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Griffin Technology has said that it has begun shipping FireWave, an affordable 5.1 surround sound solution for Macintosh systems.

FireWave extends to Mac users the ability to affordably and effectively upgrade their sound systems by way of their FireWire ports - with apparently spectacular results.

FireWave’s small size makes it easy to incorporate into any computer setup, and makes it portable enough for use with laptops. FireWave gets its power through the FireWire connection, so there are no separate cables, batteries, or power supplies to tote. FireWave’s extra FireWire port lets you daisy-chain other FireWire devices, so it won’t hog your FireWire port.

FireWave lets you enjoy Dolby Digital encoded DVDs in 5.1 surround, or use Dolby Prol Logic II to make any audio source alive, whether from iTunes, QuickTime, or streaming audio. In addition, FireWave’s support of multi-channel playback from cross-platform OpenAL games like World of Warcraft and Unreal Tournament make it a must-have for gamers.

Sample rates supported include 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz and 96kHz playback in MBLA mode (non-Dolby), 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz in Dolby Pro Logic II 48kHz Encoded Digital in Dolby Digital. Outputs include 6-channel (24-bit), and it has a frequency response: (-3dBr, 24-bit 48kHz input) and signal-to-noise ratio of 100dB. The device is powered by the Oxford Semiconductor FW970.

Griffin’s FireWave is priced at $99.99 and is now available at now at www.griffintechnology.com, and wherever quality Mac or FireWire accessories are sold.

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