Styrofoam and Cardboard

My what a big box you have there

VideoLogic included all the cables need to get this system going. The only thing missing is a TOSLink optical cable, so users with some Aureal Vortex2 cards may need to buy another cable to get Dolby Digital sound.

Setup of the speakers did not require reading the manual, a true benefit for those of you who begin tearing away at the plastic wrap while the receipt is still printing. The signal from the sound card goes into the DigiTheatre decoder, then into the amplifier in the subwoofer. The power is then sent from the subwoofer to the satellites using standard 22 gauge speaker cable. Interestingly, there aren't any provisions for 4 channel inputs to the decoder.

Beautiful Instructions

It is a shame that some may miss reading through VideoLogic's excellent manual for the DigiTheatres. The manual is printed in both English and German. Not only does the manual detail the installation and initial setup of the speakers, but it continues at length regarding the optimal placement of the satellites and the optimal surround settings. Special considerations are made for small rooms, rooms with the screen in the corner, and even L-shaped rooms!

The front satellites are the biggest satellites that I have ever seen in a multimedia sub-sat system. They are made of plastic, and have a rotating top, so the tweeter can be angled toward or away from the listener. The size of the satellites will make integrating them into your desktop décor or clutter more difficult. Because of their large size, these satellites don't have the same coolness factor as the svelte Sirocco satellites.

The Satellites

Rear Satellite

Decoder and Sub

The center channel is also a little large, but it does sit nicely on top of your 15 or 17 inch monitor. According to the specifications, the center channel speaker driver is unique among the drivers in the DigiTheatre system. The grills on these speakers are not removable, but we were able to verify these specs with some careful inspection and a strong flashlight. Usually manufacturers like to use identical drivers in the front and center speakers to maintain a similar sounding front end as sound passes from one speaker to another. In our tests, we did notice that the center did manage to blend in with the front channels.

The Centre

The rear satellites on the DigiTheatre's are about as big as the main speakers from other manufacturers. There's not much to say about these speakers, except that they do their job. The only complaint that I have is that they don't have built-in mounting brackets. Videologic has told us that brackets will soon be available.

The sub contains a 6.5 inch woofer. We really should have a hotkey that writes out that sentence for us since most multimedia subwoofers contain a single 6.5 inch woofer in various enclosure configurations.

The real hub of the system is the DigiTheatre Decoder. This little box functions as a Dolby Digital decoder and the control center for the speakers. In addition to doing the basic decoding, it also includes options for customizing the sound of the system. Options include diverting the bass from the satellites to the subwoofer, choosing the volume, balance, and delay of the system, choosing the desired input source and type, and choosing the decoding method. All these controls are visible on an LCD screen that is rather readable in low light thanks to a backlight that is more like a sidelight.

Sub Back

The Remote

A very welcome addition to this package is the credit card size remote control. Some would argue that remotes are unnecessary since you are sitting so close to your computer. They obviously have not considered using a computer as an entertainment center for the times when you're not sitting 18 inches from your screen.

Up Close

The Back

Having a remote is also much more convenient and safer then reaching across your desk, where you could knock over your can of soda or a hamster cage. In car audio, wireless remotes for the CD player have shown that remotes are useful in all proximities.