Saitek PH06 Cyborg Speedlink Portable 5.1 USB Headset Review

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(More customer reviews)I saw this gaming headset advertised in a PC Gamer magazine and have been interested in purchasing ever since. I ended up buying these for Christmas and just received them today. I was a bit concerned prior to buying because of the one review that was already posted on here, but I decided to take a risk and try it for myself.
The headset is NOT as small as the previous reviewer would have you believe. I compared it to my previous headset (the Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000) and found them to be almost the same exact size--in fact, this Saitek set seems to be a BIT wider on the head. This set doesn't press against the sides of my head as much as the Microsoft headset did, which is a huge positive.
The Saitek has three input plugs: one USB and two analog (one for mic and one for headphones). The USB is only necessary if you want to use the 5.1 surround feature; otherwise, for normal stereo listening you can just plug the analog plug into your headphone jack in your soundcard. What isn't made clear is the microphone connection--the microphone DOES work through the USB connection, so the analog plug for the mic is only necessary if you're using the stereo analog plug for the headphones (you can't listen in stereo through USB connection).
Installing on Windows Vista seemed smooth. I plugged the USB cord and Vista installed the headset without ever prompting for a disc or saying that correct drivers couldn't be found. However, just to be safe, I ended up using the included software and reinstalled.
Your experience might be different, but be warned that when the headset first installed on my system, the volume defaulted to maximum level--so do as the manual advises and press the Volume (-) button until the volume is all the way down...it'll save your ears.
First I tried listening to music using the headset through the USB connection. The music sounded very nice and crisp, and the bass sounds quite good for a headset. The sound configuration tool that gets placed in your system tray is moderately helpful--it allows you to choose different equalizer settings (the Soft-Rock preset sounded best to me) and the number of speaker channels you want to hear (2, 4, 6 or 8).
The fact that this headset boasts TRUE 5.1 surround sound (as opposed to virtual surround) was one of the reasons I was interested in this headset. To be honest, I don't hear a major difference between this 5.1 and virtual surround. The rear channels just sound dampened and softer as opposed to coming from behind. With mini-speakers placed in the headset earpieces, you'd think it would be more effective than that. However, since this headset didn't cost more than virtual surround headsets, I wasn't too upset.
The "removable boom microphone" is only decent. The sound quality is not nearly as good as the sound I had with my Microsoft LifeChat headset. In fact, I had a lot of trouble getting the microphone to work at all for awhile. I ended up disabling the microphone input from my default sound device (Soundblaster X-Fi card), which isn't an intuitive thing to do. Because the microphone is removable, it works through an analog plug connection, which is THE reason why the sound quality of the microphone is so poor compared to the all-digital LifeChat headset I had before.
Overall, this is a nice headset. Music and audio SOUND fantastic, but the microphone is sub-standard compared to all-digital headsets out there. Set-up seemed a bit more tedious than it should've been, and the included instructions are poor. The Saitek website has no support for this headset yet, so if you get frustrated, you'll probably be more likely to return this set than keep on trying to get support.

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The Cyborg 5.1 Headset from Saitek is a true 5.1 headset with three drivers per ear and USB connection for true digital 5.1 sound. Also connects to 3.5mm sources for stereo playback.

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SteelSeries 5H V2 USB Gaming Headset with Virtual Surround 7.1 Sound (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Let me start off by saying, for gaming i don't think there is a better headset out there. The virtual 7.1 works flawlessly and the mic on this thing is crystal clear. Its relatively comfortable, although I start to sweat around my ears around the 1 hour mark. Also if you are considered one with a small head, i might go try it on first. I have what you call a large head with some hair and i have this thing cranked all the way down. Works for me but not so sure about others.
Music - Very mediocre. i know it is optimized for GAMING but i still feel it fell short in this department. don't expect to be blown away or even satisfied if you want to listen to music a lot on headphones.
All in all its a solid headset, and is well worth the money if you are into gaming.
UPDATE:so it has been 4 days and the right side of the headphones has stopped working. i am very surprised/annoyed because i handled these things like a baby and still went out on me. i thought it was something funky with vista so i turned on the "flip sound" so the left side plays on the right and visa versa and no sound still. plugged it into a friends computer and same thing. not very happy that i spent $100 on these and they fail within such a short amount of time.

