I've enjoyed Dolby Headphone since my first demo up at Dolby Headquarters back in 2000, but I remain perplexed as to why more hardware doesn't take advantage of the technology. Designed to make any pair of headphones render a soundfield reminiscent of five speakers and a subwoofer, Dolby Headphone digitally processes a stereo signal to simulate the surround sound experience without introducing harsh artifacts or hokey effects. It can really expand the soundstage for a more immersive movie-watching/music-listening/game-playing experience without bothering anyone else. And it can be accomplished in the absence of an elaborate A/V rig with multiple speakers.
It's an ideal add-in for portable DVD players in particular, but home theater receivers would also benefit from the technology. After all, who doesn't want to watch a movie in surround once in a while without disturbing the kids or signnificant other? But if there have been any CE manufacturers lining up to license the technology, I haven't seen (or heard) them. Flash forward to autumn 2008, as Plantronics ships their new GameCom 777 Surround Sound Headset ($99).
Its two oversized, cushioned "earpods" are cloth-covered, in an open-air design that allows external sound to blend in freely. Lightweight materials combine with military-grade design to offer considerable comfort, including a broad range of motion for the earpods. The band can adjust to fit a giant, or the head of a Krell. (That's a Forbidden Planet joke.) A large volume control wheel is located on the durable cord, which terminates in the usual analog stereo mini-plug, plus another for microphone output. (A flip-down mike hides inside the headband.)
The magic happens within the separate Dolby Headphone sound card, a tiny (not much bigger than a commemorative postage stamp) USB 2.0 wafer that patches into a laptop or desktop computer. This sound card was plug-and-play on Windows XP, requiring no driver software. It is powered by the PC, and offers two positions, "DH" and Off, with a blue indicator light. The headphones plug into this USB dongle and setup is complete.
When Dolby Headphone is engaged, the experience is fuller and more spacious, pulling the sound away from the ears for a "bigger" soundfield. This sophisticated virtual surround is not only more enjoyable, but it also tends to relieve ear fatigue, particularly over extended listening.
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