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Philips SGC5103BD amBX 2.1 PC Gaming Speaker System Peripherals Premium Kit (Includes 3 free games)
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Availability:
Not yet released
Price:
$399.99
$388.72*
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| Part No: | B000PXIM4S |
| Manufacturer: | Philips Accessories |
| MFG Part: | SGC5103BD/17 |
| Customer Rating: | 3.5 / 5.0 |
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- Multiple RGB LEDs deliver over 16 million colors
- Multidirectional sound with 160W music power
- Up to 5000 RPM variable speed fans and rumple pad
- Light effects with existing games
- Plug and play USB interface
Discover the new way to experience the full force of PC games. amBX peripherals take the game beyond the screen. Light, sound, air and vibration synch with the game and literally bring it into the room.PRODUCT FEATURES:Multiple RGB LEDs deliver over 16 million colors;Multi-directional sound with 160W music power;Up to 5000 RPM variable speed fans and rumble pad;Light effects with existing games;Light show with digital music;Mood lighting;2.1 sound system;Plug and play USB interface;Presets and advanced controls;Includes games.
| Definitely cool, could use more generic support though | 2008-06-23 | 3 / 5 |
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The feeling of gaming with this thing is really enhanced when you're playing something that has full support. Games without support don't do anything, unfortunately. I wish this would do some simple hooks into the underlying graphics interface for Windows, and detect when a game is using 3d acceleration, and appropriately sample the data passing through it to produce at least a generic complement of lighting. If you want the full AmbX experience you have to stick to AmbX enabled games (games specifically written with AmbX in mind.)
Oh yeah, the wrist pad is a waste. I never use it. This kit is all about the lighting and fans. Oh, and last complaint is the volume control. I have no clue why they thought this was a good idea, but the volume control actually controls the volume control slider in Windows. It's not an actual volume control for the speakers themselves. I find that there's not enough granularity when it comes to adjusting it. It's either on at a modest volume, and scales up from there to become really loud. You can't adjust it to play at really low volumes. This could be related to my sound card and OS, but if this was an actual volume control as opposed to a multimedia Windows volume control, it wouldn't be a problem.
I think AmbX has a ways to go before it becomes really powerful, but it's a neat effect for the time being. |
| Great ambient peripheral for in-game with some catches | 2008-01-20 | 4 / 5 |
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I first saw the amBX in early 2007, I had a mixed reaction to seeing it play. Great ideas take some time to mature and while this is still in infancy, there is maturity here enough to bring it into your home if you are willing.
The light effectss are hands-down fantastic. There is integration in games (even some without native support). The effect adds something to the game IF you play in a "den" like environment with dimmed lights and like to feel a little more immersed into the ambiance. The wall washer (3 behind monitor lights) and the L/R lights are the best reason worth looking into or at least trying the amBX. So far the effects are great and worth it!
The sound is mediocre. The speaker and subwoofer are flat, with a range broad enough for the job, but if you don't really care for superb audio, you should be okay. Thankfully the amBX speakers are an option, and while the speaker/subwoofer do work, I skipped 'em and use my own speakers. If you too like your speakers, you might want to go with the starter and expansion kits and save $.
The wind L/R channels are the really new idea. Good programming makes or breaks these little guys. I've seen both good and bad uses in game programming for them so far and I look forward to better adaptation in the future (hopefully).
The wrist rest/rumble bar is by far the weakest link here. It's ranged from simple to disturbing but that's all in the programming. The unit is about an inch tall and I find it uncomfortable, so I've unplugged it awaiting a gen2 hopefully a new generation will bring some ergonomics into the mix.
The software is getting better for driver support and in-game/movie/music effects. Overall I've not had any major issues as of this writing (Jan 08). The original software was obviously written for XP, but I'm running Vista 32-bit OS and the latest software revs available on Philips' website work well for me.
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