Bundled Software:
(compact view)The Siren software is a fully functional music application which allows playing, ripping, organizing, and transfer of MP3's to portable devices. Several skins are included to customize the appearance of the player (default shown above). The MP3 encoding functionality includes multiple bitrates to choose from, as well an an encryption option. An MP3 encrypted by Siren can only be played on the computer from which it was encrypted on...which is a nice feature for the security-minded users. An option exists to upgrade Siren XPress 2.0 to an even more robust player, which includes fully controllable equalizer and custom settings.
PowerDVD 3.0 is a powerful DVD player with high quality audio/video playback, as well as low CPU utilization (averaged 20-24% on my test system). Advanced audio features include DTS, Dolby Digital, AC-3, and 4/6-channel outputs support.
QSound's AudioPix allows you to create audio/visual experiences from standard MP3 sound and image files (JPG, GIF, BMP, WMF, EMF, etc). Wizards allow fast creation of projects that can be emailed to friends (make them jealous of your most recent vacation while listening to your favorite MP3's).
Sonic Foundry's Acid XPress is music creation software that makes it easy for anyone to use. Here is an excerpt from Sonic Foundry's product description:
"ACID™ XPress 3.0 is an award-winning music creation tool. Make your own original music with the click of a mouse and a few 'painted' strokes. It's easy—Just pick some loops, paint them into a track, and play them back. It's the most fun you'll ever have creating music."
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Conclusion:
Philips has an excellent 5.1 solution at a very competitive price ($61-99 USD from various online vendors at the time of review). I am impressed with the ease of installation and compatibility with Windows 2000. I did not use the card with Windows 98/Me, but have heard the results are just as good, if not better. The card has many features that add to its value, with the main one being full-time 5.1 sound from all input sources. Solid drivers, a good software bundle, and excellent product support all make this a good choice for your next sound card.
OVERALL RATING: 9 out of 10
Related Links:
Philips (Global Home)
3DSoundSurge Review of Acoustic Edge (excellent technical review and all-around multimedia sound resource!)
GamersDepot.com Review (another good review of the AE with pics)
Klipsch Promedia 5.1 Speaker System (Klipsch website with product information)
Klipsch Promedia 5.1 Review at PC Abusers (Klipsch 5.1 review and an excellent hardware tweaking site!)