Creative makes notebook audio go wireless

Darius Chang | Sep 17, 2008

Content:

Laptop audio has come a long way. From basic beeps to high-definition sound, integrated sound cards are sufficient for most users, whether it be for gaming or entertainment.

However, there exists a class of listeners who demand more from their sound. It is for this market that has Creative targeted with its X-Fi technology. Using a proprietary algorithm, X-Fi puts in the higher and lower frequencies which are lost when a CD is compressed into MP3 or AAC formats. However, this is not the key feature of Creative's Sound Blaster X-Fi Notebook card.

The device plugs into a standard ExpressCard/34 slot (an ExpressCard/54 adapter is included) and provides X-Fi-quality audio via its 3.5mm jack. But the product truly shines when used with the bundled Wireless Receiver. The latter (powered by an AC outlet) can be hooked up to any speakers via 3.5mm or RCA jacks and receive tunes wirelessly from the laptop. Using the bundled software, the user can choose to broadcast to all synchronized modules within range or select up to four units to be controlled individually. The signal can travel through walls and, according to Creative, has a range of 30m.

The Sound Blaster X-Fi Notebook card comes bundled with one Wireless Receiver and remote control for S$269 (includes a free download of PowerDVD software with full DTS and Dolby Digital decoding support), while individual Wireless Receivers will go for US$79. These peripherals will be available from October 2008 in Asia.

Filed under: Notebooks
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