BIOS: Technology Means Business

Terratec is bundling a 5.1 soundcard, three great games and a stereo headset with microphone for just £69.99. The Aureon 5.1 Fun Games bundle is an excellent value for money offering for those that are looking for a low-cost entry into the world of voice-over-IP gaming (VoIP).

The package centres on the new Aureon 5.1 soundcard, which provides gamers with 6-channel audio, digital input and output and 48kHz recording and playback. The card is also suitable for playing back DVD-Movies and audio from external devices. Six loudspeaker outputs let you connect two, four or six (5.1) loudspeakers and line inputs let you connect external devices, such as DAT or MiniDisc players. AC3 (Dolby Digital) and DTS output are available via an optional digital output solution.

Digital audio specifications include 24-bit 96kHz recording, 24-bit 192kHz playback, extended full duplex stereo for recording and playback (mono or stereo) of all audio sources. All common 3D sound standards are supported for gaming, including DirectSound 3D, A3D 1.0, EAX 1.0, EAX 2.0, MacroFX, EnvironmentFX, MultiDrive, ZoomFX and I3DL2.

Onboard connections comprise two separate CD audio inputs: stereo (MPC3) and Aux-In. External connections include digital optical output (44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz), digital input, line-out (3.5 mm), line-in (3.5 mm) and microphone-in. The supplied audio mixer software lets you control individual levels for all audio sources.

The three games that ship with the card are all excellent in their own rights: Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell is a covert stealth-action affair, Warcraft III is an epic real-time strategy game and Gun Metal is a mech-based shoot ‘em-up. Additional software includes a DVD player and MusicMatch Jukebox for MP3 payback. You also get a TerraTec Master headset - a pair of headphones with a microphone. Designed primarily for VoIP gaming, the headphones are also good enough for DVD and audio playback.

The Aureon 5.1 Fun Games bundle offers great sound quality on six channels, plenty of connection possibilities and an excellent games bundle. Supporting the latest 3D audio standards, this soundcard bundle represents value for money in the truest sense of the term. Snap it up before the offer ends.