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The SteelSeries 5H v2 USB soundcard offers a consistent sound experience allowing gamers to always play with the exact same sound and settings, no matter where in the world or at what computer they are playing. This product was designed for gamers with onboard soundcards and/or gamers who regularly find themselves playing at third party computers. The USB soundcard supports the following systems: Win XP/Win 2000/Win 98/Win ME/Mac OS/Windows Vista SteelSeries 5H v2 USB is one of the most popular gaming headsets on the planet. This headset has been used by talented gamers to win major international events like Electronic Sports World Cup, World e-Sport Games, World Series of Video Games, Kode 5, World Cyber Games, Samsung Euro Championship, ESL Extreme Masters and many others. When wearing the SteelSeries 5H v2 USB you'll immediately notice the enormous full-size ear cushions which gently fit around your ears and reduce background noise. The comfort is something that has to be experienced first hand, either at a friends house or at one of the many LAN-centers and Internet cafées that offers the headset to their customers. The headset features a custom-engineered soundscape designed to enhance performance and immersion in FPS-games. This headset was developed and optimized specifically for in-game sound frequencies found in the most popular shooters - making in-game sounds like footsteps, alerts and gunfire especially clear. You will be able to hear and pinpoint the location of your opponents, often before they hear you. Thanks to the USB soundcard you can boost and lower frequencies of your own choosing, allowing optimization for your favourite games. The SteelSeries 5H v2 USB an easily be dismantled into 3 separate parts, that easily fit into a bag or a carrying case. This makes transportation of the headset both easy and safe. The pull-out microphone is practically invisible when not in use.

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Sony Cybershot DSCP41 4MP Digital Camera Review

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(More customer reviews)I got this camera because I find on the "Cybershot DSCP41 4MP" a very good balance between Product & Price, some good things are that doesn't need a software to connect it to my computer, has a very good resolution, and the videos have good sound, also is one of the smallest of the Sony Cybershot family, but something you need to know is that this camera has a USB cable to connect it to the computer, but doesn't have a A/V cable to connect it to your TV as many cameras, not even if you have already this cable you will be able to do it, not a problem for me but think about it for you, besides the Memory Stick that cames with the product It's only 16 Mb (only about 12 pics on Max resolution, wich is the idea to use all resolution, If is not, what is the point to get a 4 Mega pixel camera??) I suggest you to buy also a "Sony MSA128A 128 MB Memory Stick" for about $50 and the "SanDisk SDDR-97-A15 MS reader" for $15, and you'll see that you have a good camera team for a very good price, I already buy here on amazon all the things than on my review suggest for every one, and I'm happy with them

