Gizmodo: Virtual Surround Sound

iLive's Extra-Wide iPod Surround Speakerbar

kevinhall2 — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:01:20 EDT

The iLive Flat Panel Docking System is a virtual surround sound bar that uses magnetically shielded 2 full mid/high range drivers and twin internal woofers. You can pretty much hook up whatever you want—DVD players, TVs, computers via USB, other audio players—but considering it has a specially built motorized tray that fits an iPod, we're guessing that's what iLive had in mind. The unit also has a headphone jack. Weird.

Now why would you plug in your iPod just to use the dock's headphone port? Once your iPod is docked, you can control it by the player's buttons, or by remote. It's got pretty much everything else you'd expect in the way of frills, from the usual AM/FM tuner to a backlit LCD clock that has an alarm, too. Expect to pay around $350.

Flat Panel Docking System
* 2.1 CH System w/True 3D Sound & SRS TruBass
* Built-In Magnetically Shielded Full-Range Stereo Speakers & Dual SubWoofers
* Digital Tune AM/FM Stereo Radio w/Station Memory Presets
* Backlit LCD Segment Display w/Clock, Timer & Sleep Timer
* Electronic Volume Control & Preset EQ, Lighted Keys
* Headphone Jack
* Aux-In Jack for other Audio Players, TV, DVD
* 4 x AV Inputs - 2 x RCA, 2 x S-Video + RCA Audio Input,
* S-Video Cable & Audio Line-In Cable, included
* Docking Platform with Recharge Circuit for iPod/mini/nano/shuffle/video/photo Players
* Certified Apple iPod Connectors installed
* Motorized iPod Docking Drawer & Automatic Detect
* Control iPod using the function buttons & remote control
* Video Out Photo & Video versions, Composite & S-Video Jack
* Full-Feature Remote Control operates iPod
* Mini-USB Jack for PC Communication, USB Cord, included
* Wall-Mountable, Mounting Hardware, included
* AC-Powered, built-in AC Cord, ETL/CETL Approved

[iLive iHTD8817DT via Scifi Tech]

Yamaha YSP-900 Delivers 5.1 Sound From a Single Speaker

Louis Ramirez — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 09:40:01 EST

I'm always on the hunt for the ultimate virtual surround sound system and I gotta admit, Yamaha's new YSP-900 looks pretty enticing. Like the previous version, it's intended to deliver 2.1 or 5.1 virtual surround sound in a package that only consists of a soundbar. This one in particular is meant to be paired with 32-inch flat-screens. It's just making it's debut in Japan, so hopefully it won't be long before it makes its way to the States. – Louis Ramirez

YSP-900: Latest Generation [Gizmologia]

Soundmatters Starves its Latest Virtual Surround Sound Speaker

Louis Ramirez — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 15:25:15 EST

Just like HP said no to its plus-size DLPs this morning, Soundmatters too is cracking down on its overly plump speakers. Their latest model, the ultra-thin SLIMstage, is just 3.4 inches thin (skinnier than some flat panels) yet it's still capable of belting out "convincing" stereo and 5.1 signals. The 210-watt soundbar has a built-in amp along with nine bass drivers and Dolby/DTS surround processing. Input-wise you get three digital audio ins (two optical, one coaxial) and three analog stereo inputs. Sounds nice on paper, but how will this sub $1k soundbar do in person? Considering Soundmatters' previous models have faired well, my hopes are high for the SLIMstage. We'll have to check it out in person at CES. – Louis Ramirez

Soundmatters Slimstage: Surround Sound from One Speaker [Crave]

All Giz Wants: Virtual Surround Sound Done Right

Louis Ramirez — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:17:00 EST

As much as I love surround sound, I don't have the space in my living room to wire a 5.1 or 6.1 speaker set. So instead I rely on my Denon S301, a 2.1 system that emulates a 5.1 setup. But as much as I love it, the S301 (and most virtual surround sound systems I've heard) still have a few flaws. I realize virtual surround sound (VSS) will never replace a real surround sound system, but there are a few improvements I'd like to see...

1) A virtual surround sound system that does a good job at emulating rear speakers. Most of the systems I've heard do an outstanding job emulating front and side speakers, but none of them trick me into thinking I have a pair of satellites sitting behind me.

2) A system that doesn't limit me to sitting in a "sweet spot," which usually ends up being directly in the middle or in front of the speakers.

3) Some VSS systems consist of one speaker, usually a soundbar. While I like the minimalism, often times these setups lack bass. Show me a soundbar with solid bass and I'll be first in line to buy it.

4) Many of the VSS systems I've seen have been demoed in majestic hotel rooms. If I lived in such a room, I'd just buy a proper surround sound set up to begin with. So I'd like to see a VSS system that works with any size/shape room (including my funky L-shaped living room). – Louis Ramirez

Niro Pumps Surround Sound Out of One Speaker

Louis Ramirez — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 15:34:05 EDT

Nothing beats a sweet surround sound set up, but when you're pressed for space (or don't want a buncha cables all over your room) you gotta go virtual. Niro can help with their new 1.1 virtual surround sound systems. Each model (from the 420 to the 1000) comes with a speaker bar and subwoofer. Looks-wise, they resemble previous Niro systems (which is a good thing), but the new models have re-designed grills and a wider speaker cabinet to better emulate surround sound. We've been fans of Niro in the past and hopefully these won't disappoint. They start at $580. – Louis Ramirez

Niro Virtual Surround Speakers [via Electronista]