(Digital Journal) — Audio Products International is one of the 10 largest speaker manufacturers in the world, known best for its Mirage and Energy speaker lines. The company has launched a new division called Spherex and, as part of a three-year deal with Microsoft, it will create a new Xbox-branded audio system: the Xbox 5.1 Surround Sound System (SSS).
The Xbox 5.1 SSS consists of a subwoofer with a built-in amplifier and surround-sound processor, five satellite speakers and a remote. It can act as multi-channel system (5.1) or a stereo system (2.1).
I recently toured API’s 165,000-sq.ft. facility in Toronto, where the company designs, manufactures, tests and packages all the sound systems of the API family. Alex Zaliauskas, whose business card reads “Intergalactic Sales Manager,” sat me down to try out the system.
One of the unique points of the SSS is the speaker design — five pod-like devices tilted on an angle. Spherex describes them as “omnipolar.” The speakers can project sound in a 360-degree radius, but their design allows them to keep the direction or “imaging” intact.
To test it out, we played Halo — one of the best games for audio. The Gregorian chant at the menu screen was large and loud, filling the room as if it were a cathedral. When we got into the game itself, the sounds were more focused; we could hear our weapons firing mainly in front of us while other sounds such as alien chatter echoed from various points around us. The good thing about these speakers was that the sound doesn’t simply appear to come from everywhere, as with some omnidirectional systems, but from an actual source. This is very important when you’re playing a game and need to hunt enemies by sound. According to Spherex, the speakers mimic the same ratio of reflected to direct sound found in nature (70 per cent to 30 per cent).
The SSS also has room for expansion the subwoofer unit has two slots, much like a PC, where new cards can be installed. This would make extra networking and video cards a possibility, but Spherex hasn’t announced anything official yet.
The system is branded with the Xbox name, but will also work with other consoles. In addition, it will work with DVD players, PCs, big-screen TVs, Dolby Digital and Pro Logic systems, stereos, satellite receivers and “anything that has a digital or analogue output,” Zaliauskas says. Furthermore, the SSS connects with PCs via USB to download firmware upgrades from Spherex’s website.
Spherex also has other systems in the works. At the Ultimate Guy’s Show in Toronto recently, the company showcased its “gaming chair” with surround sound built in. Zaliauskas says Spherex is also contemplating a less expensive version of the Xbox 5.1 SSS — fewer features, but lower price.
The Spherex Xbox 5.1 Surround System costs around $650 and comes with a 10-year warranty.
Top 5 Games
Pariah
For two years, Unreal creators Digital Extremes have secretly been at work on the new name in action and destruction. Gamers play Dr. Jack Mason, attempting to escape a prison planet with a patient infected with a deadly pathogen. The prison planet’s name? Earth. Pariah will feature top graphics and more story than usual for an action game, plus tantalizing features such as vehicles and weapons that are upgraded by power-ups. The game will have a single player mode and a host of multiplayer modes. The Xbox version will support Xbox Live.
Release Date: To Be Announced
Jade empire
A good martial arts-themed RPG is long overdue. But thanks to BioWare, the wait will soon be over. Jade Empire takes place in a mystical version of China, where you control students attempting to become experts of martial and magical arts. You’ll get a choice of fighting styles, weapons and magic powers to master, and you eventually recruit followers to send on missions. Will it be eye-popping? Are you prepared to bet against the people who brought us Neverwinter Nights and Knights of the Old Republic?
Release Date: Early 2005
Dungeon Siege 2
In this sequel to the popular Action/RPG, the land of Aranna has plunged into civil war, and the marauder Valdis is restoring order — in the most brutal manner possible. Players lead a resistance force of six adventurers. Dungeon Siege‘s graphics look even more beautiful than the original, plus the game is much more sophisticated. There are more skills, and each class now has unique hero powers. You have more “pets” to accompany you and their abilities grow over time. Players shouldn’t get too cocky though; AI has improved and enemies have a wider range of deadly attacks.
Release Date: Holiday 2004
GoldenEye: Rogue Agent
When gamers debate what’s the best N64 game ever, GoldenEye always comes up. Now EA has this unique sequel cooking, in which gamers can finally play as a Bond villain. You are a rogue agent kicked out of MI6, now working for Goldfinger. The goal? Advance through the ranks, customize your villain, and rule the world (of course). Exotic locales include Hong Kong and Switzerland. You’ll meet classic Bond allies and foes like Oddjob, Xenia Onatopp, and (cough) Pussy Galore. The PS2 and Xbox versions will support online play. “No, Mr. Bond. I expect you to die.”
Release Date: Fall 2004
Def Jam Fight for NY
The hip-hop fighting game is back with everything you asked for. Now there’s 10 different match types, a new story campaign, and (yes!) a create-a-player mode. There’s more rap and star power than before, with appearances by Busta Rhymes, Flava Flav, Ice T, Lil’ Kim, Ludacris, Method Man, Snoop Dogg and more. There are five different fighting styles — submission, street fighting, kick-boxing, martial arts and wrestling, and you can combine up to three styles. There are also 20 fighting venues, complete with crowds who are no longer content to watch — they get involved.
Released: September 2004
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