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Blending an amazing array of features for a budget digital camera, the Sony DSCP41 is a perfect point-and-shoot camera for spontaneous moments you'll treasure forever. The DSCP41 offers a 4-megapixel resolution to capture even the tiniest detail, 3x digital zoom, 4-shot burst mode, and a high-resolution movie mode that's limited only by your Memory Stick's capacity. For a step up in price, the Sony DSCP73 offers a 3x optical zoom, A/V connection to view images on your TV, and a histogram display.
Optics and Resolution The 1/2.7-inch Super HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise, and provides a 4.1-megapixel effective resolution (2304 x 1728).The Real Imaging Processor offers greater clarity and picture quality as well as improved response time and battery life and decreased shutter lag. The DSCP41 has a fixed focus lens, but you can get closer to the action with its 3x digital zoom.
Movie Mode Capture video with audio at 30 frames per second (fps) at VGA size 640 x 480;the included 16 MB memory card will store 42 seconds of video at this setting. Movie length is only limited by the amount of storage you have on hand. The Video Mail mode captures a smaller movie (160 x 112 pixels) that's more suitable to sending to friends and family via e-mail.
More Features
Resolution modes: 2304 x 1728 (4.1MP), 2048 x 1536 (3MP), 1280 x 960 (1MP), 640 x 480 (VGA)
1.5-inch, 64K LCD monitor makes framing shots and reviewing pictures easy.
Auto Bright Monitoring: To help framing in low-or no-light situations, CCD gain is briefly increased to provide an extra bright display on the LCD viewfinder just before exposure.
Selectable Focus Mode: Monitoring AF (Auto Focus) helps you anticipate the action by focusing even before you press the shutter release.
5 Area Multi-Point Auto Focus: By evaluating 5 separate focus areas of the frame, SonyÕs Multi-Point AF system can intelligently focus on the subject and avoid mistakenly focusing on the background.
AF (Auto Focus) Illuminator: Briefly illuminating the subject, in low--or no--light conditions, the AF Illuminator helps establish a positive focus lock.
Multi-Pattern Measuring: Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern Measuring establishes the optimum exposure, even when highlight and shadow isnÕt centered in the frame.
Scene Selection Mode: With 6 Scene Modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions. Choose from one of the following: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, or Beach.
Optical Viewfinder: Provides accurate framing at eye level, great for added stability and following fast moving subjects.
Slow Shutter Noise Reduction: During long exposures, Slow Shutter NR captures the scene, and then the CCD noise pattern with a dark frame exposure. By subtracting the two, even long exposures can be clear.
Pre-Flash Metering: With a momentary pre-flash, the camera illuminates the subject and sets exposure through the lens for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction ensure great flash shots.
Auto Daylight Synchro Fill Flash: If the Multi-Pattern Measuring system determines the subject is backlit or in shadow, fill flash automatically fires to provide optimum exposure.
4 Shot Burst Mode: Capture up to 4 shots (fine) or 6 shots (standard) at 1.3 frames/sec. even at 4 MP resolution. Perfect for high speed subjects or fast moving action such as sports.
Multi-Burst Mode: Captures 16 320 x 240 frames as part of a single 1280 x 960 image which plays back sequentially in the camera (selectable 1/7.5, 1/15, 1/30 second).
Playback Zoom: During playback, magnify the image up to 5 times with 17-step playback zoom for a closer look. Scroll to any part of the image with the cursor keys.

Direct Printing The Cybershot DSCP41 offers PictBridge functionality, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to a compatible printer--such as the Sony PictureStation DPP-EX50--without a PC or image-editing software. Images can be viewed and selected for printing right on the camera's LCD, with menus for print quantity, date, and index print.
Storage and Transfer Images are stored on Memory Sticks, and the Cybershot DSCP41 is compatible with Memory Stick Pro media--for storage up to 1 gigabyte. The included 16 MB Memory Stick will store 8 Fine and 14 Standard 4.1-megapixel images. The DSCP41 transfers images to PCs and Macs via a speedy USB 2.0 connection (which is backward compatible with USB 1.1 ports).
Power and Size The camera is powered by two AA batteries (alkalines included, NiMH rechargeables recommended). It measures 4 x 2.13 x 1.38 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 5.5 ounces without Memory Stick or batteries.
What's in the Box This package contains the Sony DSCP41 digital camera, 16 MB Memory Stick, two AA alkaline batteries, USB cable, wrist strap, and CD-ROM with photo editing software.
Sony Photo Vault The optional Sony Photo Vault mini CD burner eliminates worry about running out of space on your Memory Stick when travelling. It burns images to mini CD-R's without a PC interface--just connect your camera using a USB cable. The Photo Vault also has a Memory Stick slot (compatible with Memory Stick Pro and Duo) and features a built-in photo album capability to display photos on a television screen using a television's standard AV input.

