Focal XS Multimedia Sound System

Focal introduces the new Focal XS Premium iPod speaker sound system that consist of two Focal XS Satellite speakers and a Focal XS subwoofer.

The XS 2.1 has its roots in the Solo 6 Be powered studio monitors. The Solos have garnered quite a reputation in the pro-audio field, notably with mastering engineer Dave Kutch who has worked with artists Natasha Bedingfield, Erykah Badu and Alicia Keys to name a few. During the development of the Solos Gerard was approached by one of the engineers on the project for a set of critical ears. While Gerard never indicated to me why he connected the Solos to his iMac in the first place, ultimately that was how he tested the Solos.



Setting up the Focal XS 2.1 is rather straightforward. The woofer module houses the speaker and power connections with the inputs present on the dock base. The left channel speaker connects to the woofer model using a standard RCA plug. The plug is integrated directly into the speaker module and is not user-replaceable. The satellite itself is not powered, and the RCA connection is used to deliver a standard speaker level signal as opposed to a line level signal. The right channel and dock are connected using an 8-in DIN connector.

Sound of the Focal XS 2.1 iPod Dock

While the primary input on the XS is intended to be a digital USB signal, the presence of the dock lends itself to standalone operation as well. I spent time listening to both the iPod input and USB input on the XS. The mp3s I used for playback were encoded at a minimum bitrate of 192 kbps with a variable bitrate. With my encoding settings, the average bitrate for most of my files exceeds 220 kbps. I tested the system with both CDs, and mp3s to see if the XS could reveal slight differences between the two.

The iPod dock market is certainly filled with a multitude of products, which by-and-large are aesthetically differentiated. Focal comes to this niche with a product that not only meets the aesthetic requirements typically associated with the market, but also class leading audio performance. It might be more fair to say the XS establishes a new class of performance for multimedia speakers in general. The sub/sats are exceptionally well integrated, and deliver a pure sound that aims to stay as true to the source as possible.

Focal XS Premium iPod speaker system is priced at about Euro 500.

Plustek V100 BookReader

Plustek introduces the V100 BookReader, a advanced text-to-speech scanner that features OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and auto document orientation. With one button, the V100 BookReader converts text into audio output.

Plustek comments, the V100 "transforms printed words into audio output, that can be saved in MP3 format for future access. With the press of one button, the Plustek BookReader will convert printed text into high quality speech with a lifelike voice."

The Plustek BookReader features highly accurate OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and auto document orientation. This combination guarantees correct output for TTS (Text to Speech). You only need to press one button, and the Plustek Book Reader will convert printed text into high quality speech with a lifelike voice.

Plustek's BookReader integrates high-speed scanning, natural voice synthesis (for read back) and highly accurate text-to-speech and optical character recognition (OCR) functionality, all in one device. Additional features, especially designed for the vision impaired, include: magnifying functions, font controls, volume controls, speech controls, bookmark functions, PDF reading, etc. All of them combined make BookReader a highly versatile computer companion.

The BookReader comes with OCR and text-to-speech (TTS) software. Both of them allow the scanner to copy and read the documents scanned.

To use these features, the user simply places a book or document on the scanning platen and, with the touch of one button, the book is scanned for one's reading pleasure. With a single touch, the Book Reader transforms printed words into audio output which can be saved in MP3 format for archiving and later access.

Available for purchase for $700

Dell Studio XPS 435 Core i7 Desktop Computer

Dell new Studio XPS 435 Core i7-based desktop PC to its website. The powerful Studio XPS 435 is powered by Intel’s Core i7 processor up to Core i7 965 Extreme Edition 3.2GHz with the X58 chipset.

The level of performance alone will blow you away as you engage in some of the most demanding entertainment and digital content. Your needs are also surpassed with a design that provides the highest level of expandability DellTM Studio desktops have to offer. All of this is showcased in a bold, angled design trimmed with Brilliant Crimson Orange accents that command your attention.



It has Blu-ray or a DVD+/-RW drive, 15-in-1 card reader, an IEEE1394a port, an eSATA port and optional wireless-N connectivity. Pricing has not been mentioned.

Performance

Do more in even less time
Intel CoreTM i7 and i7 Extreme desktop processors power through intense multitasking ― up to 14% faster3 ― by handling multiple applications simultaneously without ever breaking a sweat. Matched with the Studio XPS 435 desktop, the power and performance you’ve come to expect from XPSTM premium systems has now been surpassed.

Turbo Boost Technology

Go further without leaving your chair. Intel Dynamic Speed Technology delivers an 8-threaded performance capability on 4 cores, so you can multitask with greater efficiency than previous processors. So whether you’re surfing the web, recording television shows with your optional TV tuner4 or editing video content, your system will keep running smoothly even if you’re attempting it all at once.

Full speed ahead

The tri-channel DDR3 memory allows you to work at high speed without ever having to put on the brakes. It comes equipped with 6 DIMM slots for expandability and an integrated memory controller. So as file sizes increase, the greater RAM capacity helps keep things moving at high speed.