This is topic PC Keyboards in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 10-30-2002, 03:25 AM:
Here is a nifty keyboard. It is the first one I ever seen like this, because it has a built-in amplifier and two speakers, along with a microphone. It is powered by a 9-Volt adapter, and on the right side by the three bumps it has three mini-jacks for a sub-woofer output, a stereo headset, and an external microphone. This thing really sounds much better than the Soundblaster Multimedia speakers. It has an off/on switch, volume control, mute button, switch for Stereo-SRS (Whatever that is) that really makes stereo sound better. Supposedly it is called a "Noteworthy Concert Master." However, I did not find a true website on this company that built it.I paid $7.50 for it at my friend's surplus store where I got my two truckloads of computers. The keyboard looks like new. I was so impressed with it as a general kick-around keyboard that I would like to get a couple more of them. Anyone have any ideas? 
Has anyone seen these critters? Here is a picture:
If the picture on the monitor looks like I am assembling a Simplex E-7, you are absolutely correct. 
Posted by Daniel Boisson (Member # 1027) on 10-30-2002, 11:14 AM:
What company is that? I've seen one similar to it, but it had little tiny speakers and a bunch of useless extra buttons.
I prefer wireless...
Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 10-30-2002, 02:52 PM:
Daniel, I didn't know who manufactured it at the time I made my post. I have the keyboard at the radio station on my computer. However, I am there now, and I found out who manufactured it. It was built by Toshiba and the Model Number is NWKB104MM. The "SRS Logo" is a trademark of SRS Labs, Inc.
I suppose wireless keyboards and mice are fine. But I am too "cheap" to buy them, because I can't justify the cost when weighing it out with the extra benefits gained.
Here is a website of SRS Labs, Inc.
here
Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 10-30-2002, 03:03 PM:
A couple friends of mine from way back work at SRS Labs (one of them is the president). SRS has licensed its stereo enhancement and surround-sound technology for a lot of consumer products like TVs. Their processor can take a standard 2-channel signal and make pretty convincing surround-sound out of it (CircleSurround).
Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 10-30-2002, 03:22 PM:
If I had a wireless keyboard, I would have to buy a bigger monitor so I could see it from farther away.
Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 10-30-2002, 03:26 PM:
David, yes - it does make it quite "Convincing".....I was blown away by how much it improved the sound quality....out of 2-inch speakers (or smaller) on this keyboard. I wonder what it might sound like in a high-power system?
Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 10-30-2002, 05:08 PM:
On a side note, Windows Media Player 8 (and maybe earlier) includes SRS. You can find it under 'View -> Now Playing Tools'.
Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 10-31-2002, 12:51 PM:
Daryl, yes indeed it is there as SRS WOW Effects....I tried it. It sure sounds nice.....I am impressed!If you click on the SRS button, it takes you to the SRS Website.
But the TruBass, WOW Effect, ON Button, and Large Speakers button do work. But be aware - if you turn the FulBass up to maximum, it might be possible to blow up your sub-woofer... (j/k)
I could be wrong, but Music Match does not have that SRS option....at least, I didn't see it in there anywhere. I don't use WINAMP in this machine, so I could not check.
Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 10-31-2002, 01:01 PM:
It seems like TruBass, WOW Effect, and the ON button work for me. The Large speakers button seems to slightly adjust the EQ. Maybe it's soundcard dependent? I'm using an SBLive Pro.edit: I just re-read your post. Either you edited it, or I can't read 'this early' in the day. Probably the later.
I don't think I'll have to worry about blowing my 18" endtable (um, subwoofer), but the guy downstairs might complain.
Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 10-31-2002, 01:11 PM:
Daryl, that's the same soundcard I use. I have to admit I don't have a syb-woofer in this system, but I do have a QSC-1400 driving some old Sansui SP-5000's, and the QSC is driven by an Audio Technica ATC-1220.I don't need a "Sub" in this system. Those Sansui's have one helluva low end to begin with.
Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 10-31-2002, 02:58 PM:
I don't have a television in my apartment here in Hamilton, so I use my 21" LCD for everything (television, DVD's, etc.) otherwise I wouldn't bother with a subwoofer for a computer.I've heard those Sansui's before, you're right Paul, they sure do have a heck of a low end.
Back to keyboards, I use a Mitsumi keyboard with an 8 foot cable, it cost me $10, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Some days I'd never be able find a wireless keyboard on my desk... no cable to follow. I've tried a few wireless keyboards but can't stand the buffering most suffer (especially in RF noisy enviroments). Maybe I need to type slower. I bet if I called tech-support to complain that that would be their solution.
Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 10-31-2002, 03:09 PM:
Yeah - I can just visualize one of those wireless keyboards sittin' 14 feet away from a 10kw AM transmitter RF cabnet.....
Posted by Jason Burroughs (Member # 68) on 10-31-2002, 05:01 PM:
A little off subject, but didn't SMART make a processor that used SRS?