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REVIEWER’S GUIDE
22
Test 4: Surround Sound on Stereo Speakers
These tests demonstrate virtual surround sound through stereo speakers using
SRS TruSurround XT. It’s perfect for users who have only two speakers or
headphones connected to their system. The software can create an enhanced
sound mix from either an original 5.1 surround soundtrack or from the stereo
mix placed on many DVDs, as well as CDs or MP3s.
1. Open the Revolution 7.1 Control Panel. In the Surround Sound tab, turn
on TruSurround XT and set it to “Cinema” mode.
2. Audition an action scene on a DVD that offers a good dynamic range
and use of surround channels. For best results, use the included
WinDVD 4 software (PC) so that surround information can be pulled
from the decoded Dolby Digital soundtrack and virtualized with TruSur-
round XT on stereo speakers. On the Macintosh, this can be performed
using Apple’s DVD Player.
3. Test Revolution’s ability to enhance dialog. Turn “SRS Dialog Clarity”
on and audition a DVD passage featuring dialog along with music or
sound effects. Experiment with the Dialog Enhancement Level control,
as well as toggling Dialog Enhancement on and off. You should notice a
marked improvement in the clarity of the dialog. Try enhancing bass
using the TruBass slider.
4. Switch to a competing card or built-in audio and watch the same scene in
basic stereo mode.
5. Switch to the Revolution 7.1, and access the control panel. Turn off
TruSurround XT.
6. Open a Media player, such as Windows Media Player or iTunes. Audi-
tion a song, such as one of the tracks recommended in the Appendix.
7. Open the Revolution 7.1 Control Panel. Turn on TruSurround XT and
switch to “Music” mode. Play the same song and listen for the increased
sense of “dimension” that TruSurround is able to provide.
8. Try enhancing dialog or vocals using the Dialog Clarity slider and en-
hancing bass using the TruBass slider.
You should notice a significant improvement with the Revolution 7.1 audio card.
With TruSurround engaged, notice the aural impression of surround sound even
though there are only two speakers. When you switch the output back to the
competing audio card, you’ll certainly notice a marked contrast.
Since the SRS software boosts key frequencies, it may compensate by easing
the overall volume setting. To maintain comparable volume levels, you may
find it useful to boost overall volume when TruSurround features are en-
abled.
TRUBASS
CONVERTS
THE RUMBLE
OF MISSLE
LAUNCHES
AND EXPLO-
SIONS INTO
FREQUENCIES
THAT HOME
SPEAKERS
CAN HANDLE