THE NATIONAL PARENTING CENTER SEAL OF APPROVAL 2011 GOES TO MOBICAM WIRELESS DXR AV MONITOR

High Performance, Feature-Laden AV Monitor Wins Hands Down in Crowded Field

Culver City, CA - April 28, 2011, Leading innovator of family-oriented consumer electronics, Mobi Technologies, Inc., has been honored with The National Parenting Center's 2011 Seal of Approval for its DXR Digital wireless portable AV monitor. Among its features, the new DXR includes secure digital signal with a range up to 450 ft.; infrared night vision up to 40 ft; 2-way audio communication to bring families close; extra-wide camera lens for large area viewing; compact wireless design for easy room-to-room use; Internet viewing via smartphones, computers, notebooks and tablets.
The DXR has been receiving rave reviews from national media and users throughout the country, within both urban and rural populations. Says David Naghi, president: "We are thrilled to receive this prestigious recognition from The National Parenting Center. In keeping with our company's mission of producing innovative, high quality, and safe products with great value, we also believe in offering only goods and services that will perform at the highest levels, upon which consumers can absolutely rely."

Other equally exciting features include: use as a wireless webcam for Skype, Windows Messenger and others; 3.5" High-resolution color screen; expandability - up to 4 cameras - to view 4 areas manually or with Quad Split Screen option; Voice-activated recording; built-in recording up to 32 hours onto a standard SD memory card; footage can be shared via YouTube, Facebook or email.

The surprising part: MSRP is only $229.95.

To learn more about the MobiCam Digital DXR Audio Video Camera Monitor System, click here;

About Mobi Technologies, Inc.:

Mobi Technologies is a leading maker of portable consumer electronics dedicated to bringing practical and affordable solutions to parents and caregivers everywhere. Our enhancements to daily living are preferred and relied upon by discerning consumers of all ages. As innovators in family-oriented electronics, Mobi Technologies provides safe, high-quality products with great value­­. Our offerings for juveniles include such innovative products as huggable, colorful nightlights and smart thermometers that speak in six languages, reporting results in seconds. Mobi's wireless, digital audio/video security monitors provide safety for businesses as well as a wide age range of family members. Mobi also touches the entertainment category with our famous Headphonies portable and fashionable speakers for mobile devices. "We are dedicated to giving our best to our families. And to yours."



About The National Parenting Center:

The National Parenting Center was founded in July of 1989 with the intention of providing the most comprehensive and responsible parenting advice to parents everywhere. The National Parenting Center's interactive systems allow parents to access an expert panel of some of the world's most respected authorities in the field of child rearing and development. Additionally, parents may obtain the advice of the experts through written transcripts, letters, brochures, newsletters, the Internet, etc. The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval program, created in 1990 as an adjunct to TNPC's support services, identifies the finest products and services being marketed to the parent/child audience. The consumer oriented testing process solicits evaluations from parents and their children. This award signifies to other parents that their peers have acknowledged a product's quality and desirability based on a wide variety of determining factors. It is the sole intention of The National Parenting Center to advise, support and guide parents with sound, responsible advice.

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Sceptre Cranks Up the Volume with SRS TruSurround XT and TruVolume on 40-inch LCD

FullHD 1080P featuring ultra glossy finish now available at Walmart, Amazon, QVC, NewEgg, Target, Sears, K-mart and Menards

City of Industry, Calif – April 28, 2011 – Sceptre, superior manufacturers of world class LED and LCD HDTVs and PC monitors, unveiled its new stereo inspired 40-inch LCD FullHD 1080P TV featuring SRS TruSurround XT and TruVolume. Encased in an elegant ultra glossy black design, the new surround sound technology creates an expansive three dimensional sound field to enhance viewer experience and enjoyment.


The new addition to Sceptre’s family of design oriented and environmentally friendly HDTVs is the perfect choice for consumers seeking to upgrade their current television set without breaking the bank. The new 40-inch LCD exhibits the same attention to detail as more expensive units, including the ultra glossy black finish that exudes elegance, the swivel base to increase flexibility and its space saving wall mounting capability.

“The addition of SRS TruSurround XT and TruVolume will not only create 3 dimensional sound, but will also eliminate background noise, increase dialogue clarity and optimize bass for an enhanced home theater experience,” expressed Cathy Chou, Vice President of Operations, Sceptre.

The new 40-inch LCD FullHD 1080P TV comes with two potent 10 Watt speakers with 7-Band equalizer, as well as a 90,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 4 HDMI ports, 1.07 Billion Colors, and 1 USB Port, making it flexible and powerful enough to watch a movie or doubling as a second computer monitor.

Currently available for just $599.99 MSRP, this 40-inch LCD FullHD 1080P TV can be purchased at Walmart, Amazon, NewEgg, QVC, Target, Sears, K-Mart, and Menards.


ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

X402BV-FHD
40” Active Screen Size
1080P FullHD
1920x1080 VGA Resolution
1.07 Billion Colors
90,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
8 ms Response Time
4 x HDMI Ports
USB Port
10 Watt x 2 speakers
SRS TruSurround XT and TruVolume
5.1 Digital Audio Output
ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM
Vesa Mount 400x200
Swivel Base
MSRP: $599.99

New high-performance Patriot Torqx 2 SSDs deliver perfect balance of price and performance

FREMONT, CALIF., USA– April 28, 2011 - Patriot Memory, a global pioneer in high-performance memory, NAND flash, storage and enthusiast computer products, today announces the new high-performance Torqx 2 – a new SSD that delivers the perfect balance of price and performance. The Patriot Torqx 2 series enables users to boost performance of existing desktops and notebooks to achieve maximum performance with SATA II 3.0 Gb/s interfaces.

By combining a cutting-edge newSSD controller with high-performance 3x-nm NAND flash memory, the Patriot Torqx 2 SSDs achieve up to read speeds up to 270MB/s for a noticeable performance boost with daily computing tasks. Write speeds up to 230MB/s ensure the Patriot Torqx 2 series can write virtually as fast as it reads for lightning-fast software installations and large-file creation.

“We recognize there are a lot of users with desktops and notebooks that want the SSD performance experience but lack SATA III 6.0 Gb/s compatibility to fully take advantage of our higher-end drives,” says Meng Jay Choo, Patriot Memory’s Flash Memory Product Manager. “With the new Patriot Torqx 2 series, we are able to deliver a significant performance boost at attractive prices.”

The Patriot Torqx 2 series incorporates TRIM technology to ensure the drive always maintains maximum performance with compatible operating systems.

The Patriot Torqx 2 ships this week in 32GB, 64GB, 128GB and 256GB capacities with a 2.5-inch form factor.

General details

New Patriot Torqx 2 series SSDs
32GB, 64GB, 128GB and 256GB capacities
SATA II 3.0 Gb/s interface
Supports TRIM technology
Up to 270MB/s read
Up to 230MB/s write


About Patriot Memory:

Patriot Memory designs, manufactures and markets high performance, enthusiast memory modules, flash products, and computing technologies. Patriot products have become world renown for their extreme performance, reliability and innovation. Patriot Memory sells its products through original equipment manufacturers, retailers, e-tailers and distributors throughout the world with operations in North America, Asia and Europe. Patriot Memory LLC was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Fremont, California, USA.

All company and/or product names may be trade names, trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability, and specifications are subject to change without notice.

High Resolution Dual Link DVI Extender Supports Remote High Resolution Video Using Economical CAT-6 Cabling

CHATSWORTH, CA – The leader in digital connectivity announced the release of its new extender for professional computer systems using dual link DVI graphics. The DVI DL CAT-6 Extender offers a plug and play method of signal extension that guarantees a lossless video transmission with zero signal dropouts.

The next generation DVI DL CAT-6 Extender delivers uncompressed high resolution video to any remote display up to 200 feet (60m) in distance over two industry-standard CAT-6 cables. This is a substantial advantage over previous solutions, which required an add-on booster using more expensive cabling to handle distances beyond five meters.

Along with high resolution video, RS-232 is also extended to the remote location, offering an easy and convenient method of long-distance control. Local and pass-through EDID options guarantee a constant signal delivery. High resolution video is supported up to 2560x1600 using two CAT-6 cables. Gefen recommends using shielded CAT-6a cables for the best performance.

Installation of the DVI DL CAT6 Extender is simple, requiring the sender unit to be connected to the computer, and the receiver unit to be connected to the remote display. Sender and receiver units are linked by two strands of CAT-6 cables, effective up to 200 feet in distance.

When sending single link 1920x1200 resolutions, the DVI DL CAT6 Extender is fully HDCP pass-through compliant, expanding its usefulness in professional, presentation and digital signage applications.

The DVI DL CAT6 Extender comes enclosed in small units that include locking power supplies to eliminate disconnects.

