Product Reviews

Logitech's Z Cinema USB speakers try to create the impression of surround sound using a 2.1 speaker configuration. They come with a Media Center remote control, but their interface software proved unstable under Vista.

Virtual surround sound is created using SRS TruSurround HD, controlled by the ZCinema PC interface. It's a slight improvement over standard 2.1 sound, but isn't noticeably better than other software-based surround sound, such as the SRS TruSurround XT. This is used by CyberLink's PowerDVD to create virtual surround sound through any set of speakers or headphones.

If we sat in the right place, sound seemed to wrap around us, but it was difficult to distinguish its direction. Audio quality was excellent, with loud bass, and clear treble and midrange notes.

These speakers bring a sense of surround sound to your PC, but it's a mediocre approximation that isn't worth the price. Many true surround sound sets cost less, including Logitech's excellent G51.