Pioneer's new 5.1 audio setup for your Xboxin' pleasure

With all the attention being payed to those pretty pretty pictures that the big three have been flashing at us so far this week, it's easy to forget about that other little detail in gaming: audio. Pioneer didn't forget though, and they've just announced their new HTS-GS1 5.1 surround sound speaker system for the Xbox 360 to cater to that very thing. The HTS-GS1 has 600 watts of total system power being pumped out of the receiver subwoofer, which includes the five satellite speaker connections, three digital inputs (one coaxial, two optical), an analog input, radio tuner, and control ports. There is also a separate display to monitor the system (pictured) and a Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System that mics the room and adjusts the audio for best results. The integration with the Xbox 360 not only includes its similar stylings, but a bundled remote that can manage the HTS-GS1 along with all other Xbox 360 functions like Media Center Extender. The HTS-GS1 should be priced around $500 and will be available in June.

[james nahon @ May 10th 2006 8:57AM]

the media centre extender feature of the xbox 260 is the only thing that might sway me to buying it as opposed to the PS3

[Travis @ May 10th 2006 9:19AM]

You don't need a Media Center PC unless you are watching video... to setup your XP pc just go to http://www.xbox.com/pcsetup and you can share MP3's, WMA's (w DRM as in Yahoo Music Unlimited!), and Pictures. It works great!

[Chris Chance @ May 10th 2006 9:30AM]

no picture of the controller engadget wtf? and i mean the one to control the box not a xbox360 controller lol

[Saluki @ May 10th 2006 9:51AM]

I love the Media Center Extender. I probably use that feature more now than I use the 360 for games. I guess that says something about the game selection.

[t e @ May 10th 2006 10:50AM]

Anyone have pictures of the rest of it? are all the speakers/sub/remote white?

[Perrey Z. @ May 10th 2006 11:57AM]

Sweet! first was Samsung with their newly Bordeaux Glossy White LCD line-up, then Pioneer showed a 42" White plasma a few weeks ago {in Japan} and now Pioneer has done it again by introducing a propietary style game theater in a box system just for the 360. All of these White electroncis are very good incentives to get the Xbox.

[tonyg @ May 10th 2006 12:24PM]

Unbelievable that these companies can "announce" something at a show like E3 and their frickin' web site has no details on it!

[battousai8728 @ May 10th 2006 2:30PM]

Question: Can this thing be used for the PC & 360 at the same time? (like a switcher between inputs?). Also, if, say, I use the input for the PC, while my brother plays on the 360, will the 360 output audio through the TV automatically, or will I have to switch around some settings...?

[ionX @ Jul 26th 2006 9:56AM]

Question, where is the GS1 being sold. It is the end of July and have looked everywhere but can't find it. Anyone have any luck finding it?

[jjbad @ Aug 16th 2006 7:15PM]

I just bought this at Circuit City on 8/13/06 for $449 after a $50 mail in rebate. Circuit City is the only place that has this setup so far. Best Buy didn't have it or anyone else in my area.

I just hooked it up last night and this system sounds crystal clear with absolutely NO distortion no matter how high I turned it.

To hear the bullets whipping over head from left to right instead of just plain old front to back is amazing. Also hearing a character in the game talk in front of you and as you rotate your character you will hear them talk in a different speaker is pretty cool.

Set up was super easy also. All the wiring is color coded.