deviantART: by:skyfluff

Blog-o-rama!

So the other day I was pretty ecstatic when my Logitech G51 speakers showed up at my door. I didn't have to wait long (NCIX kicks butt), but I was pretty eager in anticipation.

After I got it all setup I tested it out... amaaaaazing. Sure, these are no Z5500's, but they sure sound nice compared to my 6+ year old Altec Lansing speakers. Unfortunately, I was unaware of the fact that RCA can't handle surround, only stereo. So I was left with a 5.1 surround system running stereo. Much to my surprise, however, is the matrix mode, where the speakers will actually grab a 2.1 signal and create a simulated 5.1 surround sound field. And let me tell you, it does a really good job! When I'm playing Assassin's Creed I can hear people all around me, and it's completely separate from the main sounds coming through the center channel. So cool. I was impressed...

...but not content.

After some more research on possible ways to get surround sound using a 6-channel analogue connection, I stumbled upon this. It's a USB sound card capable of 5.1 surround sound. I was skeptical at first, due to the absence of a Mac OS listing on the compatibility page, but after some further research it was confirmed compatible with Mac OS X.

This is a $40 card. Not to mention, I have a friend working at a home theater store who can snag an optical cable for next to nothing. So for under $50 dollars I can finally have 5.1 surround sound on my Mac, and my Xbox 360 (using SPDIF passthrough on the Mac).

I'm pretty excited. I won't be getting it for a while, but when I do... *smiles*

Recommended Wallpapers!

Wallypaper Infobot!

All of my wallpapers are a magical 1920 x 1200 resolution.

What this boils down to, is that unless you're using a 30" Cinema Display, you won't need a bigger resolution. This is a widescreen resolution, yes, but most monitors are widescreen now-a-days so it shouldn't be a problem. In my experience, this resolution scales down nicely to all widescreen resolutions, so it should be the only resolution you need.

Just make sure that if your resolution is smaller than 1920 x 1200 you have the option to Stretch the wallpaper turned on in your Display Preferences. This is will ensure a proper fit.

I use and design for Mac computers.

This doesn't mean much. But it should be noted for the record that most of my wallpapers (some of the earlier ones are exceptions to the rule) are designed to compliment the Mac GUI and are tested on my Mac at home. I don't look at them on PC's, but there's no reason they shouldn't work the same for PC and Mac.