Audiobahn Provides KIIS-FM Street Team with DJ Pro Series Speakers

Los Angeles, California, (April 27, 2011)- Car audio powerhouse Audiobahn has announced a promotional partnership with Los Angeles-based radio station, 102.7 KIIS FM, Los Angeles. The car audio manufacturer will be supplying the KIIS FM Street Team vans with their new DJ Pro Series speakers for the radio stations' special events and promotions.

In coordination with Manny Streets, radio personality and Audiobahn celebrity ambassador, KIIS-FM is the number one radio station in the United States. The KIIS Street Team hits every party, every night club and every cool event in and around Los Angeles.

"We are thrilled to have partnered up with KIIS-FM in providing the street team with our new pro series speakers," said Vincent Lombard, national sales manager for Audiobahn. "Everyone in Southern California knows that KIIS brings the party with them everywhere they go. And to have Audiobahn be a part of this is priceless."

Audiobahn's all-new portable PA Pro Series Speakers is the perfect balance between size and performance. The self-powered speakers provide the next step in amplified power, durability and versatility for everyone who needs sound on-the-go including radio station events, DJs, musicians, entertainers and audio-visual professionals. They deliver immense sound and perform exceptionally in challenging audio environments and elevated surroundings. From New York to L.A. and all over the world, turn up the sound with Audiobahn's Pro Series Speakers!

For more information, call Audiobahn at 714.452.1476 or visit their website >>

To learn more about the KIIS-FM Street Team, click here >>

About Audiobahn

Audiobahn is a worldwide leader of car audio entertainment. Since 1997, Audiobahn continues its commitment to provide innovative car audio technology and award-winning designs. The company manufacturers premiere, high-performance audio equipment for the automotive after-market industry. Audiobahn is headquartered in Buena Park, California and is owned by parent company, Investech Audio Group.

Over the years, Audiobahn has been known just as much for its lifestyle marketing as it has for its line of exceptional car audio products. In addition to single-handedly setting trends and changing the face of mobile entertainment, celebrities and brand ambassadors in music, sports, television, film, music videos, video games and toys have embraced Audiobahn's dominance.

For more information, visit www.audiobahn.com or follow Audiobahn on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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D-Link Launches Wireless N 300 Gigabit Router for High Performance Wireless Networking at an Affordable Price

DIR-651 Allows Consumers to Easily Create a Home Wireless Network with Computers, Game Consoles, Media Players, and More

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. – APRIL 27, 2011 – D-Link® today announced its new Wireless N 300 Gigabit Router (DIR-651), offering increased performance and speed over previous generation 802.11g devices. Equipped with 802.11n technology, four Gigabit ports to provide speeds up to 10 times faster than standard 10/100 ports, multiple intelligent antennas, and Intelligent Quality of Service (QoS), the DIR-651 allows consumers to browse the web, stream media and share data more efficiently – all at an affordable price.

Featuring superior intelligent antenna technology, the DIR-651 transmits multiple streams of data, enabling users to receive network connectivity in hard to reach places – especially in larger homes. With the addition of Intelligent Quality of Service (QoS), these data streams are separated to help organize and prioritize network traffic to give applications such as video streaming, gaming and VoIP calls priority over an activity such as web browsing. This prioritization ensures smoother connection over both wired and wireless network, without the worry of lost connections or interferences.

“The Wireless N 300 Gigabit Router is an excellent solution for creating a strong network foundation in today’s home,” says Daniel Kelley, associate vice president of consumer marketing, D-Link North America. “With the increase in home VoIP calling, video streaming, online gaming, and of course web browsing, a fast, high-performing wireless network that can support multiple devices has become a necessity, and the DIR-651 is an ideal choice in building that network.”

The DIR-651 also offers an enhanced wired connection with its four Gigabit ports, providing speeds up to 10 times faster than standard 10/100 ports. In addition to increased speed, the router also supports WPA™ and WPA2® security standards, as well as Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) for push-button security and top-of-the-line encryption from possible Internet threats. And with the simple step-by-step installation using D-Link’s Quick Router Setup Wizard, consumers will have their network up and running in no time.

Availability and Pricing

The DIR-651 Wireless N 300 Gigabit Router is now available for an MSRP of $89.99 throughout D-Link’s vast network of retail and e-tail outlets in North America, including Office Depot and Office Max (available May 2011), and at the company’s online store, http://www.dlinkshop.com.

About D-Link

D-Link is the global leader in connectivity for home, small business, mid- to large-sized enterprise environments, and service providers. An award-winning designer, developer, and manufacturer, D-Link implements and supports unified network solutions that integrate capabilities in switching, wireless, broadband, storage, IP Surveillance, and cloud-based network management. For more information visit www.dlink.com, www.dlink.ca or connect with D-Link on Facebook (www.facebook.com/dlink) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/dlink).

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Coby V-Zon HD MP977 7" HD Video Player Review

What do you do if you can't quite swing the hefty price tag attached to an Tablet PC but still want something to carry around with you that can do at least part of what an Tablet PC can do? Up for review today is the Coby V-Zon HD.

The Coby V-Zon HD has a 7 inch screen, 4GB built in memory and an SD slot. It syncs with your computer for easy transfer of your media files no matter which media program you use and comes with a set of ear buds, a soft cloth carry case, a remote and all the cords you need. It's battery is rechargeable 2 ways- directly plugged into the wall or from a computer. It has a MSRP of $110.

Their features and specs include:
Experience high-definition video, music, photos, and text on a gorgeous 7” LCD screen
Advanced processing supports 1080p video in a wide range of popular formats
Connect and enjoy in Full 1080p on your HDTV*
Includes 4 GB or 8 GB of internal flash memory
Expandable memory with optional microSDHC card
Convenient remote control included
Calendar app included
Integrated stereo speakers and 3.5 mm headphone jack
USB 2.0 Hi-speed for fast file transfers
Rechargeable lithium-polymer battery (2200 mAH)
Stereo Earphones
USB Cable
100-240V UL Listed AC Adapter
Protective Pouch
Remote Control
HDMI Cable

Memory Type Flash
Memory Max 4G or 8G(optional microSDHC)
Display Size 7.0" Color TFT LCD
Display Resolution 800 x 480
Audio Input 3.5mm Headphone Terminal
Audio Output Integrated Speakers
Video Output Mini HDMI - Type C (max 1080p), 3.5mm Component Video (max 1080p)
USB Port 2.0 Hi-Speed
Audio Format Support MP3, WMA
Video Format Support HD Video: MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG-4, H.264, H.263, WMV
Photo Format Support JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG
OSD Menu Languages English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese
Certifications CE, FCC
Power Input/Output 1600mAH
Battery Type Integrated Rechargeable Lithium Polymer
Unit Dimension (WHD) 4.51" x 6.95" x 0.554"
Package Dimension (WHD) 9" x 6.77" x 2.17"
Built-in Tuner

This little HD video player does not have a touch screen but the buttons for navigating are located in the upper right corner of the player. The buttons are easily understood and the system is easily navigated. It has a very clear battery life indicator in the upper right corner of the screen and a date/time indicator on the left side of the screen.

When you reach the opening menu, your choices are; Explorer, Movie, Music, Photo, eBook, FM Calendar and Settings.

The Explorer option basically gives you access to all that is on your system. Just in case you're not sure if you want to watch a movie, listen to music or read a book, you can browse it all to see what catches your eye and imagination.

The Movie option shows you all the movies you have loaded on the Coby. The Coby is capable of playing up to a 480 or DVD quality on it's 7 inch screen with virtually no pixilation to the screen, or up to 1080p on your TV thru the HDMI output. There are built in speakers that give a reasonable stereo experience, or you can use the included earbuds for more privacy.

The Music section gives you the option of sorting your files by Artist, Album, Genre, Star (you can rate your individual songs up to five stars) or by year with the included option of just random playing of all your music files.

The Photo option sorts your photos by uploaded files. Once you click on a file, the photos inside that file are displayed as thumbnails. You can click on a photo to enlarge it to full screen and can navigate using the systems buttons or you can run a slide show of all your pictures. Also you can run your music in the background while running the slideshow of your pictures. It is almost as good as a movie for entertaining small children!

The eBook option allows you to download and read PDF files. It does not have the ability to tap into your Kindle or Nook account, but there are a lot of PDF files for download out there to keep you busy. Again you can run music and read at the same time. The initial font size is very small. There is a way to enlarge the size, but it doesn't save from page to page.

The FM radio is built in and you can either manually find stations or you can use the auto option. You can also mark your stations for easy findability. The radio doesn't work without having the earbuds plugged in, as the player relies on the earbud wire to act as an antenna.

The calender option is just a simple visual of the calender month. You cannot set appointments or alarms.

The settings option allows you to control the output, power or language (English, French, Dutch, Portuguese or Spanish.) You can also set the time limit before the power automatically turns off and the time before the screen goes blank to conserve power. Also your key tone selection and brightness selection are found here or you can restore to factory default.

