|
 Logitech
has recently rolled out the new Z Cinéma Advanced Surround Sound
System, a 2.1 speaker configuration that is designed to accurately reproduce
dialogue, film soundtracks, explosive gaming audio and subtle ambient
sound. The Z Cinéma system features SRS® TruSurround HD™
audio processing that delivers a wide sweet-spot with an immersive surround-sound
experience with just two satellite speakers and a subwoofer. This approach
minimizes the number of speakers needed to produce high quality sound
that rivals multi-channel speaker systems and makes watching movies and
playing games a richer experience. Dialogue from film soundtracks are
said to be clearer and easier to hear with this system making movies more
enjoyable.
The Z Cinéma
system has a unique tri-amplification design with a digital crossover
and equalizer that provides greater accuracy and a more natural, balanced
response. The two-way satellite speakers deliver a smooth frequency response
with good detail and clarity. The accompanying subwoofer features an 8-inch
long-throw driver with a flared bass port capable of producing powerful,
distortion-free bass. What makes this system different is the audio comes
through a USB interface from the PC allowing for high resolution digital
audio. The system is designed to take advantage of Windows® Media
Center which allows easy management of digital media whether it be music
or video. An advanced IR remote control turns your PC into a complete
entertainment center.
 IR
Remote
The Z Cinéma IR remote is well organized and has a set of controls
designed to work with Windows® Media Center. The full-sized remote
has large buttons that are organized to give the user full control of
their media. The placement of the buttons takes some getting used to,
yet proved to be effective within a short period of time. The base of
the remote is made from a rubber-like, slip-resistant material that fits
nicely into the palm of your hand and is powered by a pair of standard
"AAA" batteries, making replacement simple when needed. The
rotating ring at the center of the remote is used to control the volume
and the design allows the user to precisely dial in the audio level. Dedicated
buttons quickly choose between Music, Video and Photos.
Standard playback controls (Stop, Play, Pause, Record,
Skip Forward, Skip Backwards, Scan Forward, and Scan
Backwards) for music and video content are provided. Additional buttons
enable the SRS® TruSurround HD™ audio processing. On the downside,
the remote is not backlit, so using it in a poorly lit environment may
prove to be challenging.
Software
 The
software included with the Z Cinéma system provides the same information
that is displayed on the base of the right satellite speaker. We downloaded
the latest software (version 1.00.013) 38MB file from the Logitech website
to ensure we were running the current version. Users can control the system
using the included IR remote or from the connected computer. The software
works with several music programs including Windows Media Center,
Windows Media Player, iTunes, WinAmp, RealPlayer,
Yahoo! Music Jukebox and more. When the Z Cinéma settings
are not being displayed on the PC screen, an icon sits in the system tray
on the bottom right of the Windows screen. The user can quickly launch
the application to easily control the settings. Right clicking the icon
displays the current status
and allows the user to instantly change some of the settings. We initially
had a problem getting the system to power on until we realized that the
power needed to be controlled from the user interface. Once the unit was
powered, the Z Cinéma system performed flawlessly with the music
we streamed from our PC.
 Speakers
The main satellite speakers are powered by 70 watts (35 watts per channel)
with an additional 110 watts for the subwoofer. The design features brushed
aluminum trim with a high gloss black surface giving the Z Cinéma
a classy and elegant look. The speakers are 10" tall, 4" wide
and 3.5" deep and are sloped back to direct sound towards the listener.
The subwoofer is substantial in size measuring 11.5" tall, 11.5"
wide and 16" deep with a protruding set of heatsink cooling fins
protruding from the back of the cabinet. Both the satellite speaker and
the subwoofer are ported designs that help to extend the bass response.
The right front speaker provides the visual feedback to the user when
using the remote or PC user interface. The Aux/USB indicator shows where
the source is coming from. There is an SRS TruSurround HD and Headphone
indicator that illuminates when the processing is active.
Separate
amplifiers provide audio to the tweeter, midrange woofer, and subwoofer.
Class AB amplifiers are used for the tweeters while Class D amplifiers
provide power to the midrange drivers. This is something rather uncommon
for PC speakers, yet the results are impressive with this system. Level
indicators are provided for volume, bass and treble. Each speakers weighs
several pounds and are fitted with rubber feet to keep them from moving
around easily. Two 3.5mm jacks are provided for headphones and an auxiliary
input from external device such as an MP3 player. There are no external
controls on the speakers, so the remote and PC running the software are
the only ways to control the settings. The speakers can play loudly without
breaking up and fatiguing the ear.
 The
stylish look of the Z Cinéma Advanced Surround Sound System complements
many new contemporary components including Logitech's own diNovo
Edge wireless keyboard and mice. While the satellite speakers take
a small amount of surface area, the subwoofer requires quite a bit of
depth when placed on the floor. We found that placing the unit near a
corner of the room produced the best bass response. The design works well
with music without sounding thumpy like many systems we have listened
to.
Performance
The Logitech Z
Cinéma is
a simple 2.1 speaker system that incorporates state-of-the-art technology.
The result is an easy to configure system that produces excellent sound
quality through a single USB cable. The flexibility offered with the handheld
IR remote makes this speaker system very powerful for controlling all
your favorite media. The Logitech Z
Cinéma
system allows the user to not only listen to music while using the PC,
but also access and control the user's media collection.
We were
able to push the volume up on this system and it did very well without
any significant distortion. In addition, the bass remained tamed and sounded
well balanced with the front satellite speakers. The software installation
and configuration of the media application may prove challenging to some
less savvy computer users, but we were able to get it up and running without
too much grief. The remote worked extremely well thanks to the strong
signal received by the sensor. Controlling our music and video files was
simple once we configured Windows Media Center.
Conclusion
Logitech has been placing emphasis on sound quality as is evident with
the last several speaker systems we have reviewed. While the Z
Cinéma system is not cheap ($300 retail), it does offer users with
a great sounding speaker package that integrates well with Windows Media
Center. There is no need to have a full blown 5.1 speaker package to get
excellent sound from a compact system. Logitech has achieved this with
the Z Cinéma system.
-
Kevin Nakano
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