Turtle Beach highlights latest Ear Force gaming headsets for 2013, prices tournament flagship Seven Series
While Astro Gaming and Mad Catz like to announce stuff in a controlled drip, Turtle Beach -- as usual -- is going ahead with a tactical blitz of new gaming headsets at CES. Just as we've come to expect from the company, CES 2013 looks no different and no less exciting for audio-concerned gamers. While the headset veteran isn't showing anything with a major wow factor (think back to the PX5 from CES 2011), it's made some welcome updates to its Ear Force lineup, and finally announced concrete pricing info for its soon-to-be flagship Seven Series tournament models. We'll likely see some major announcements come E3, but for now, join us past the break -- especially if you're hoping to replace the likes that old PX21 (and its not-so sturdy earcups) of yours.
By now you're likely familiar with the Seven Series. Endorsed by Major League Gaming, these headset bundles are primed to take over the torch from Astro Gaming at pro events. Thankfully, you don't have to be an elite gamer to finally get your hands on 'em. Sectioned as the Z, M and XP Seven, each bundle features the same wired headset, but with differing connection options. The console-focused XP comes with a virtual surround sound Dolby Decoder box and an audio controller for handling the likes of surround sound presets for $280, while the $250 Z version loses the decoder for PC gamers. The $150 M bundle is pretty much just the headset, along with its detachable cable and boom mic, and a case for use on the go. All of the units hit shelves in the first quarter of this year.
Moving along, there are the living room-focused headsets in the Ear Force series. The wireless XP510 and PX51 are essentially the new versions of the XP500 and PX5. Both of these wireless virtual surround sound headsets have been updated with dual-band WiFi for improved connectivity, and still feature Bluetooth for taking calls while gaming. You'll get about 15 hours of playtime per charge. The XP510 comes with a controller dongle for wireless chat on Xbox Live for $290, while the PS3-geared PX51 ditches it for a $270 price point. Also worth note, TB has updated its popular PX21 wired stereo headset from years back, calling it the PX22. The unit takes styling cues from the Sevens Series (which will hopefully make it more durable this time around), but still features an inline audio controller for console use. Better yet, the headset now features a standard 3.5mm connection so you can disconnect it for use on the go. Sadly, you'll have to wait until Q2 to snag this one for $80.
Lastly, we have the Z300 and the Z22. Details are slim, but these are essentially PC-geared, stereo versions of the PX51 and PX22 as far as we can tell. Aside from that, Turtle Beach has apparently also released a headset stand, which you'll also find in the gallery above.
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CES 2013: TURTLE BEACH ANNOUNCES NEW WIRELESS AND WIRED HEADSETS FEATURING CATEGORY-LEADING TECHNOLOGY
Turtle Beach reinforces commitment to portability with headsets designed to work across consoles, PCs and mobile devices.
VALHALLA, N.Y. – Jan. 8, 2013 – Turtle Beach, U.S. based pioneer and market-leader in gaming headsets, is showcasing its new high-end wireless and SEVEN Series wired gaming headsets during the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 1 – Booth #20618, from January 8 to 11, 2013. The new line-up reinforces Turtle Beach's commitment to portability – headsets that are designed to work across consoles, PCs and mobile devices – and represents a strategic expansion in the PC and mobile categories. All of Turtle Beach's gaming headsets feature the sound quality and comfort that have made the company No. 1 in the industry.
The New High-End Headsets for the Wireless Gaming Category
Ear Force XP510 for Xbox and Ear Force PX51 for PlayStation3
Already the best-selling premium wireless headset company, two new models expand Turtle Beach's high-end for wireless gaming. Featuring Turtle Beach's proprietary digital signal processor (DSP), Dolby® Digital surround sound, Dual Band Wi-Fi for an interference-free connection, a rechargeable lithium polymer battery and Bluetooth technology, the Ear Force XP510 and Ear Force PX51 are the most technologically advanced headsets ever designed for console that are also perfect for gaming, movies and music on mobile devices.
With Bluetooth enabling cable-free wireless chat, the Ear Force XP510 and PX51 headsets allow gamers to take phone calls and stream music easily. Immersive Dolby® Digital surround sound while playing games or watching movies ensures an audio experience that rivals even the highest-end home theater sound system. Powered by a rechargeable battery with a 15 hour lifespan, these headsets deliver signal processed sound for uncompromised audio across any entertainment scenario. These two models continue the evolution of a new breed of wireless gaming headset that serves as the ultimate "secret weapon" in the arsenal of serious gamers seeking unmatched audio quality, sonic control and a competitive advantage.
XP510 MSRP $289.99; Availability Q1 2013
PX51 MSRP $269.99; Availability Q1 2013
Ear Force SEVEN Series
Tournament-grade quality and functionality is now available for everyone.
2013 marks the much-anticipated release of Turtle Beach's SEVEN Series, the ultimate option in versatility for avid gamers on the move. Featuring the most precise and powerful tournament-grade audio headsets, first announced at the 2012 Entertainment Electronics Expo, the Ear Force XP SEVEN for console gaming; Z SEVEN for PC gaming; and M SEVEN for mobile gaming comprise the SEVEN Series and raise the bar for wired headsets.
1
The SEVEN Series provides total portability to meet the cross-platform needs of active gamers by leveraging a modular design for total performance control.