Coby has also included in this package a toll free number for their customer service help. They will help you set up any part of your HD player. Their hours are reasonable and their representatives are knowledgeable.

Overall, this is a great little device. Especially if you're looking for a starter tablet. It will do only a few of the things a tablet would do, but it does them well for a fraction of the cost. Because of this, our editor has given the Coby V-Zon HD our Value Award. For complete specs and info visit their website at http://www.cobyusa.com/.

Back In Full Black…The Rampage III Black Edition

-- Often imitated never duplicated the Republic Of Gamers series continues to lead the motherboard industry in innovative and performance oriented designs for PC gamers and enthusiasts alike --

Fremont, CA (April 25, 2011) - ASUS Republic Of Gamers (ROG), the most innovative and award winning enthusiast and gaming motherboard brand, is excited to introduce the Rampage III Black Edition. Team ROG is resetting the bar by which motherboards are judged by incorporating new levels of design, quality, functionality and connectivity that enthusiasts and gamers demand in current products.

Years of Refinement – Today’s Latest Technology
The Rampage III Black Edition combines the years of continued refinement and innovative design its industry leading engineering staff brings to the ROG brand into one board. Not only does the Black Edition board sport the latest design aesthetics featuring a superb layout, ultra-modern finishes, and a revised thermal cooling solution it also features incredible performance.

ASUS has always pushed the performance envelope and the limits of designs with ROG motherboards and the Black Edition is no exception. After listening closely to the gaming and enthusiast communities’ feedback and combining the expertise of ASUS’ performance gurus Peter “Shamino” Tan and Andre Yang, the Rampage III Black Edition provides the most robust and extensive BIOS, software and connectivity options available on a motherboard. It is this dedication to the user community and continual product improvements that separates ASUS ROG from the imitators.

Leading Connectivity for the Gamer and PC Enthusiast
The Rampage III Black Edition meets the needs of gamers and enthusiasts alike when it comes to expandability options. The board begins by offering dual-slot GPU spacing to optimize airflow along with (4) PCI-E x16 expansion slots. In addition the Black Edition offers a multitude of leading I/O standards such as USB 3 , SATA 6G, eSATA, Bluetooth 3.0 and 802.11N WiFi. In addition the board features both Intel Gigabit LAN and BIGFOOT Networks Killer™ NIC LAN technology for the best possible online multimedia and gaming experience. The Black Edition motherboard ensures the latest connectivity standards are available for gamers and enthusiasts alike, something the imitators are unable to offer.

Digital Power Delivery and Design – Only the Best for ROG
Like all ROG motherboards, the Rampage III Black Edition uses the latest in high quality and durable components to ensure trouble free operation and long life. Leaving the constraints of analog designs from imitating brands behind, the Black Edition takes the performance leading and award winning ASUS Extreme Engine Digi+ design of the Rampage III Extreme and pushes it even further. Utilization of a super alloy choke and a high-quality dual proadlizer design ensures extremely low ESL and ESR as well as high capacitance and current capabilities for cooler operation while gaming along with leading performance when overclocking. These superior design elements are brought together with ASUS’ other innovative designs such as ROG Connect, OC Zone and AI Suite to give gamers and enthusiasts gamers a board that stands above the rest.

Ultimate Immersion and Superior Performance
Republic Of Gamers always pushes the limits of hardware design and now takes this commitment to the next level with the ThunderBolt card. The ThunderBolt combines the award winning designs of ASUS’ Xonar audio cards as well as specifically designed high performance DAC and headphone amp for the ultimate in ear fidelity and in game positioning. In addition the ThunderBolt card integrates cutting-edge gaming technology from BIGFOOT Networks Killer™ NIC series and brings them together into one card. Plugging the Thunderbolt card into an open PCI-E slot ensures an immersive audio experience and stunning networking performance in a unique design that competing imitators do not offer.

Specifications
Intel® LGA1366 socket for Intel® Core™i7 Processor Extreme Edition / Core™i7 Processor with optimizations for Gulftown 32m based CPUs.
Intel® X58/ ICH10R.
ROG ThunderBolt LAN/Audio Combo with High Quality AMP for headphones , Based on Xonar Audio Design and Killer™ NIC E2100 NPU.
Bluetooth v3.0+HS with 802.11n WIFI Support.
Extreme Engine Digi+ - Powerful combination of analog and digital design elements for Ultimate VRM Performance.
True USB 3.0 & SATA 6Gb/s Support.
Product specifications and features may change without prior notice. Check usa.asus.com for further details.

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About ASUS
ASUS, the world’s top 3 consumer notebook vendor and the maker of the world’s best selling and most award winning motherboards, is a leading enterprise in the new digital era. ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today's digital home, office and person, with a broad portfolio that includes motherboards, graphics cards, displays, desktop PCs, notebooks, netbooks, servers, multimedia, wireless solutions, networking devices and mobile phones. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 3,398 awards in 2010, and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with the Eee PC™. With a global staff of more than ten thousand people and a world-class R&D team of 3,000 engineers, the company's revenue for 2010 was around US$10 billion.

ASUS Motherboards: No.1 in the World
ASUS has attained its industry-leading position through innovation. As the bestselling and most award-winning global motherboard brand, the company has sold more than 420 million motherboards since its founding in 1989, and has pioneered numerous innovations that have become industry standards. Recent examples include Core Unlocker, Disk Unlocker, Protect 3.0 and the world’s first Dual Intelligent Processors, which consists of the TPU (TurboV Processing Unit) performance optimization chip and the EPU (Energy Processing Unit), the industry’s first real time PC power saving chip. The Dual Intelligent Processors achieve system-wide performance and energy optimization to increase output and moderate power consumption for a better, more cost-effective computing experience. With its decades of expertise and dedication to pushing the design envelope, ASUS is poised to continue leading the industry in motherboard performance, safety and reliability.

Kingston Technology Launches HyperX Plug and Play High Performance Memory

· Industry’s First Modules with Faster Sandy Bridge ‘Ready’ Frequencies
· Plug and Play Memory Uses JEDEC-compliant 1600MHz, 1866MHz Values

Fountain Valley, CA -- April 25, 2011 -- Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the new HyperX® Plug and Play (PnP) series of high-performance enthusiast memory. HyperX PnP are the first modules to scale the higher memory heights that are a part of the second generation Intel® Core™ i5 and i7 CPUs. The memory is programmed with faster frequencies and when ‘plugged’ into a system using the Sandy Bridge chipset, will automatically ‘play’ at either 1600MHz or 1866MHz in both desktop and notebook PCs.

The modules are programmed using JEDEC-compliant settings, allowing 1600MHz and 1866MHz frequency support. It is as simple as plugging in the memory and turning on the machine, as the system automatically recognizes faster memory speed with no further BIOS settings required. Users will notice performance gains as overclocking is automatic with the HyperX Plug and Play modules. In addition, the modules are backwards compatible with previously released DDR3 systems on the market.

“The HyperX engineering team has been thoroughly innovative in designing a memory module that automatically raises performance with no overclocking steps required,” said Mark Tekunoff, senior technology manager, Kingston®. “By using JEDEC-compliant settings to create performance timings, enthusiasts can max out native frequencies on current Sandy Bridge systems and older DDR3 machines.”

HyperX Plug and Play is available through Kingston’s channel of authorized distributors, resellers, e-tailers and retailers. Kingston HyperX memory is backed by a lifetime warranty and free 24/7 technical support. For more detailed product information please visit the Kingston Web site at www.kingston.com

Kingston HyperX Plug and Play DDR3 1600MHz, 1866MHz Specifications

Part Number
Capacity and Features
MSRP (U.S. only).

KHX1600C9D3P1K2/8G

8GB 1600MHz Non-ECC DIMM @ 1.5v (kit of 2) CL9-9-9 HyperX Plug and Play
$ 122.00

KHX1600C9D3P1K2/4G

4GB 1600MHz Non-ECC DIMM @ 1.5v (kit of 2) CL9-9-9 HyperX Plug and Play
$ 67.00

KHX1600C9S3P1K2/8G

8GB 1600MHz Non-ECC SODIMM @ 1.5v (kit of 2) CL9-9-9 HyperX Plug and Play
$ 122.00

KHX1600C9S3P1K2/4G

4GB 1600MHz Non-ECC SODIMM @1.5v (kit of 2) CL9-9-9 HyperX Plug and Play
$ 67.00

KHX1866C11S3P1K2/8G

8GB 1866MHz Non-ECC SODIMM @ 1.5v (kit of 2) CL11-11-11 HyperX Plug and Play
$ 163.00

KHX1866C11S3P1K2/4G

4GB 1866MHz Non-ECC SODIMM @ 1.5v (kit of 2) CL11-11-11 HyperX Plug and Play
$ 88.00

About Kingston Technology Company, Inc.

