxed Out Home and Max amplifiers now have 3-position filter switches and 3-position gain switches. All HeadRoom amps have crossfeed filters. The Home, Maxed Out Home and Max amplifiers have a ground lift switch and line outputs. These options are also available: switchable inputs or an input/output loop, stepped attenuator and module upgrades. The Maxed Out Home and Max amplifiers offer dual toroidal transformers and user switchable line voltage. Pricing ranges from $450 to $2065 US.
The BlockHead is a new model in the HeadRoom line. It features balanced inputs and outputs, dual power supplies, HeadRoom's "Reference" electronics module with crossfeed filter, a Noble volume control, 3-position filter switch, 3-position gain switch, phase switch and ground lift switch. The BlockHead retails for $3333 US or $3888 US with a stepped attenuator.
- Spatializer Labs' Virtual Sound Processor 11 is a software-based 3D sound enhancer for Windows OS computers. It will work with all sound applications that uses the Wave and DirectSound APIs by intercepting the audio stream sent to these APIs or that go through the USB port. The enhancer has settings for headphones and speakers. The Natural Headphone setting provides "a virtual surround sound effect" on stereo source material through headphones. In the current beta version, sound controls are reset every 60 seconds, and the application stops working after 30 days. The VSP can be downloaded here.
- The MusicMatch JukeBox has two new 3D sound processor plug-ins: the Lake Personal Listening Space plugin from Lake Technologies and the QMax plugin from QSound. The PLS plugin is an implementation of the stereo version of the Dolby Headphone virtualizer and retails for $12.95 US. The QMax plugin is based on QSound's "High Definition Audio for the Internet" and can process MP3 files and other downloadable and streamed Internet audio formats. QMax's audio processing can be output to headphones or speakers. It retails for $14.95 US. MusicMatch JukeBox (version 6.1 is the latest) is a full-featured software audio player/recorder that is bundled with various OEM hardware products or can be downloaded from the MusicMatch.com site. MusicMatch JukeBox Basic is free. MusicMatch JukeBox Plus retails for $14.95 US. Plug-ins must be downloaded from within the MusicMatch player.
- The RumbleFX 3D Sound Amplifier from Evergreen Technologies uses the WOW 3D sound technology from SRS Labs. It works with headphones and speakers, and has line outputs, a line-level stereo mini-jack, a headphone mini-jack and a 3W amplified mini-jack. The 3W amplified jack will drive headphones and non-powered speakers. Front panel controls include a WOW dial and a TruBass dial to adjust the focus of the 3D sound and the bass enhancement. The RumbleFX amp retails for $79.99 US.
- AM3D's Diesel Power is an interactive 3D audio engine for PC games, which utilizes the Microsoft DirectSound API for audio streaming. It has database of HRTF filters for on-the-fly positioning of sounds from speakers or preferably headphones. For speakers, the engine generates HRTF-based crosstalk cancellation. For headphone listening, there are several preset filters for optimal 3D positional audio. The Diesel Studio is a test application that demonstrates the capabilities of the Diesel Power engine. The minimum platform is Windows 98, Windows ME or Windows 2000 and a 500MHz CPU with MMX. Diesel Studio can be downloaded here.
- Tucker-Davis' System 3 is a simple to use, simple to program data acquisition and stimulus presentation environment. The components of the system are: the RP2.1 Real Time Processor, the StingRay Pocket Processor and the RPvdx visual design studio. The RP2.1 and Stingray processors are programmed for data acquisition or spatialized sound generation from the RPvdx studio, a Windows application. Both processors can run programs in real-time.
The RP2.1 has a 150 MIP floating point DSP (50 MHz Sharc 21065) and combines the features of complex signal generators, programmable filters, and signal mixers all in one module. It can be programmed to generate any waveform from simple tones and noise to complex stimuli, such as frequency sweeps, amplitude modulation, and ripple noise.
The Stingray Pocket Processor is a battery-operated, portable real-time signal processor. Smart data (eg, data that meets certain criteria) can be logged directly to its 16M or 64M of RAM. Like the RP2.1, it can programmed to generate spatialized sounds. It uses a 25 MHz Sharc 26165 DSP and will run on its rechargeable batteries for up to 24 hours. The Stingray's docking station serves as the interface for downloading programs from the PC and for transferring data between it and the PC.
- Cyberlink has an official Windows XP upgrade patch for its PowerDVD 3.0. This patch is supposed to upgrade earlier versions of PowerDVD 3.0 to the current retail version. The file is dated August 9, 2001 and the file size is about 4.5M.
- The Creative Labs Nomad Jukebox 20G audio player can store over 333 hours of CD quality music in MP3, WMA and WAV formats. The on-board DSP implements fully customizable 3D headphone spatialization effects, advanced EQ, adjustable playback speed, and environmental effects. It retails for $399 US or $649.99 Cdn.
Creative Labs' Audigy audio processor is four times more powerful than the EMU10K1 processor in its SoundBlaster Live sound cards. Audigy can generate high-definition audio effects (EAX advanced HD) with next-generation interactive 3D audio for gaming and sophisticated effects for music. For developers, the EAX advanced HD audio library supports Microsoft's Direct Sound API, the OpenAL API, Dolby Digital 5.1 mixing API and EAGLE 3.0 Graphical Librarian Editor.
The Audigy processor is available in the new Audigy line of sound cards. In addition to EAX ADVANCED HD effects, the Audigy sound card supports Dolby Digital decoding, CD burning, Time Scaling to slow down or speed up a track while retaining accurate pitch and Audio Clean-Up to remove hiss and scratches from LP (vinyl discs) and MP3 music. The onboard 24-bit/96kHz DACs have a 100dB S/N ratio. The Audigy sound card line includes the Sound Blaster Audigy Platinum eX, Sound Blaster Audigy Platinum, Sound Blaster Audigy MP3+ and Sound Blaster Audigy X-Gamer.
The Home Electronics Show - New York City, May 2001
Two headphone products debuted at T.H.E. Show this year: Grado Cinema headphones and Wheatfield Audio's USB DAC amplifier. The Grado Cinema headphones are meant to complement the anticipated flood of new DVD players with built-in headphone virtualizers such as Dolby Headphone. The new earpads and transducers are designed to image optimally with these sound technologies. Grado has made no official announcement of this product line yet.
The Wheatfield Audio USB DAC amplifier is USB 1.0 compliant, can be powered from the USB port of any computer and is plug-and-play (requires no additional software). It uses a Burr-Brown USB DAC chip, Burr-Brown opamps and a class-A discrete follower that will drive headphones from 32 ohms to 600 ohms. The amp will output 4.9Vrms into a 200 ohm load and measures (W)3.3" x (H)1.1" x (D)4.5". MSRP is estimated at $250 US.
Thanks to Skippy in the forums for the pictures!
Miscellaneous
Go to the 2000 Announcements Archive
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