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Creative Labs HS-1000 Fatal1ty USB Gaming Headset with Sound Blaster X-Fi Technology (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)My model had a problem with the USB cable that would cause it to reinstall itself whenever I moved, but ignoring that problem...
The sounds from the headphones are great. The quality of the microphone is also great. I have no complaints on using it to play my games or voice communication. My complaint comes from the comfort and the build quality of the headphones.
1. The cloth padding on the headphones are pretty soft which is good. The problem is after the cloth padding, the actual thing that the sound comes out of is rock hard. So if your ears are touching/rubbing on them, it hurts.
2. The headphones were REALLY tight on my head. It hurt my head after a while. It might loosen up over a lot of usage, but I didn't want to go through that much pain.
3. The microphone will bend, and is good at angling toward your mouth, but it doesn't swivel up like other headsets. So if you're doing things like drinking/eating in front of your computer, the microphone will get in the way. That sucks. I know it's detachable, but if you're doing things on the fly, you don't want to be pulling out the microphone, then taking off the headset, and plugging it back in.
Another thing to note is that these are USB headphones. If you're a laptop gamer, then I think these would suit you very well. I game on my desktop. When you plug in USB headphones, they are now a new sound device. You can only choose to have windows output to one sound device. So it's going to be headphones or speakers. Having to configure games and applications everytime I decided to switch from speakers to headphones really sucked.
If you're a desktop gamer, then I'd recommend just getting the normal analog plugs (headphone/microphone) to have more versatility and easier use if you're switching from speakers to headphones a lot. If you're an always headphones guy, then sure the USB would be fine. I also recommend going to the slightly more expensive version which has the swivel microphone.
One last thing to note, the cloth doesn't do any sound isolation. So that can be good or bad. It was good for me because I could hear my wife when she was calling for me, but it's bad because it won't cancel out the sound of her vacuuming.
I would recommend to anyone looking at headsets to get the Turtle Beach Earforce X1. These are a lot more comfortable, and they can work on the PC or the Xbox 360.. and they're the same price.

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Now you can truly compete with Creative Fatal1ty USB Gaming Headset by Creative Labs. Dominate the competition with 3D positional audio and the power of Sound Blaster X-Fi in a USB gaming headset. The Fatal1ty USB Gaming Headset is designed with comfort in mind for those long gamingsessions, while delivering precision sound and explosive bass in your games. Includes unobtrusive, enclosed earcups with plush velvet padding and a durable, lightweight headband with generous head padding. The large 40mm Neodmium drivers deliver realistic explosions and the crack-crack-crack of machine gun fire. Plus, with thenoise-canceling microphone you can be sure your orders will be heard loud and clear by your team.

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StarTech.com COMP2VGA Composite and S-Video to VGA Video Converter for Computer Monitors Review

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(More customer reviews)Frankly, the adapter does what it says. I connected my PS2 to my 17 inch LCD monitor. The graphics felt ok .. nothing gr8 but I had to adjust my monitor settings. I don't have any problem with that (although I was disappointed since it meant changing the settings everytime you toggle between PC and PS2). Additionally, I would have liked longer cables. Thats fine too. The thing which really [ticked] me off is that when I connected my PC and monitor to the adapter, I was not able to get input from PS2. I tried but my monitor kept saying "no signal". Now this can be a problem with my monitor settings but it worked fine when I connected my PS2 separately. And the box said its just plug and play. Well I plugged and it didn't play. So its going back. I will have to pay restocking fee for this junk but atleast I will save 40 odd dollars. Also I was not too happy with the display quality.

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With the StarTech Video Game Jockey, you can play your video games on your computer monitor. Simply connect your Xbox, Playstation 2, GAMECUBE, Dreamcast, or other game console to the Video Game Jockey, then plug into your computer monitor, and it's game on!
Save money on the cost of a separate TV, and free up your workspace. The Video Game Jockey is perfect for tight spaces like dorm rooms and bedrooms. It supports full audio pass-through via your PC speakers or headphones, and switches from PC to game display with the push of a button. Play games even when your PC is switched off. You can also connect VCRs, DVD players, and camcorders to your monitor.
Features:
Also allows VCRs, DVDs and video cameras to connect to monitor
Audio pass through with amplified (active) speakers
Compatible anywhere in the world, with automatic NTSC and PAL video signals detection
Convenient push-button switching between game display and PC display
Easy one-time plug and play set up requires no drivers
Includes all necessary cables for instant out of the box set up
Superior video resolution--1280 x 1024 at 60Hz
Supports composite (RCA) and S-video input
The StarTech COMP2VGA Video Game Jockey Console To PC Monitor Converter Adapter is backed by a 1-year warranty and free lifetime tech support.
What's in the Box COMP2VGA adapter, 15-pin HD extension cable, stereo audio cable, and 9-volt DC power supply.

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