New headphones for the Xbox 360

Turtle Beach, which specializes in premium XBOX 360 headsets, today announced a new addition the Ear Force X31. It includes digital RF wireless CD-quality stereo sound plus XBOX LIVE chat.

The X31 also includes the Chat Boost, which automatically increases the volume of XBOX LIVE chat as the game gets louder, microphone monitoring so you can hear what you’re saying even though the headset is covering your ears and bass boost to enhance the deep bass from explosions and other sounds. For superior sound fidelity, the X31 ear cups incorporate improved 40 mm speakers based on the same design as the high-fidelity X41 speakers.

Enhancements in the X31 over the original X3 model include:

The X3 analog infrared wireless signal has been replaced with digital 2.4 GHz RF wireless technology, for low-latency, uncompressed, CD-quality sound with no background hiss, no interference from plasma TV screens and no line of sight restrictions between the transmitter and headset.

The headset includes a Digital Signal Processor for bass boost and stereo expander effects. An audible beep indicates which effect is turned on as you press the Effects button on the headset.

The X31 transmitter is powered by a USB port on the XBOX or nearby PC, Mac or laptop, so gamers will have one less power adapter to worry about. This is especially convenient when using it overseas, since it eliminates the need for special power adapter plugs.

A new “battery booster” circuit in the headset extends battery life for up to 25 hours and assures that the sound quality will stay crisp and clear until the batteries are completely drained. Optional rechargeable batteries can be used in place of alkaline batteries.

The X31 headset comfort has been improved by increasing the size of the ear cups so they sit around your ears rather than on top of them. In addition, the X3 vinyl ear cushions have been replaced with soft, fabric mesh ear cushions that let your ears breathe, for added comfort during long gaming sessions.

Although primarily designed for XBOX 360 gaming, the Ear Force X31 is compatible with other gaming consoles (note that the integrated microphone works only with the 360) and can also be used as a home-theater accessory for enjoying DVD movies, watching TV or listening to music.

The Ear Force X31 headset has an MSRP of $99.95 and will be available at Best Buy, GameStop and other major US and Canadian retailers in September, and from the Turtle Beach web site www.turtlebeach.com. Turtle Beach Ear Force headsets are distributed in Europe by Mad Catz® Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ www.madcatz.com.)

NEW DOLBY DIGITAL VERSION OUT TOO

Turtle Beach's Ear Force X41 includes wireless Dolby Digital sound.

A digital optical input on the X41 transmitter connects to the XBOX 360 for pure-digital, high-quality audio. A digital optical output connects to a home theater system for simultaneously using the X41 headset and home theater speakers. Analog stereo inputs let you use the headset for listening to MP3 players, TV audio or other analog sources.

Enhancements in the X41 over the original X4 model include:

The X4 analog infrared wireless signal has been replaced with digital 2.4 GHz RF wireless technology, for low-latency, uncompressed, CD-quality sound with no background hiss, no interference from plasma TV screens and no line of sight restrictions between the transmitter and headset.

The X41 uses the latest version of Dolby technology to support game sound in 7.1 channels instead of 5.1 channels, for improved surround sound accuracy.

Dolby Pro Logic has been upgraded to Dolby Pro Logic® IIx.

The X41 transmitter includes a headphone jack and volume control for an additional wired headset, so a second player can hear the same Dolby surround sound that’s being transmitted to the X41 wireless headset.

The X41 transmitter is powered by a USB port on the XBOX or nearby PC, Mac or laptop, so gamers will have one less power adapter to worry about. This is especially convenient when using it overseas, since it eliminates the need for special power adapter plugs.

A new “battery booster” circuit in the headset extends battery life for up to 25 hours and assures that the sound quality will stay crisp and clear until the batteries are completely drained. Optional rechargeable batteries can be used in place of alkaline batteries.

The velvet ear cushions used on the X4 have been replaced with rich, soft, fabric mesh cushions that let your ears breathe, for added comfort during long gaming sessions.

Although primarily designed for XBOX 360 gaming, the Ear Force X41 is compatible with other gaming consoles (note that the integrated microphone works only with the 360) and can also be used as a home-theater accessory for enjoying DVDs in Dolby surround sound, watching TV or listening to music.

The Ear Force X41 headset has an MSRP of $199.95 and will be available at Best Buy and other major US retailers in September, and from the Turtle Beach web site www.turtlebeach.com. Turtle Beach Ear Force headsets are distributed in Europe by Mad Catz® Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ www.madcatz.com.)