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Mac users rejoiced when OS X Panther finally included support for Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound--wonderful news for DVD lovers with 5.1 computer speakers. The dreaded catch: a digital output was required, so non-G5 desktop users were left out. Now, however, G4 desktop owners can break out of the shackles of stereo sound with the help of the Revolution 5.1 surround sound PCI card.
Any speaker set will work with the card, but to enjoy the blissful 5.1 audio tracks on DVDs (and to make the purchase worthwhile), you'll need a set of 5.1 speakers with a digital SPDIF output, usually signified by an orange RCA jack to match the one on the Revolution card.
A software driver provides an excellent control panel for configuring the card's output. The control panel offers preset setups for dozens of speaker systems, including 5.1 systems from Altec Lansing, Creative Labs, Klipsch, M-Audio and others, or you can create a custom configuration. The control panel lets you set the size of your speakers, their distance away from you and each speaker's output level.
If you're using a stereo or 5.1 system with only analog inputs, you can set the card to output one of three simulated surround sound modes, including an SRS CircleSurround mode with bass boost. We preferred a split stereo mode for sending stereo music to 5.1 speakers.
Aspyr's Wakeboarding Unleashed, the first Mac game optimized for surround sound, comes with the card. It doesn't have a true 5.1 mix, but when played in the SRS mode, it's an audial treat, not to mention a fun sports game in the tradition of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater.
With high-definition 24-bit/ 192KHz audio, the Revolution 5.1's sound is only limited by the speakers you patch into it. You can also record through its stereo line input or mono mic input (recording software not included). True 5.1 surround sound, however, is the only reason you need to join the Revolution.
-MARKKUS ROVITO
REVOLUTION 5.1: 
M-Audio | www.m-audio.com | 626-633-9066 | $99
Pros: Provides Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround sound, surround simulation modes enhance music, includes Wakeboarding Unleashed.
Cons: Narrow group of Mac users can benefit from it.
Requires: (For multi-channel use) G4 733Mhz or faster, OS 9.2.2, OS 10.1.5 or 10.2.6 or higher, 256MB RAM
macHOME recommends: OS 10.3 or higher for Dolby or DTS 5.1 surround sound, G4 800MHz or faster, 512MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive to play game
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