Kingston Technology Company, Inc. is the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Kingston designs, manufactures and distributes memory products for desktops, laptops, servers, printers, and Flash memory products for PDAs, mobile phones, digital cameras, and MP3 players. Through its global network of subsidiaries and affiliates, Kingston has manufacturing facilities in California, Taiwan, China and sales representatives in the United States, Canada, Europe, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, India, Taiwan, China, and Latin America. For more information, please call 800-337-8410 or visit www.kingston.com.

Asus launches the Eee Pad Transformer in North America

Fremont, CA (April 21, 2011) - ASUS is excited to announce the North American launch of the Eee Pad Transformer, the best tablet choice for users looking for media consumption and mobile productivity in an elegant yet versatile design. The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer features the powerful and responsive Android 3.0 operating system, NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 dual-core processor, an optional expandable keyboard docking station, Adobe® Flash® 10.2* support and ASUS’ intuitive Waveshare user interface that results in an exciting portable tablet for content creation, social communication, high-definition media playback and smooth realistic game play.

Exciting entertainment performance on-the-go
The Transformer browses the web at blazing speeds while providing snappy response times and excellent multi-tasking performance. An 10.1” IPS (in-plane switching) LED backlit Panel with a resolution of 1280x800 is made from durable and scratch-resistant glass is viewable at angles up to 178°, perfect for sharing your favorite photos, web pages, work documents and more with co-workers, friends or family next you or across the room.

Built-in SRS Sound technology provides a dynamic 3D stereo audio experience, with maximum bass response and a wide sound field from the discrete speakers housed in a thin 0.51” thick chassis that only weighs 1.49lbs. A 1.2MP front-facing camera is perfect for video conferencing while the rear-facing 5MP camera can shoot and record HD video, which can be played back on HDTVs via the mini HDMI output port, making the Eee Pad Transformer a true mobile entertainment device.

Transform from pad to notebook mode with optional keyboard docking station
The Transformer sets itself apart from other tablets on the market by featuring an optional docking station. This unique docking station provides access to a full QWERTY keyboard along with unique Android Function keys, instantly turning the Transformer into a mobile content creation device.

A touchpad, 3.5mm audio jack, two USB ports as well as a built-in SD Card reader for easy file sharing and storage expandability makes the Transformer a versatile media content hub. The docking station also extends the Transformer’s 9.5 hours* of battery life up to 16 hours*, so users can use it all day for work or play. In addition, the ultra-convenient ASUS WebStorage* with one year of unlimited storage space provides worry-free cloud computing.

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Availability and Pricing
Please visit www.facebook.com/ASUS for pricing, configurations, and availability at leading retailers and e-tailers.
*Adobe® Flash® 10.2 support requires an upgrade available online at the Android Market. Asus WebStorage and My Cloud applications will be available via online updates shortly after product launch.
**9.5 and 16 hour battery life estimates based on specific hardware setup and media playback test. Battery life will vary depending upon hardware setup and application usage.
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About ASUS
ASUS, the world’s top 3 consumer notebook vendor and the maker of the world’s best selling and most award winning motherboards, is a leading enterprise in the new digital era. ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today's digital home, office and person, with a broad portfolio that includes motherboards, graphics cards, displays, desktop PCs, notebooks, netbooks, servers, multimedia, wireless solutions, networking devices and mobile phones. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 3,398 awards in 2010, and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with the Eee PC™. With a global staff of more than ten thousand people and a world-class R&D team of 3,000 engineers, the company's revenue for 2010 was around US$10 billion.

Asus Xonar Essence STX Sound Card and Headphone Amp Review

When it comes to audio, it is easy to forget just how good audio can be with your computer. After all, computers can have a lot of processing power. A majority of consumers use the built-in audio connections that are on the motherboard. But if you want really good sound, you need a separate sound card. Sound cards also have many different ranges in price and quality. But if you want one of the best, you may need to look at Asus.

Up for review today is the Asus Xonar Essence STX Sound Card and Headphone Amp. It is a dedicated sound card and headphone amp. From the attention to detail in the packaging, I could tell it was a special card. I liked the matte black finish of the packaging. Opening the cover reveals a clear plastic cover that shows off the card. On the back of the cover is a picture of the card and descriptions of its components and features. Opening the box revealed the card, and it's accessories that included two small posters, a user manual, gold plated 1/4" headphone adapter, RCA to 3.5 mm adapter, and a drivers CD.

It's features and specs include:
Audio Performance Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted):
124dB for Front-out,117dB for Headphone-out (600ohms) dB
Input Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted): 118 dB
Output THD+N at 1kHz: 0.0003% (-110dB) for Front-out, 0.001% (-100dB) for Headphone-out
Input THD+N at 1kHz: 0.0002% (-113dB) for Line-in
Frequency Response (-3dB, 24-bit/192kHz input): <10Hz to 90KHz
Output/Input Full-Scale Voltage : 2 Vrms (5.65 Vp-p)
Bus Compatibility PCI Express:
-PCI Express Rev. specification compatible
-Compatible with X1, X4, X8, X16 PCI Express slots
Main Chipset Audio Processor:
ASUS AV100 High-Definition Sound Processor (Max. 192KHz/24bit)
24-bit D-A Converter of Digital Sources:
Texas Instruments PCM1792A*1 for Front-Out (127dB SNR, Max. 192kHz/24bit)
24-bit A-D Converter for Analog Inputs:
Cirrus-Logic CS5381* 1 (120dB SNR, Max. 192kHz/24bit)
High Fidelity Headphone Amplifier:
Texas Instruments 6120A2*1 (120dB SNR, 100dB THD+N @ Vcc±12V, RL=600Ω, f=1kHz)
Sample Rate and Resolution Analog Playback Sample Rate and Resolution:
44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16/24bit
Analog Recording Sample Rate and Resolution:
44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16/24bit
S/PDIF Digital Output:
44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16/24bit, Dolby Digital
ASIO 2.0 Driver Support:
Supports 44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @16/24bit with very low latency
I/O Ports Analog Output Jack:
RCA jack *2 (Front R / Front L), 6.30mm jack*1 (Headphone out)
Analog Input Jack:
6.30mm jack *1 (Shared by Line-In/Mic-In)
Other line-level analog input (for CD-IN/TV Tuner):
Aux-In (4-pin header on the card)
Digital S/PDIF Output:
High-bandwidth Coaxial/TOS-Link combo port supports 192KHz/24bit
Front-Panel Header:
Shared by Headphone out / 2 channels out /
Microphone in
S/PDIF Header:
Connects to compatible graphic cards for HDMI output
Driver Features Operation System:
Windows 7/Vista/XP/MCE2005
Dolby® Technologies:
Dolby® Digital Live
Dolby Digital Live encodes any audio signal on PC in real-time to Dolby Digital (AC3) 5.1 surround sounds to your home theater environment through one single S/PDIF connection
Dolby® Headphone
Dolby Headphone technology allows users to listen to music, watch movies, or play games with the dramatic 5.1-channel surround or realistic 3D spacious effects through any set of stereo headphones.
Dolby® Virtual Speaker
Dolby Virtual Speaker technology simulates a highly realistic 5.1-speaker surround sound listening environment from as few as two speakers.
Dolby® Pro-Logic II
Dolby Pro-Logic II is the well-known technology to process any native stereo or 5.1-channel audio into up to 6.1 channel output, creating a seamless, natural surround soundfield.
Smart Volume Normalizer™:
Smart Volume Normalizer™
Normalizes the volume of all audio sources into a constant level and also enhances your 3D sound listening range and advantages in gaming
Xear 3D™ Virtual Speaker Shifter:
Virtual 7.1 speaker positioning
Magic Voice™:
Xonar Essence STX provides VocalFX, the latest vocal effect technologies for gaming and VoIP, including: -VoiceEX: produces vivid environmental reverberation for your voice in EAX games -ChatEX: emulates different background environment effects when you chat online -Magic Voice: changes your voice pitch to different types (Monster/Cartoon…) for disguising your real voice or just for fun in online chatting
Karaoke Functions:
Music Key-Shifting and Microphone Echo effects like professional Karaoke machine
FlexBass™:
Professional Bass Management/Enhancement system
3D Sound Engines/APIs:
Vista: DirectSound3D® GX 2.5, DirectSound® HW, DirectSound SW, A3D®1.0, OpenAL generic modes, 128 3D sounds processing capability
XP: DirectSound2.5 SW, A3D®1.0, OpenAL generic modes, 128 3D sounds processing capability Bundled Software Utility
Accessories 1 x 3.5mm-to-RCA adaptor cable (8ch)
1 x S/PDIF optical adaptors
1 x 6.3mm to 3.5mm stereo adapter
Size (Width x Height) 111.15 x 168.26mm

Quality all around was top notch. All of the connections are gold plated. Asus even used Nichicon "Fine Gold" professional audio caps. The use of Burr-Brown PCM 1992 A DAC's was great, as they yield a phenomenal 127 db signal-to-noise ratio. I also liked the brushed black aluminum shroud that covered half of the PCB. And the use of swappable OPA sockets in a sound card to custom tailor your sound is unheard of. This is a sound card that would satisfy the most demanding audiophile.

