HaloSurround headphones not angelic

 

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By Stuart Turton in Hannover

Posted on 6 Mar 2008 at 14:28

Fashion and 5.1 surround sound collide in the "HaloSurround headphone system", though it's fashion that comes off worse.

Proving that you don't need a fancy booth, flashing lights and millions of pounds to get attention at CeBIT, we noticed the HaloSurround headphone system being touted by a young woman outside the exhibition halls and felt compelled to investigate.

HaloSurround features six speakers built into the tube that sit at various points around your head, with ear-buds serving to anchor it in place rather than conduct any music.

It's not too bad really and actually does offer something approaching a surround sound experience, certainly better than most headphones offering virtual surround sound.

Rather sweetly, the advertising pamphlet the young woman handed us also tries to sell the HaloSurround system on its fashion credentials, showing it being worn at parties and with formal dress. There's also the slightly more realistic picture of somebody stuffing it inside a cap out of harm's way.

Still, if eighties films are to be believed, everybody spent that decade carrying huge stereos around on their shoulders, so who knows, it may yet be a success.

Click here for full coverage of CeBIT 2008.