From: axel@gambln.enet.dec.com (Mike Axel)
Subject: Parallel Port Soundcards
Summary: info wanted on parallel port soundcards
Keywords: Parallel Port Soundcards
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date:  3 SEP 92 08:28:04    


This was posted in comp.sys.laptops. Does anyone have any experience or
more info on these parallel port soundcards? 

Mike

>blave@netcom.com (David W. Blevins) writes:

>>The Media Vision Audioport (I think that's the name) is a parallel port
>>gizmo, VERY small, that has a built in speaker and SB-like functionality.
>>It does require the TSR for Soundblaster compatibility, and they recommend
>>a 386SX or better to use this software.  I don't know how "good" their
>>SB emulation is...

>>For laptops, this seems like the only game in town, at least until they
>>start building sound h/w in.  Hopefully, this unit will become the
>>"standard" to the point where the game mfrs support it directly.

>From PC Sources, August 1992, reprinted w/o permission (although I'm
>sure they'd be flattered since my r-w/o-p's have generated half a
>dozen requests for subscription information :)

>There's no reason to leave sound in the office if you have a laptop
>that can handle Windows 3.1.  Parallel port adapters from Media Vision,
>M.P Technologies, Video Associates Lab, and VocalTec give any PC -
>desktop or laptop - the ability to record and play back 8-bit monaural
>sound.  All three adapters come with Windows 3.1 drivers and utilities
>that let you use sound with your Windows applications.

>Media Vision's 2- by 5-inch Audioport runs on four AAA batteries
>or the supplied AC adapter.  It has a small internal speaker audible
>only in quiet environment,s and two jacks:  one for a mike, and the
>other for an amplified speaker or headphones.  A thumbwheel adjusts
>output volume.  There is no pass-through connector for sharing the
>parallel port with a printer.  The Audioport also provies an 11-voice
>FM synthesizer (YM3812) for games and educational software.  Sound
>quality isn't as good as that from an internal sound board, but it's
>transportable.  A new product listing at $199, Audioport will sell
>for less from direct vendors.

>M.P. Technologies' $179 Sound Board product is actually two adapters
>that share one parallel port.  One adapter contains a built-in microphone
>along with input and output jacks.  The other adapter, available
>separately for $79 as Sound Booster, provides a jack for an external
>speaker.  It has a pass through connector that lets you attach a
>printer or the recording adapter.  Both packages come with a small,
>amplified speaker, and neither requires batteries or external power.
>They're available direct from M.P. Technologies (800-292-1577 x3781)

>Video Associates Lab's Microkey AudioPort, an external digital adapter,
>connects to a parallel port.  It measure 2.25 inches by 3.75 inches,and
>comes in two models - the Microkey/AudioPort Record and Play that sells
>for $295, and the Microkey/Audiport Player that sells for $195.

>VocalTec's $179 compact audio technology (CAT) plugs into a parallel
>port, and is powered by a 9-volt battery or an adapter included with the
>product.  CAT is capable of a higher-quality sound, since it has a very
>low signal-to-noise ratio (CAT can play at a dynamic range of 72dB).
>As a result, CAT promotes itself as being more economical in drvie space,
>since you can record voice messages at a lower sampling rate, while
>maintaining good sound quality.

>No additional phone numbers or addresses were given.  No additional
>information about SB or Adlib compatibility was given.  If you find
>out more info, by all means POST!
>-- 
>John H. Kim                 | (This space to be filled when I
>jokim@jarthur.claremont.edu | think of something very clever 
>uunet!jarthur!jokim         | to use as a disclaimer)