Archives for November 2002

Go Retro With the Baby of the Archos Range and Never Miss the Start of a Track Again

Just when you thought Jukebox technology could not go any further, Archos got seriously retro with the launch of a petite personal MP3 player/recorder with built-in FM radio, the ONDIO.

Containing 128MB of solid state memory with smart card slot to increase capacity, the ONDIO supports up to three hours of MP3 playback (at CD quality) and adds two unique features to the functions of its big brothers in the Archos Jukebox Recorder series.

  • built-in FM radio
  • 30-second retro recording buffer

Not only can you listen to your favorite radio station and MP3 music, you can also record/encode MP3 from any audio source, or from the integrated FM radio itself, while on the move!

The ONDIO gives the freedom to capture any track, clip or quote from the radio with a simple push of a button. The user can also retro-record 30 seconds before the button is pushed, as well as front-end edit the file on the first playback (records up to 3 hours with 96 kbits/s).

As with all Archos products, these recorded files can be dragged and dropped onto/from the computer via the supplied USB connector, and can be e-mailed to friends.

At a tiny size (3-1/4 x 2 x 1 inches), this dynamic little player’s futuristic design is eye catching.

The ONDIO is the first product in the Archos range of personal entertainment systems to utilize “Flash” memory and offer memory expansion by incorporating a slot for Multimedia cards.

The ONDIO also includes the following functionalities:

  • Store 2 hours minimum of music MP3 in quality CD (from a computer or directly off the FM tuner and other analog audio source)
  • Use the integrated microphone to turn it into a dictating machine (capacity of over 4 hours vocal recording)
  • Transport data by storing them on the 128 memory Flash (USB 1.1 interface)
  • Multiplatform — compatible with Mac or PC
  • Hot swappable (the computer immediately sees the ONDIO as another drive without the need to re-boot)
  • Simple to use menu
  • LCD screen

The new Archos ONDIO is available for an MSRP of $179.95. Additional information is available from Archos Technology, 3 Goodyear, Unit A, Irvine, Calif. 92618, visit the Web site, or call 949-609-1400.

About Archos Technology

Archos Technology, based in Irvine, Calif., the U.S. division of Archos SA, Paris, France, has designed and manufactured peripherals for notebook and desktop computers since 1988. Archos products include mobile solutions for professionals on the move, such as the Jukebox Multimedia 20, Jukebox 20 Recorder, Jukebox Studio 20 player, Cesar CDRW/WPM, MiniDVD, MiniHD and the FireHD. Archos products are lightweight and multiplatform, easily moveable from PC to Mac.

Archos engineers are continuously creating new standards by Thinking Smaller. New Products build on the success of current and earlier models such as the Archos Jukebox 6000 player, which was awarded the Retailvision Best Products Peripheral award, the Product Excellence Award from the French magazine, PC Achat, the Silver Award from PCHome, and the 5-Star Award from MP3.com.

MOTU Debuts High Definition 192kHz Audio Interface

Mark of the Unicorn announced the HD192, a two rack-space 12-channel high definition audio interface for Macintosh and Windows personal computers. The HD192 provides high-quality audio recording and playback on 12 XLR analog inputs and outputs at any standard sample rate up to 192 kHz. A fully expanded HD192 system provides up to 48 channels of simultaneous analog I/O. As with MOTU’s other new PCI-424 systems (the 24I/O and 2408mk3), the HD192 will be sold as both a core system (with PCI card and AudioDesk software for $1,895) and expansion I/O ($1,595).

“The MOTU HD192 is the first full-featured, expandable high definition audio interface for the native recording studio,” said Jim Cooper, Director of Marketing at MOTU. “The HD192 is meant for those who demand the very best audio quality.”

12 channels at 192 kHz

All 12 XLR inputs and outputs on the HD192 rear panel support operation at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz. Latest-generation converters and state-of-the art design provide exceptional audio quality. The measured dynamic range for the 12 analog inputs is just over 120 dB (A-weighted at 48 kHz) with a measured THD+N of 0.0005% (-106 dB).

AES/EBU digital I/O is also provided at samples rates up to 96 kHz with independent real-time sample rate conversion on the digital input and output. A separate “AES word in” BNC connector allows users to clock the AES/EBU section independently from the rest of the system. System word clock input/output is also provided on BNC connectors.

