You do not nab the exclusive rights to create Xbox 360 branded headphones and never put some theoretical hutzpah into it: at E3 this week, Mad Catz is showing off a trio of co-branded Tritton / Xbox 360 cans , or a minimum of a trio of fragile plastic facsimiles. These three mock-ups the Catz crew showed us represent the physical design of the Warhead, Devastator, and Detonator models of the co-branded line of headsets — sporting wireless Dobly 7.1 surround sound, wireless analog, and USB connectivity, respectively. While all three models promise a slew of special sound features, the 2 wireless models have an exclusive shine: Xbox 360 microphone support without tethering themselves to the console’s controller. Not that we got to listen to for ourselves; the mock-ups were non-functional, and fragile enough that show staff wasn’t feeling our enthusiasm for an ears-on demo. Still, lets dig ditching headset-to-controller leashes. Investigate cross-check the gallery below to look each of the bells, whistles, and switches, or hit the break for some meaty PR.
First Stereo and Dolby® Surround Headsets to Support Wireless Chat and Audio for the Xbox 360
E3 Expo 2011
SAN DIEGO & LA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (AMEX/TSX: MCZ), announced today a brand new exclusive range of co-branded, licensed audio headsets for the Xbox 360 online game and entertainment system. The headsets would be co-branded under the TRITTON® and Xbox 360 brands and can include two wireless headsets and a wired headset.
Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “Gaming audio is a crucial portion of our business and should be a key growth driver for our fiscal 2012. Furthermore, we believe that our audio products could account for 40-50% of our sales within the next 12-18 months.”
Expected to start shipping world-wide in time for the vacation 2011 season, the headset lineup includes:
TRITTON Warhead™ 7.1 Dolby Wireless Surround Headset for Xbox 360
The TRITTON Warhead 7.1 Dolby Wireless Surround Headset is predicted to be the world’s first truly wireless Dolby 7.1 surround sound headset for Xbox 360, with out wire from the headset to the Xbox 360 controller.
Truly Wireless – Utilizes Xbox 360′s secure Wireless Xbox Live voice communications (no cable to the controller)
5.8Ghz Wireless Technology – Clear surround sound without interference from
wireless devices (range 33ft/10m)
Dolby Headphone 7.1 Surround Sound – Expands native stereo and 5.1 game and picture audio to immersive 7.1 surround sound
50mm Neodymium Drivers – Precision tuned and balanced speakers
Two Hot-Swappable Rechargeable Battery Packs – Change batteries at the fly for endless gaming
Selective Voice Monitoring (SVM) – Allows the gamer to enable or disable the power to listen to their very own voice
Audio Control – Independent voice and game volume controls with mic and game mute
Built-in EQ – Gamer can pick from pre-defined equalizer settings for movies and games
Designed for Extended Play – Padded adjustable headband and luxurious around-the-ear earcups
Everything Had to Connect with Any Xbox 360 – Supports both analog and digital audio connections and includes Digital Audio Adapter (to be used with HDMI installations)
TRITTON Devastator™ Wireless Stereo Headset for Xbox 360
Comparable to the Warhead 7.1, the TRITTON Devastator Wireless Stereo Headset delivers a very wireless audio gaming experience and Selective Voice Monitoring (SVM). The Devastator specific features include: clear, balanced stereo sound, analog input, and powered by two included AA alkaline batteries.
TRITTON Detonator™ Stereo Headset for Xbox 360
The TRITTON Detonator Stereo Headset’s unique wired design supports both gaming at the Xbox 360 and may be used with MP3 players and phones.
Wired Stereo Headset provides clear, stereo sound
Selective Voice Monitoring (SVM) – Allows the gamer to enable or disable the flexibility to listen to their very own voice
50mm Neodymium Drivers – Precision tuned and balanced speakers
Audio Control – Independent voice and game mute and volume through wired in-line remote
MP3 Player and Phones Support – 3.5mm jack supports both media playback and voice communications
Designed for Extended Play – Padded adjustable headband and lush around-the-ear earcups
Everything Had to Connect with Any Xbox 360 – Supports analog audio connections and includes Analog Audio Adapter (to be used with HDMI installations)
Additional info is out there at www.madcatz.com
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