Path: utzoo!mnetor!tmsoft!torsqnt!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!ncar!gatech!udel!rochester!uhura.cc.rochester.edu!wlnk_cif@troi.cc.rochester.edu
From: wlnk_cif@troi.cc.rochester.edu (Brian Willnecker)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware
Subject: New Sound Board
Message-ID: <12234@ur-cc.UUCP>
Date: 16 Feb 91 02:20:15 GMT
Sender: news@uhura.cc.rochester.edu
Organization: University of Rochester, Rochester NY
Lines: 41

According to PC Magazine, MSound International has released a new
sound board product for IBM PC and compatibles.  The new device, coined
MSound stereo, boasts 16-bit stereo sound and has its own digital signal
processing chip (TMS320).  According to reports, the DSP chip allows for
CD-quality sound.  MSound has elected to use a hardware/software solution
to answer PC users sound demands, thus allowing for new software updates
when required.

The device plugs into the parallel printer port and allows for invisible,
simultaneous operation with the printer.  

The price for the MSound Stereo, $249.95 suggested manufacturer's list 
price.  Street prices will probably be 30%-40% less.

MSound Stereo provides the stereo sound that comes optionally with the 
popular Creative Lab's Soundblaster, and has 16 bit-sound, compared to
8-bit sound of the SoundBlaster.

			 * 	*	*

For all of those computer soundboard junkies out there, I have a few 
questions.

Has anyone else obtained information on this product?
Will piping sound data through the parallel port slow operations down due
to the lack of a separate DMA channel?
With a DSP chip, should the board be able to render voice?
Is Msound widely supported?  Will this product catch on?
And, is MSound International a reliable company, ie do they make quality
products



***
opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the opinions
of my University.
--
**********************************   Kids, Remember:
* Another Fine Message From The  *      "If you have two of something, 
*    Somewhat Unique Realm of    *	 That makes two of them."
* W I L L Y  W O N D E R L A N D *			   RG '90