Expansion

An HD192 core system includes the PCI-424, the same enhanced PCI card introduced earlier this year with MOTU’s 2408mk3 system. The PCI-424 card adds a fourth Audio Wire port that allows users to connect up to four MOTU audio interfaces to the computer. At 12 channels each, a fully expanded HD192 system provides 48 analog input and output connections.

CueMix DSP

The HD192’s PCI–424 card features CueMix DSP™, a flexible DSP-driven mixing and monitoring matrix that provides the same near-zero monitoring latency as today’s latest digital mixers. CueMix DSP™ allows HD192 users to monitor live inputs with no audible delay and no processor drain on the host computer’s CPU. The CueMix DSP engine resides on the PCI–424 card, so it works across all interfaces connected to the card. The included CueMix Console software provides an on-screen mixer that gives users hands-on control of their monitor mix, regardless of what audio software they prefer to use. CueMix Console provides a separate stereo bus for every pair of outputs, giving users up to 24 separate busses on a fully expanded HD192 system and more with other MOTU expansion interfaces. Digital Performer users, as well as users of ASIO2 host applications, have the additional option of controlling CueMix DSP directly within the host application’s mixing environment. CueMix DSP completely eliminates the buffer latency associated with monitoring live inputs in host-based recording systems. Legacy interface support

HD192 users can connect any MOTU PCI audio interface to their PCI-424 card, including the new 2408mk3 and 24i/o interfaces, as well as all legacy PCI-324 interfaces (the original 2408, 2408mkII, 1296, 1224, 24i and 308). Legacy interfaces can take full advantage of the PCI-424’s new CueMix DSP monitoring.

On-board SMPTE sync

Like the 2408mk3, the HD192 provides on-board SMPTE time code synchronization features. These features allow users to slave their HD192 system to SMPTE time code (via any analog input) without a dedicated synchronizer. The PCI–424 card provides a DSP-driven phase-lock engine with sophisticated filtering that provides fast lockup times and sub-frame accuracy.

The included software also provides a complete set of tools to generate SMPTE for striping, regenerating or slaving other devices to the computer. Like CueMix DSP, the synchronization features are cross-platform and compatible with all audio sequencer software.

Additional Feature highlights

  • 19-segment metering for all analog inputs/outputs – The HD192 front-panel provides dedicated 19-segment level meters for every analog input and output.
  • Across-the-board software compatibility — the HD192 ships with a complete set of drivers for Macintosh and Windows 98SE/Me/2K/XP and it is compatible with virtually all audio software on both platforms.
  • AudioDesk software – A HD192 core system includes AudioDesk, MOTU’s sample–accurate workstation software for Mac OS with 24-bit recording/editing and 32-bit automated mixing, processing and mastering.

The MOTU HD192 is expected to ship in the first quarter of 2003.

SRS Labs’ New 5.1 Circle Surround® Technology Used on ESPN NFL and NBA Telecasts

SRS Labs, Inc. announced today that SRS Labs’ Circle Surround® (“CS”) technology is currently being used by ESPN to deliver 5.1 surround sound to its viewers nationwide during live sporting event telecasts. SRS Labs’ subsidiary, SRSWOWcast Technologies has provided ESPN with professional Circle Surround equipment for telecasting the programs in Circle Surround. ESPN will use CS during ESPN’s National Football League (NFL) and National Basketball Association (NBA) games and the network will display the Circle Surround logo before and after each CS-encoded telecast.

Circle Surround is an optimum surround encoding solution for television because it enables networks to encode up to 5.1 channels of discrete program material for transmission over existing stereo production/distribution infrastructure with no modifications. Circle Surround technology is also the only surround sound format that can encode 5.1 channels of surround sound for transmission using any two-channel medium.

“ESPN is happy to deliver the Circle Surround 5.1 technology to our viewers to further enhance the viewing experience for our fans,” said Donald Colantonio, Jr., ESPN coordinating director, remote production.

“We are pleased ESPN will use our Circle Surround professional audio encoder on NFL and NBA telecasts and look forward to working closely with them on additional events,” said Thomas C.K. Yuen, chairman and CEO of SRS Labs. “Circle Surround is a high quality, powerful technology that is universally compatible with current production/distribution infrastructure — making immediate delivery of 5.1 channel content possible to audiences around the world.”