When it came to the listening test, the Asus Xonar Essence STX sound card really came through. It really was distortion free. No Doubt-Hella Good: bass beats were not only nice and tight, but also had good extension and authority. The percussion was very dynamic in the cymbals. The vocals were smooth and not edgy. Don't Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down - had a big soundstage with clean vocals that had great timbre. The piano was very natural sounding. The resolution was excellent, and the sound was quite transparent. Imaging was also excellent. Why are People Like That - vocals were smooth with great details. The harmonica solo was really dynamic, crisp and clean, and gave goosebumps! The drums were light with no noticeable pitch decay. Imaging again was excellent, as was the soundstage.

And when compared to the audio built into the motherboard, there really was not much to compare. The Asus Xonar Essence STX threw a much bigger and deeper soundstage. Imaging was much better, as was the detail and resolution. The sound was also much cleaner with no discernible distortion. The Asus was just in a whole other league, which is what you would expect for a stereo soundcard with an MSRP of $200. And it delivered in spades.

The software that was included - Xonar Audio Center, was very simple to figure out. I liked the spectrum analyzer and EQ presets, such as Rock, Dance, Jazz, Classic, Rap, Metal, etc. There are also DSP's for Movie, Music, Game, and HiFi. You can also change the sampling rate from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz. The 7.1 Virtual Speaker Shifter was fun to play with, as well as the Dolby Virtual Speaker. There really is a lot of tweaking that can be done.

When it comes to sound cards, there are a lot of options. If you went the best sound for your computer, that long list is practically non existent with a signal to make ratio of 124 dB, and 0.0003% distortion, this card packs a huge punch with it's delicious annual treat. Their inspiration came from the 4000 year old Chime of Tiger, and they did a great job. Based on it's performance, quality, and features, it has earned our Editor's Choice Award. For more info and complete specs, check out their website at http://www.asus.com/.

Grace Digital Audio Now Allows XM Customers to Sign Up For SiriusXM Service on all Internet Radios

San Diego, Calif. - (April 20, 2011) – Grace Digital Inc, a leading brand of wireless internet radios, is pleased to announce the addition of SiriusXM Internet Radio to Grace Digital’s services. For the first time ever, the Grace Digital Audio family of internet radios is open to all XM customers. To explore SiriusXM’s features, stations, and packages visit www.SiriusXM.com.

SiriusXM is the only way to enjoy all of Sirius and all of XM, all in one radio. With SiriusXM all your radio needs are covered including news, entertainment, music, sports, traffic, weather, and more. From Oprah Radio® to Howard Stern, SiriusXM provides content from the biggest names in radio. Users will also have access to the most comprehensive sports coverage available, including the NFL®, MLB®, NASCAR®, NHL®, NBA®, and even college sports.

Get the most out of your music with SiriusXM commercial-free music channels from every genre, plus artist-dedicated channels like Grateful Dead, E Street Radio, Siriusly Sinatra, and Elvis Radio®. Stay up on the latest news with constant headlines from CNN, CNBC, NPR, and BBC. SiriusXM also includes 24/7 comedy channels as well as local traffic and weather.

“Starting today all XM customers can now sign up for SiriusXM service on all our radios,” says Grace Digital Audio’s Chief Marketing Officer, Greg Fadul. “We are excited to open up our internet radios to the XM customers. The addition of SiriusXM to our line of services is just another reason Grace Digital radios are the most complete internet radios on the market.”

The complete line up of Grace Digital internet radios featuring SiriusXM Internet Radio is available online at www.GraceDigitalAudio.com. Select models are available at Best Buy, SEARS, J&R Music, Ultimate Electronics, London Drugs (Canada) and other select regional and national retail locations.

To request additional information about Grace Digital Audio, please contact PR Representative Brad Hobbs at (305) 576-1171 x19 or by e-mail at bradhobbs@maxborgesagency.com.

About Grace Digital Audio:
Based in San Diego, California, Grace Digital Audio provides a family of audio products with the highest levels of quality, support and service. From wireless internet radios to indoor/outdoor wireless speakers, Grace provides audio solutions for every situation. Grace’s innovative iPhone & iPod Touch application allows users to control their entire Grace audio system with one convenient control. Grace sells its products through major retailers, ecommerce sites, dealers and distributors throughout North America. To learn more about Grace Digital products please visit them at www.gracedigitalaudio.com.

Sceptre Boosts Home Theater Experience with 46-inch LCD Featuring SRS TruSurround HD, TruVolume and 7-band Equalizer

Premium sound and compact design delivers a captivating experience with elegance, flexibility and energy efficiency

Affordable ultra slim 1080P FullHD TV available at Walmart, NewEgg, QVC, Target, Sears, and K-Mart

City of Industry, Calif. – April 20, 2011 – Sceptre, superior manufacturers of world class LED and LCD HDTVs and PC monitors, unveiled its new 46-inch LCD FullHD TV with premium surround sound in an elegant glossy black finish with silver highlights. Inspired by the increased demand for quality and space, the new 46-inch LCD is less than an inch at its thinnest and combines Sceptre’s image quality with SRS TruSurround HD and TruVolume.

The addition of SRS TruSurround HD & TruVolume complements Sceptre’s image quality, features and aesthetic design to create the ultimate home theater experience in one unit. Characteristic features include 100,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 1920 x 1080 resolution, 7-band Equalizer, 4 HDMI ports, and the ability to swivel up to 30 degrees.

SRS TruSurround HD creates a three dimensional surround sound by using only two speakers, eliminating background noise, increasing dialogue clarity and optimizing bass for a more engaging experience. To complement the SRS TruSurround HD, the use of TruVolume prevents volume fluctuations when switching between sources, channels or programming, while the 7-band equalizer allows users to adjust to 7 unique frequencies depending on their preferences.

“SRS TruSurround HD and TruVolume perfectly complements Sceptre’s image quality and will enhance the full home theater experience without needing any additional speakers or components,” stated Cathy Chou, Vice President of Operations, Sceptre.

In addition to the premium sound experience, Sceptre’s new 46-inch LCD FullHD TV is significantly slimmer and lighter when compared to previous models. Weighing only 55 lbs compared to the industry average of over 80 lbs, the new model is less than a inch at its thinnest and uses less power, making it both eco-friendly and money saving.

The new 46-inch LCD FullHD 1080P TV is available with self power-off option, supports Digital Audio output, has dual 10 Watt speakers, an all-in-one ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM Tuner, 4HDMI ports and 1 USB ports for easy expansion. In addition, it is neck and base detachable, can swivel up to 30 degrees and is versatile enough to be used as a monitor or signage.

Currently available for just $699.99 MSRP, this 46-inch LCD FullHD 1080P TV can be purchased at Walmart, NewEgg, QVC, Target, Sears, and K-Mart.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

X460BV-FHD
46” Active Screen Size
Aspect Radio: 16:9 Wide Screen
1080P FullHD
1920x1080 Resolution
100,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
8 ms Response Time
4 x HDMI Ports
USB Port
10 Watt x 2 speakers
SRS TruSurround & TruVolume
Digital Audio Output
7-band Equalizer
ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM
Vesa Mount 400x200
Swivel Base +/- 30 degrees
MSRP: $699.99

Audiobahn Releases New and Improved Class D Series Amplifiers

Los Angeles, CA (April 20, 2010)- Legendary car audio manufacturer Audiobahn has announced today the availability and release of their gut-pounding Class D Amplifiers, the A18001DJ and A12001DJ. Produced with durability and exceptional quality, the Class D amplifiers by Audiobahn have been a favorite to consumers and dealers all over the world. And with their added new features, the new and improved Class D amplifiers are guaranteed to keep Audiobahn at the top of the 12 volt industry.

"Our Class D amplifiers are like the dawn of a new day," said Audiobahn international sales director, Steven Hayes. "From enhancements in technology and aesthetics, the new look Class D amplifiers have been improved dramatically."

Hayes is referring to the new LED which lights up the Audiobahn name right on the face of the A18001DJ and 12001DJ amps. Moreover, the digital volt meter and clipping indicator have been added to indicate when the amplifier is operating outside of its output threshold.

Said Hayes, "This produces square waves or DC currents which can be harmful to subwoofers which we call clipping. The Class D amplifiers by Audiobahn are made with a digital clipping indicator to ensure maximum performances out of the amplifier without sending any damaging signals to the subwoofers."

The Class D amps have two patents and two trademarks making it one of the most unique amplifiers in the market. The dual cooling fans aid in the increase of airflow to critical components on the circuit board's surface area. This helps maintain the amplifier's optimum operating temperature which preserves its longevity and power output. In addition, Audiobahn's Class D amplifiers are designed with chassis exhaust venting and side-rail fins to help eliminate harmful heat from sensitive inner components.

