G51: Logitech’s First Ever G-Series Speaker System

November 30, 2007 by Chapree

Logitech recently unveiled their first ever G-series speaker, the G51 Surround Sound Speaker System. G-series is known as Logitech’s premier product lineup for gaming. So, the release of this new speaker system raised my eyebrow a bit on why Logitech include a speaker in it’s G-series lineup. Why not a headset instead?

According to Logitech, the new G51 is able to create 5.1 audio experience from a mere two-channel stereo source without any lost of audio quality thanks to their new Matrix technology. What this got to do with gaming then? Well, since many games out there especially the older ones, doesn’t have native surround system coded into them, the G51 will be able to give a new live to their plain stereophonic sound. By giving the a game a surround sound, the experience will be more lively and intense than before.

Logitech G51 also features another unique technology called Frequency Directed Dual Driver (FDD2). FDD2 overcomes high-frequency overlap that previously were a major bummer to dual driver speakers in the past. The audio drivers in G51 are also laser-tuned, so the 155 watts RMS audio that coming out from the speaker will be clearer and have less distortion. Logitech also equipped the G51 with headphones and microphone jack which boosted individual mute buttons. Useful for those who want to plug in their headsets once in a while.

The Logitech G51 Surround Sound Speaker System will available from end of this months onwards and have a retail price of RM 950.

Full press release available after the jump.

Logitech G51 Product Page

[More tech news at Lowyat.NET frontpage]

The Sound of Victory: Logitech Unveils Surround Sound Speaker System Designed for Gamers

Logitech G51 Surround Sound Speaker System Provides 360-Degree Surround Sound, Matrix Modes, Dual Mute Controls

MALAYSIA — November 23, 2007 — Logitech (SWX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) today expanded the award-winning G-series family of PC gaming peripherals, unveiling the Logitech® G51 Surround Sound Speaker System, a 5.1 speaker system featuring 360-degree surround sound with dual Matrix modes for a more immersive gaming experience.

For gamers who want to bring their games to life, the Logitech G51 Surround Sound Speaker System offers all the benefits of 360-degree surround sound – and makes it available with or without a multi-channel audio source. With Logitech’s dual Matrix technology, gamers can create a 5.1 surround-sound experience from any common two-channel stereo source.

“The G51 delivers an immersive surround-sound experience, but it goes far beyond that for gamers,” said Jef Holove, General Manager and Vice President of Logitech’s audio business. “Surround sound is a competitive advantage in true 5.1 games, plus the system also offers two Matrix surround modes for classic stereo games or music. For online players, it features headphone and microphone jacks with independent mute controls. And, the system was designed to allow modders to easily customize the satellite speakers with their favorite game art or to match their gear. In short, the G51 is authentic gaming equipment.“

Nearly all digital music, and legacy games, are only primed for stereo – or two-channel – sound. Using Logitech’s proprietary Matrix surround sound technology, the G51 speakers split the audio signal into six channels of sound, without degrading the audio quality. That means, even if their game doesn’t provide six-channel audio, people can enjoy it anyway. As a result, gamers can gain the competitive advantages of surround sound – first-person-shooter gamers, for example, can now hear enemies creep up behind them. If they’re being shot at, they’ll know what direction the bullets are coming from.

Two Matrix modes – gaming and music – turn stereo sound into 5.1 surround sound. Gaming Matrix mode boosts the rear speakers and subwoofer to provide a more intense gaming experience. And with the ported, down-firing subwoofer, explosions sound more explosive. Music Matrix mode enhances stereo music, delivering a more natural surround sound experience through all five satellite speakers.

With 155 watts of total RMS (root mean square) power, the G51 speaker system is optimized to deliver high-performance audio experiences. The G51 speakers feature Frequency Directed Dual Driver (FDD2) technology, which produces a uniform soundfield by housing two drivers in each satellite. FDD2 overcomes high-frequency overlap that leads to uneven sound – a major barrier to dual driver speakers in the past. The result is uniform, intense sound from any place in the room. And with laser-tuned audio drivers, the speakers provide clear audio with less distortion.

Responding to Logitech research, which showed the popularity of headphones and headsets with gamers, Logitech has equipped the G51 speakers with an improved control pod that includes both headphone and microphone jacks. The control pod provides precision dual mute controls, which allows gamers to easily mute the game audio, or mute only the microphone – or both. Independent volume controls and convenient LEDs make controlling the subwoofer, center channel and satellite speakers simple. And with the control pod’s silicone feet, gamers never have to worry about it shifting during intense gameplay.

Because gamers often want to personalize their gaming experience – from computers cases to software profiles – Logitech provides the ability to mod the G51 speakers, allowing gamers to create their own artwork for the four left and right satellite speakers. And gamers can rotate the satellite stands to mount them on the wall, or clip the center channel to the top of their LCD flat-panel monitor.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech G51 Surround Sound Speaker System is expected to be available in end November for a suggested retail price of RM950.

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