Yuen continued, “This new relationship also provides tremendous brand exposure for SRS Labs through the display of our CS logo to millions of viewers. As a licensing company, our ultimate goal is to license our technologies to manufacturers of home theater products. Televising CS-encoded material is an important element in this strategy.”

An important point for telecasters is the fact that CS encoding is backward compatible with other matrix surround decoders subject to the limitations of the specific decoder. This flexibility means that CS-encoded sports programming is compatible with any system viewers may own, from the use of a television’s internal speakers to a full home theater installation. However, for the ultimate experience in surround sound playback, it is recommended that home theater enthusiasts use a surround sound receiver that includes either Circle Surround or our premium Circle Surround II decoding, available from manufacturers such as Kenwood and Marantz. CS II not only creates up to 6.1 channels of superior sound, but also includes SRS Labs patented techniques to provide dialog (center channel) enhancement and high quality bass enhancement.

About the CSE-07

The CSE (Model CSE-07) Circle Surround Pro Encoder enables audio professionals to encode up to 6.1 channels of discrete program material (Left, Center, Right, Left Surround, Center Surround, Right Surround, LFE) for transmission via any consumer stereo medium. It delivers a remarkable “home theater” audio experience at bandwidths as low as 44 kpbs. CS-encoded material is backwards compatible with the standard consumer audio formats (from mono to Dolby Pro Logic II(R)).

About SRSWOWcast Technologies

SRSWOWcast Technologies is the Internet and broadcast subsidiary of SRS Labs, Inc., one of the world’s leading providers of advanced and patented audio and voice enhancement technologies. With exclusive Internet and broadcasting rights to SRS Labs’ intellectual property portfolio, SRSWOWcast Technologies develops and licenses audio and voice technology solutions for Internet streaming, on-demand material, online radio, as well as for traditional television broadcasting and cable transmission.

Gryphon Launches Prelude Pre-Amplifier

Gryphon Audio Designs of Denmark announces the introduction of the Prelude pre-amplifier.

Gryphon brings technological advances and discoveries from cost-no-object pre-amps to a broader audience by now offering a Gryphon pre-amplifier at a very attractive price.

The Prelude includes advanced features like micro-processor set up and AV throughput option for seamless home-cinema integration.

Gryphon Prelude incorporates flexible menu control with Input Naming from a pre-programmed list or a customized name up to 8 characters long, Maximum Level Limiting to prevent accidental damage to amplifiers or speakers, Start-Up Level to set the same level each time you power up the Prelude.

A dedicated AV Input allows configuration of one input as an “AV Throughput” for practical use with a separate surround processor. This unity gain connection preserves the integrity of the Gryphon Prelude signal path for uncompromising stereo listening, without placing any surround components in the stereo signal path.

The amplifier opens up a very large window onto the music, allowing the attentive listener to follow the subtlest tonal nuances while maintaining a clear overview over the musical event.

The Gryphon Prelude is an ideal partner for the new Gryphon Encore power amplifier or any other true high performance amplifier.

The Prelude is already in the shops for demonstration.

Suggested retail price is US $7,800.

World wide distributor/dealer list can be located at the Gryphon Audio Web site.

Gryphon Introduces Encore Power Amplifier

Gryphon Audio Designs of Denmark now announces the introduction of the Encore power amplifier.

The Encore is an addition to the Gryphon range offering unsurpassed performance at its price level.

Gryphon Encore is a completely new design offering the latest technological advances and discoveries.

Power output of the Encore is conservatively rated at 500 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms and doubling effortless to 1,000 Watts into a 4 Ohm load.

The interior of the Gryphon Encore reveals its deep audiophile roots and uncompromising symmetrical design. The strict dual mono configuration for infinite channel separation extends even to the presence of separate AC power cords for each channel.

The dynamic capabilities of the Gryphon Encore strike a unique balance between authority and drive, delivering a rare level of energy in the extreme bass while maintaining the integrity and timbre of even the subtlest nuances.

The Gryphon Encore is an ideal partner for the new Gryphon Prelude pre-amplifier or any other true high performance amplifier.

The Encore is already in the shops for demonstration.

Suggested retail price is US $13,000.

World wide distributor/dealer list can be located at the Gryphon Audio Web site.