Audiobahn's series of mono block Class D amplifiers are designed to provide raw power to drive subwoofers like the AW1S15J, the Immortal Series 15-inch woofer. With the A18001DJ model producing 2500 watts of power, the amplifier utilizes digital switching, an effective method of increasing power from a vehicle's electrical system. This technology gives Audiobahn's Class D amplifiers the stability to operate impedances as low as 1 ohm and still remain cool enough to utilize smaller heat sinks and outer chassis.

The suggested retail value on the Class D Series Amplifiers, range from $949.99 for the A1200DJ and $1049.99 for the A18001DJ. To learn more, visit www.Audiobahn.com.

About Audiobahn

Audiobahn is a worldwide leader of car audio entertainment. Since 1997, Audiobahn continues its commitment to provide innovative car audio technology and award-winning designs. The company manufacturers premiere, high-performance audio equipment for the automotive after-market industry. Audiobahn is headquartered in Buena Park, California and is owned by parent company, Investech Audio Group.

Over the years, Audiobahn has been known just as much for its lifestyle marketing as it has for its line of exceptional car audio products. In addition to single-handedly setting trends and changing the face of mobile entertainment, celebrities and brand ambassadors in music, sports, television, film, music videos, video games and toys have embraced Audiobahn's dominance.

For more information, visit www.audiobahn.com or follow Audiobahn on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Warpia’s Wireless PC to TV Video Streaming Products Now Available at BestBuy.com

Warpia’s Wireless PC to TV Video Streaming Products Now Available at BestBuy.com

Warpia Stream HD and wireless USB A/V adapter allow users to wirelessly stream any content from their laptop or PC to their TV

San Jose, CA - (April 19, 2011) – Warpia, a leading connectivity solutions provider, is pleased to announce that its line of wireless products including StreamHD and Wireless USB PC to TV Display Adapter are now available for purchase on BestBuy.com. Warpia StreamHD and Warpia A/V Adapter allow users to wirelessly stream any content from their laptop or computer to their big screen TV or projector. These products combined with online services that offer streaming TV and movies such as BestBuy Cinema Now, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and YouTube allow consumers the opportunity to easily cut their cable and save money while enjoying the best in streaming entertainment.

“We are thrilled to make Warpia products more accessible to consumers by expanding availability with Best Buy online,” says Marc Levaggi, VP of Marketing for Warpia. “We feel that our partnership with Best Buy will provide a great solution for consumers who want to wirelessly watch internet content on their TV without restrictions or expensive peripherals.”

The Warpia line of wireless display adapters consists of a USB dongle and a receiver that contains an HDMI or VGA port (accessible on any TV or monitor). Unlike other PC-to-TV solutions, the Warpia Adapter does not restrict what sites you can or cannot view – the display will mirror the exact image on your laptop, whether it’s Hulu, Netflix, Youtube, or a photo slideshow. The StreamHD allows easy streaming to your HDTV in true 1080P (1920 x 1280) resolution and has 5.1-channel surround sound for the ultimate wireless home cinema experience. The Warpia A/V adapter achieves 32-bit true color depth for high quality images with a 720p HD resolution and 16-bit stereo sound. An ideal solution for home and office users alike, both provide coverage up to 30 feet and are easy to set up.

Visit www.BestBuy.com to purchase Warpia Stream HD for $169.99 and Warpia Wireless USB PC to TV Adapter for $129.99, which includes a one-year warranty. For more information on these products and other Warpia wireless solutions visit www.warpia.com.

About Warpia:
Warpia, a premier technology brand, is dedicated to delivering advanced connectivity solutions to the mainstream. Providing superior technical support and customer service, Warpia uses UWB technology to optimize your home office or home entertainment experience. For more information, please visit www.warpia.com.

Sennheiser brings Sleek Modern Design and Detailed Lifelike Sound Together in April’s Headphone of the Month: the CX 880i

During the month of April, Customers who Purchase a CX 880i Headphone are Eligible for a $30 Rebate by Mail

The CX 880i is the Sennheiser "Headphone of the Month" for April 2011 (click on image for hi-res).
OLD LYME, Conn. – April 19, 2011 – Audio specialist Sennheiser announced that its CX 880i high-end ear-canal headphone is "Headphone of the Month" for April 2011. "Headphone of the Month" is a monthly promotion designed to encourage music lovers to experience the premium sound of Sennheiser. During the promotion period, customers can purchase a CX 880i headphone from an authorized Sennheiser dealer and receive a $30 rebate offer. For more information on the promotion, visit the Headphone of the Month website at http://www.sennheiserusa.com/hotm.

The CX 880i is a stylish headphone with lifelike sound and incredible detail designed exclusively for Apple products. The CX 880i’s sleek look is rivaled only by its incredible lifelike sound quality and comfortable fit. This ear-canal noise-isolating headset uses a dynamic speaker and a specially tuned transducer that reproduces a transparent, clear, audible image. It comes with a supplied carrying case and ear adapter set. Its in-line smart remote allows you to keep your iPhone/iPod/iPad in your pocket and still control calls, playback volume and playlists.

CX 880i features:

Smart remote with mic for enhanced usability for the latest models of iPod, iPhone and iPad
Ergonomic design channels cables away from the ear for tangle-free listening
Lifelike sound with incredible detail
Secure, in-the-ear-canal fit blocks noise
Built-in rotary volume control
Cable clip, cleaning tool and a leather pouch complete the package
Built tough with a 2-year warranty
To learn more about Sennheiser's headphone of the month program, please visit http://www.sennheiserusa.com/hotm.

About Sennheiser
Sennheiser is a world-leading manufacturer of microphones, headphones and wireless transmission systems. Established in 1945 in Wedemark, Germany, Sennheiser is now a global brand represented in 60 countries around the world with U.S. headquarters in Old Lyme, Conn. Sennheiser's pioneering excellence in technology has rewarded the company with numerous awards and accolades including an Emmy, a Grammy, and the Scientific and Engineering Award of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

You can find all the latest information on Sennheiser by visiting our website at www.sennheiserusa.com or by contacting:

G.Skill releases DDR3 2300MHz 8GB memory for the Intel P67 platform.

The world’s fastest 8GB (4GBx2) desktop memory for overclocking enthusiasts.

Taipei, Taiwanー19th April 2011ーG.Skill International Co. Ltd., manufacturer of extreme performance memory and solid-state storage with solid quality, today announces the world’s fastest 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3 memory, rated at 2300MHz CL9 with only 1.65V voltage. This ultimate memory kit will join G.Skill award winning Ripjaws-X family and will be available soon via G.Skill global authorized distribution partner.

Since the demand of big capacity memory has grown dramatically, G.Skill R&D team has been dedicated to develop the fastest and best performing products based on 4GB memory sticks continuously. Following the marvelous achievement of DDR3 1900MHz 48GB and DDR3 2200MHz 16GB kits, G.Skill once again pushed the memory speed further and developed the industry leading memory kit. The DDR3 2300MHz CL9 kit has passed a series of rigorous tests and guarantees the best stability and performance.

“The 2300MHz RipjawsX 8GB gives you extreme speed and you can also enjoy the big capacity simutanously. It not only delivers record breaking overclocking performance, but also broaden your choices for building up an extreme performance workstation and a gaming machine” said Michael Chao, senior R&D manager at G.Skill.

Headphone Shootout Part 2 - The In-Ear-Monitors

Part two of our Headphone Shootout covers In Ear Monitors, or IEM for short. Not everyone wants over the ear headphones. What many call earbuds have come a long way. Models covered today range from $50 to $639. Manufacturers and models include Yurbuds Ironman series, Sleek Audio SA One and Wireless kit, Altec Lansing Muzx Ultra MZX606, Beyerdynamic 101 iE, Ultimate Ears 700, Etymotic hf3, Audio-Technica ATH-CK99, and Westone 4.

Starting off with the Yurbuds Ironman Series, they are a basic earbud design with an MSRP of $50. What makes them unique is the rubber cover that goes over the earbud. They are designed for the Ironman, whether biking, running, or any other exercise, to stay in your ears. The rubber cover also funnels the sound into your ear. Construction is average, with average components. Included accessories include a carrying bag, and an extra set of rubber covers.

Specs and features include:
90 days warranty
Sweat proof
Water resistant
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
Sensitivity 110dB/mW
Impedence 32ohms

Now turning to the listening test, they performed well. Fresh Aire II- Going To Another Place - had nice sounding strings. Flute had ok amount of air, although it was just a tad edgy at times. Piano sounded sufficiently natural. Sound was a tad thin overall. Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue - threw good sized soundstage and good imaging. Dynamics were ok, as was the resolution. Bass was a tad muddy. No Doubt- Hella Good - the Bass had good extension, and was nice and tight. Vocals sounded a tad thin. Was just a tad edgy and bright. Huey Lewis- Heart of Rock and Roll- had OK resolution in the drums. Vocals were ok. Sax sounded natural, as well as the harmonics. Metallica- Nothing Else Matters- the acoustic guitar was crisp sounding, with good resolution. Harmonics were good, as were the vocals.