Using unique interchangeable cable kits, the SEVEN Series uses the same headset across any platform –
console, PC, Mac or mobile – and delivers a high-quality audio experience. A removable boom microphone and in-line microphone provide additional flexibility.
The SEVEN Series headsets for console and PC come with Turtle Beach's state-of-the-art, touch capacitive Audio Control Unit which gives players the ability to instantly change the mix of game, chat and microphone audio levels to provide a competitive advantage in changing game situations. Using Turtle Beach's Advanced Sound Editor (ASE), gamers can also replace the standard audio presets with up to eight game and eight chat audio presets – for over 64 possible preset audio mixes – to match their personal or team preferences. Audio presets to enhance the audio quality of music and movies are also available via Turtle Beach's thriving audio preset community.
Complementing the SEVEN Series gaming headsets is the TM1 audio mixer designed for console and PC use. Optimized for LAN multiplayer gaming, the TM1 enables tournament-grade quality and functionality for consumers and tournament organizers. The TM1 offers communication for up to six players on the same team, or two teams of three players, as well as a number of input and output features such as a broadcast feed. When combined with the Audio Control Unit, the TM1 represents the most powerful revolution in game tournament audio to date.
The SEVEN Series is the official audio headset platform for Major League Gaming,
XP SEVEN MSRP $279.95; Availability Q1 2013
Z SEVEN MSRP $249.95; Availability Q1 2013
M SEVEN MSRP $149.95; Availability Q1 2013
TM1 MSRP $249.95; Available now
Turtle Beach Upgrades PX21 Headset and Releases Ear Force PX22
Turtle Beach is announcing the Ear Force PX22, a universal wired headset that upgrades the Ear Force PX21 to offer additional benefits for an enhanced gaming experience. Licensed by MLG, the high performance PX22 features cross platform capabilities and amplified stereo sound. It will also offer variable Bass and Treble Boosts, Dynamic Chat BoostTM and a 4-pole connector for compatibility with mobile devices. By strengthening its feature set and usability, the PX22 will upgrade the overall experience of the popular Ear Force PX21. First launched in 2009, the PX21 ranks as the #4 best-selling third-party gaming headset of all time according to the NPD Group.
Ear Force PX22 MSRP $79.95; Availability Q2 2013
New Range of Headsets Arrive and Boost PC Gaming Audio
Ear Force Z SEVEN, Ear Force Z300 and Ear Force Z22 for PC gaming
In 2013 Turtle Beach is releasing a collection of gaming headsets that will provide superior quality, comfort, control and customization to meet the unique needs of PC gamers. From the SEVEN Series, the Z SEVEN will be the first gaming headset available for gamers in need of a tournament grade audio that can also deliver an extraordinary experience with movies and music.
Gamers are increasingly playing across
multiple screens, with 24 percent regularly gaming on a console, PC and or mobile device in 2011*.
the world's largest
competitive video game league, which exclusively uses the Ear Force SEVEN Series PC and console
headsets, Audio Control Units and TM1 tournament mixers during all MLG Pro Circuit tournaments. For
the first time in Q1 2013, consumers will be able to purchase this tournament-grade equipment for home
use.
* (Source: MocoSpace) 2
The Z300 headset further supports Turtle Beach's commitment to PC gaming with an advanced wireless solution that includes high-end features such as Dual Band WiFi for an interference-free connection, a rechargeable lithium polymer battery with a 15 hour lifespan and Bluetooth technology. The Z300 is the only Bluetooth enabled PC headset capable of answering calls or streaming music via a mobile device while playing a game.
Lastly, Turtle Beach is releasing the new USB powered Z22 headset for PC gamers in search of a high value audio experience. With full mobile compatibility and analog inputs, the Z22 is the first PC headset featuring Chat Boost, variable Bass and Treble Boost for a powerful audio performance across the sonic spectrum.
Both pricing and availability for the Ear Force Z300 and the Z22 headsets will be released in the coming months.
When combined with the Turtle Beach's competitive advantage in distribution and retail point-of-sale presence, the company expects the new range of PC headsets to deliver innovative features and superior audio quality to PC gamers. According to The NPD Group, in 2012 Turtle Beach led all first and third party manufacturers on sales, in units and dollars, of gaming headsets.
Mobile Headset Sales Poised for Growth as More Gamers Turn to Mobile Gaming
Gaming is both a driver and a beneficiary of the huge growth in the mobile device market. After checking email, gaming represents the second most frequent use of a tablet**, and ranks ahead of making phone calls, emails and texting on smartphones. Mobile device unit sales now exceed PC sales, and for the first time in 2012 broadband use on mobile devices exceeds use on PCs***.
As the displays, processing power and battery life of mobile devices has improved; mobile video games have increased in quality and complexity. As the excellence of games and gameplay continues to improve on mobile devices, more consumers will seek a superior audio experience to compliment the raised mobile standard.
Only Turtle Beach has a full line of mobile gaming headsets to fill that need, delivering excellent audio quality at all price points. With an emphasis on portability – headsets that are designed to work across consoles, PCs and mobile devices – Turtle Beach has a distinct advantage with gaming enthusiasts who are likely to play games on multiple platforms. And within the category, only Turtle Beach is delivering a robust retail point-of-sale presence, with superior product packaging and in-store kiosks. As mobile gaming accessories emerge as a category, no gaming headset company is positioned as well as Turtle Beach to benefit and support the expanding market.
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