Next up is the Sleek Audio SA One for $80 MSRP. Opening up the box, I was surprised with what was included! They are a small IEM with a Siam Rosewood body. The cables are also detachable from the rosewood body. A short in the cable is one of the highest reasons for IEMs going bad. I have seen $400 IEM's that do not have detachable cables. So kudos for Sleek Audio for including that feature, especially on a $80 model. But it does not stop there. There are a good amount of accessories including a semi-hard carrying case with an internal pocket, multiple eartips, and a pair of custom tuning treble tips. They are also wireless ready, using the Kleer wireless W-1 unit. This feature may be mostly the reason for needing to have a detachable cable. But having been victim to a short in the cable multiple times, I will take detachable cables any way I can get them. With everything included, that is a lot of bang for your buck. Fit and finish, and quality of construction and materials appears to be good.

Features and specs include:
•Lightweight
•Siam Rosewood body
•Custom Wide Band Balanced Dynamic Driver with Custom Porting
•Wireless Hyrbid System
•Variable Equalization (VQ) System
•Included Accessories
•Multipack Ear Tips
•Wearable in multiple positions
•Treble Tuning Ports
•Replaceable / Interchangeable Cables
•Carrying Case
•Standard Cable: 52 inches
•Impedance: 25 ohm
•Speaker Type: Ultra Wide Band Balanced Dynamic Driver with Custom Porting

Sleek Audio also provided their wireless accessory for the SA One. It comes with a dangle receiver, USB cable, and soft storage pouch. It is pretty simple to use. The dangle plugs into your source unit, such as an iPod. The receiver has two connection tips, which plugs into each of the IEM. It has a 10 meter range and provides CD quality sound. Battery life is listed at up to 10 hours, with a 3 hour charge time. Fit and finish was very good.

It's features included:
•CD quality, lossless sound
•more than 10 hours of independent battery life
•4 people can listen to one audio stream
•60 feet of freedom
•Compatible with any device you can plug earphones into

Fresh Aire II- Going to Another Place- provided nice resolution and crispness in the percussion. The flute had nice air, and the piano was natural sounding. Drums were a tad muddy, not as well defined. Gershwin- Rhapsody in Blue- the clarinet had nice timbre. Soundstage and imaging were good, as well as dynamics. Overall a bit warm sounding. The bassoon had good texture. No Doubt- Hella Good, the bass was tight with good extension and good authority. The nice vocals were fairly smooth. The song came through with a good amount of energy. Huey Lewis- Heart of Rock and Roll, showed a nice sized soundstage, clear vocals that were pleasantly smooth. The natural sounding sax was a tad reserved. Metallica- Nothing Else Matters, acoustic guitar was nice and crisp sounding. Vocals were fairly smooth sounding, and nice bass extension in the drums. They also showed a good sized soundstage.

The SA Wireless adapter worked very well, and was easy to use. There is a cover that pops up to protect the small power switch and mini USB charging connector. When pushed in, it has a nice clean look. I was also happy to hear the same quality sound with the wireless adapter as I heard with the IEM's when using them corded. The sound was CD quality as advertised.

Altec Lansing has a history of producing excellent products, so I was excited to review their Muzx Ultra MZX606 IEM's. MSRP is $99. They are a tad on the large size, but appear well constructed. Quality of materials appears to be good, with a gold plated tip. I also liked the in-line volume control and microphone. Accessories include additional ear tips, and a soft velvet carrying case.

Their features and specs include:
Professional sound engineering from single balanced armature technology
• Unique cord design minimizes friction noise
• SnugFit™ design for extreme comfort, delivers superior passive noise isolation
• Inline remote and mic allows you to control compatible iPhone, iPod, and iPad models
• 8 piece fit kit with silicone tips for any ear (small, medium, large, and dual-flange)
• Compatible with other MP3 players
• Soft carry case included
-Spring loaded
-PVC suede
Speaker Balanced armature
Noise Isolation.............26 dB
Input Sensitivity...........105 dB SPL/mW @ 1 kHz
Impedance...................29 Ohms
Cable Length................46" 1.2m
Input Connector.............3.5mm gold plated
Frequency Response .........20 Hz – 20 kHz (10-dB)

Fresh Aire II- Going To Another Place- had nice and crisp strings, flute had a lot of air and nice resolution. Piano and drums were just a tad reserved. Gershwin- Rhapsody in Blue, threw a nice sized sound stage and provided nice imaging. Clarinet was really clean sounding with good pitch definition. Dynamics were very good. The piano sounded very natural. No Doubt- Hella Good, showed Good bass extension. The bass was also nice and tight. Vocals had nice timbre. Dynamics were again very good. This track has a lot of energy, and it was portrayed very well. Huey Lewis- Heart of Rock & Roll, the soundstage was again nice and big. Vocals were natural sounding. Sax was smooth sounding, very clean sounding. Metallica- Nothing Else Matters, the Acoustic guitar was nice and crisp, with good resolution in the vocals and nice pitch definition in the drums.

Next up is the Beyerdynamic DTX 101iE IEM. They are a small traditional designed IEM design, that is iPhone ready, and an MSRP of $99. The monitor is composed of metal, with a standard plastic cables, and a gold plated tip. Materials used were on par for it's price point, as well as it's fit and finish. It's accessories include 3 additional ear tips, and a softcase.

It's features and specs include:
• Crystal clear, striking sound
• Neodymium HD acoustic drivers
• Refined lightweight metal housing
• Soft case included
• With three different pairs of ear-pieces
Transducer type . . . . . . . . . . . . dynamic
Frequency response . . . . . . . . . . .10 – 23,000 Hz
Nominal impedance . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ω
Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 dB Sound coupling to the ear in-ear

Cable length. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2 m
Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. mini stereo jack plug (3.5 mm)

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . .. . soft case

Fresh Aire II- Going To Another Place, had nice and crisp, clean strings. Flute had a good amount of air. Sound was just a tad bright at times. Resolution was good. Gershwin- Rhapsody in Blue, had good sized soundstage and clean sounding clarinet and trumpet. The resolution and dynamics were very good. No Doubt- Hella Good, bass was tight with good extension, and played with good authority. They were very dynamic. Vocals were fairly smooth and played with a lot of energy. Huey Lewis- Heart of Rock & Roll, had a nice soundstage, with good vocals. Sax sounded natural. It also had good harmonics and dynamics. Metallica- Nothing Else Matters, acoustic guitar was clean sounding with good resolution. Bass extension in the drums were good. Vocals had good texture and timbre.

Another well known brand for high quality headphones is Ultimate Ears. Included in the shootout is the Ultimate Ears 700. They are very small in size, especially when you take into account that each monitor includes the two balanced armature drivers. There is a balances armature driver for the highs, and one for the lows. MSRP is listed at $150. Build quality, materials used, and fit and finish appear to be on par for that price point. The monitor housing and cables is made of plastic. The tip is gold plated. Accessories include a plastic carrying case, airplane adapter, and five additional sets of eartips.

Features and specs include:
Type: In-ear
Frequency response: 20Hz–20 kHz
Impedance: 40 Ohms, 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 113 dB SPL/mW at 1kHz
Weight: 0.41 ounces (11.6 grams)
Noise isolation: 26 dB
Cable length: 46 inches (116.8 cm)
Input connector: 1/8 inch (3.5 mm)

Fresh Aire II- Going To Another Place, had very crisp strings, flute had a lot of air. Resolution was very good. Piano was natural sounding. Gershwin- Rhapsody in Blue, had a nice big soundstage with good imaging. Clarinet was nice and clean with good resolution. Piano was again natural sounding. The bassoon had good texture and nice dynamics. No Doubt- Hella Good, showed nice bass extension, and did so with good authority. Vocals were clean, but a tad bright and edgy. They were very dynamic with a lot of energy. Huey Lewis- Heart of Rock & Roll, threw a nice big soundstage, and clean vocals. The sax was smooth and the drums were nice and tight, as well as being very dynamic. Metallica- Nothing Else Matters, the acoustic guitar was very crisp and clean with a lot of resolution. Vocals were smooth with good resolution as well. Percussion was also crisp and very dynamic.

Etymotic Research provided an impressive pair of IEM's with their hf3. They are a small single balanced armature design with an MSRP of $179. Build quality is good. The cable was a soft plastic, and the monitors also had a soft plastic/rubbery coated finish that looked nice. The tip was gold plated, and I also liked the in-line 3-button control and mic for use with your iPhone. Accessories included a tie clip, 3 additional ear tips, extra set of filters, and a filter remover tool. Materials used, and fit and finish was also high quality. I also liked the soft neoprene carrying case with a built-in pocket.

Features and specs include:
Made For: iPod touch (2nd, 3rd and 4th generation) iPod classic iPod nano (4th, 5th and 6th generation) iPod shuffle (3rd and 4th generation) iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 iPad The remote and mic are supported only by iPod nano (4th, 5th and 6th generation), iPod classic (120GB, 160GB only), iPod touch (2nd, 3rd and 4th generation), iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPad. The remote is supported by iPod shuffle (3rd and 4th generation). Audio is supported by all iPod models. Requires latest iPod software.
Frequency Response 20 Hz - 15 kHz
Accuracy Score 85%
Transducers High-performance balanced armature
Noise Isolation 35-42 dB
Impedance (@1 kHz)16 Ohms
Sensitivity (@1 kHz) SPL at 0.1V105 dB
Maximum Output (SPL)120 dB

Cable 4 ft with 3.5 mm plug
User Replaceable ACCU•Filters™
Warranty2 years
CUSTOM•FIT Option

Fresh Aire II- Going To Another Place, gave very crisp and clean strings with a lot of resolution. Flute had a lot of air. Piano was very natural sounding. Harmonics were very good. The were very musical! Gershwin- Rhapsody In Blue, threw a nice big soundstage, and nice woodiness in the clarinet. Imaging was great, as well as the dynamics. Resolution was also very good, as was the texture of the bassoon. No Doubt- Hella Good, the bass was tight with good extension and authority. Stefani sounded nice and sultry in her vocals, without being too bright or edgy. All the energy came through very well undistorted, with good dynamics. Huey Lewis- Heart of Rock & Roll, yielded a nice big soundstage and imaging. Vocals were clean. Drums were nice and tight. Not only was it clean sounding, it was also quite smooth as well. Sax sounded natural. Metallica- Nothing Else Matters, the acoustic guitar was really crisp and clean with lots of resolution without being bright. Nice harmonics in the vocals and nice extension in the kick drum.

Having worked with their excellent quality products before, I was excited to have the Audio Technica ATH-CKM99 IEM's included in our annual headphone shootout. Their tradition appears to continue with these. They are an off-angle design using a dynamic driver and $229.95 MSRP. Build quality and materials used were very good. The cable was a soft plastic with gold plated tip. The monitor itself is plastic and polished titanium. Accessories include an extension cable, 3 additional pairs of eartips, a microfiber polishing cloth for the polished titanium monitor ends, and a nice semi-hard carrying case.

Features and specs include:
Newly developed hybrid metal structure and acoustic damper design deliver pure & clear audio High-quality canal earphones in a titanium and stainless housing Comfortable, ideal-fit earpieces provide maximum noise isolation and prevent sound leakage. Gold-plated mini-plug for exceptional corrosion resistance, superb conductivity and low noise Includes pouch, interchangeable ear tips (XS/S/M/L), 2’ extension cord, cleaning cloth Type
Dynamic Driver Diameter 14 mm
Frequency Response 5 - 28,000 Hz
Maximum Input Power 200 mW
Sensitivity 104 dB/mW
Impedance 16 ohms
Weight 10 g
Cable 0.6 m
Y-type Connector 3.5 mm (1/8") mini-stereo, gold-plated

Accessories Included Pouch, 0.6 m extension cord, ear tips (XS/S/M/L), cleaning cloth

Fresh Aire II- Going To Another Place, gave very good resolution. Strings were really crisp and clean. The flute had a lot of air and definition to it. The bass was tight and came through with a lot of authority. Gershwin- Rhapsody in Blue, the clarinet sounded nice and woody with a lot of texture. The soundstage was very big. Imaging was very good, and the dynamics were excellent. Resolution was also excellent. The bassoon had excellent texture. No Doubt- Hella Good, the bass was nice and tight with good extension and played with lots of authority. Stefani was smooth in her vocals, but was a tad bright. Dynamics were excellent. Huey Lewis- Heart or Rock & Roll, the bass was tight, and really dynamic. Vocals were clean. The sax sounded very natural, and smooth. It also threw a big soundstage. Percussion was also crisp and clean with a lot of resolution. Metallica- Bothing Else Matters, the acoustic guitar very clean. It also threw a nice sized soundstage. Vocals came through very clean, with good texture and timbre. It's bass was nice and tight with the kick drum and had good extension.

Last, but not least, is the Westone 4, with a MSRP of $639. The MSRP also gives you a huge clue at what you are going to get. The Westone 4's are on the large size, but it is for a good reason. They are a design that uses 4 balanced armature drivers and a 3 way passive crossover network in each monitor. It features 1 high frequency driver, 1 midrange driver, and 2 low frequency drivers. They sound like my type of IEM. Construction materials and fit and finish was very good. The cable was a thin twisted pair plastic cable with gold plated tip. The monitors were glossy black plastic, and everything seemed put together well. Included accessories included a 1/4" adapter, extension cable with in-line volume control, cleaning tool and wax loop, 9 additional sets of eartips, and really nice zippered hard case with an internal pocket and spring loaded clip. Yes, you read right. It includes 9 additional set of eartips in the form of foam, soft plastic and not as soft plastic tips. They appearently wanted to make sure you had the best tip that would give you the best seal. Kudos! Also instead of just an owners manual, it comes with a CD. The CD includes user guides, how-to-videos, product info, supplemental info and warranty. Kudos again!
Features and specs include:
Micro-Driver Balanced Armature Technology -
Ultra-accurate four-driver system for the most dynamic sound available in a universal fit earphone.
Westone EPIC Cable - Ultra supple braided design insures comfort and resists tangles -
Robust bifurcation w/slide adjustment keeps cord in place during activity -
Over-the-ear cable design offers superior in-ear comfort and isolation from mechanical cable noise
Westone True-Fit Technology - 50 years experience with in-ear applications has yield optimum ergonomics and fit -
True -Fit sound port delivers maximum comfort and in-ear coupling for dynamic transfer of sound.
Sensitivity: 118 dB SPL @ 1kHz
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 18kHz
Impedance: 31 ohms @ 1kHz
Driver: Four balanced armature drivers
Cable: Westone EPIC cable
MSRP: $639.00
Features: Crush resistant travel case, assorted eartips, 1/8” to 1/4” adapter, inline volume attenuator and wax loop for cleaning

Fresh Aire II- Going To Another Place, showed a big soundstage and excellent imaging. The strings were crisp and clean, and flute had a lot of air. The resolution was phenomenal. Pitch definition in the drums was very good, and had good authority. The sound was very smooth, transparent, refined, and very musical! Gershwin- Rhapsody In Blue, the soundstage was huge, and it had nice depth as well. The clarinet was nice and woody with good texture. The piano was natural. The texture of the bassoon was excellent. Dynamics were also very good. The resolution and definition was excellent. No Doubt- Hella Good, its bass was tight with excellent extension and authority. The sultry voice of Stefani was nice and smooth without being bright or edgy. This track has a lot of energy, and it all came though admirably! Huey Lewis- Heart of Rock & Roll, had excellent authority in the bass. Vocals were clean, as well as the percussion and Sax. I actually got lost in the music and had to remind myself to pay attention for the review. Metallica- Nothing Else Matters, the acoustic guitar was clean and smooth. The vocals were also very smooth with nice texture. I heard sounds I hadn't heard before, with it's excellent resolution.

With March Madness, teams are put into seeds and ranked according to perfomance. Here the products are similarly seeded, in the form of an MSRP. I think the great products reviewed here did very well, and were priced pretty accurately based on their performance. And just like March madness, there were a few products that that surprised me. The SA One surprised me with their performance, design, and what you got for your money. As such they receive our Value Award.

Both the Altec lansing and Beyerdynamic models performed well and has earned our Recommended Award. While the Ultimate Ears were a bit edgy at times, and didn't have the bass output that I like, the dual balanced armature design did provide a clean sound with a lot of resolution and detail. They too have earned our Recommended Award.

The next surprise comes in the form of the Etymotic Research hf3, and Audio Technica ATH-CKM99. The Etymotic hf3 employed a single balanced armature driver, and was surprised by it's performance. Balanced armature designs traditionally do not have very good bass output, hence why we have multiple driver designs. But do not tell Etymotic that. They got good bass performance out of their hf3. And the Audio Technica ATH-CK99 uses a dynamic type driver, which typically does not have the same resolution and clean sound as balanced armature driver. But the Audio Technica ATH-CK99 provided all the above. Both the Etymotic hf3 and Audio Technica ATH-CK99 earn our Highly Recommended Award.

Last but not least is the Westone 4. The employment of 4 balanced armature drivers and a passive crossover network gave a sound that was crisp, clean, smooth, refined, and just ...Wow! The Westone 4 has earned our Editor's Choice Award. Congrats to all for some excellent products! For more info and complete specs, check out their websites at www.yurbuds.com, www.sleek-audio.com, www.alteclansing.com, www.beyerdynamic.com, www.ultimateears.com, www.etymotic.com, www.audio-technica.com, and www.westone.com.