- SHADOWSTRIKE10
- |
- Exalted Legendary Member
Posted by: Link0Cable
Posted by: BurtonBoardiing
I am trying to decide if it is worth it to cough up that extra dough for a $250+ headset. They are nice though. I'm pretty sure I will be getting a new t.v. I have a 57" in my living room but I would like to buy a smaller one for my bedroom so I don't have to share with my dad. Plus it'll be mine to take to college.... I saw a 22" AOC Envision at walmart with 5ms for only $240. Where as the ViewSonic was over $100 more. Then that would mean my headset costs more then my dang t.v. haha. Maybe I should go for a turtle beach headset... What kind of power is there on the A40's? Battery?
Edit: woops double post. Sorry.
~ii
Viewsonic VX2260wm. Exactly like the current MLG monitor, except it's still being sold.
And Astros use your XBox's USB port to draw power I believe.
I have a new video coming out for all of you that'll be up this week since you all have to wait for the actual Episode 2. This video will be a "Quick Tip" and is going to refer to your gaming setup. In it I will cover screens, headsets, work stations, etc. So be on the lookout for the update.
Till then I'll provide a little bit of info. Yes, all MLG events will have you playing on a ViewSonic VX2260wm, unless you are in the Gears of War bracket, then you have a chance at playing on a different but similar screen (I'm too lazy to look it up).
However, there are better screens. I myself have one. I'll go into this with a little bit of a backstory...
As we go into the future, the line between TV's and Monitors is starting to become blurred. Now we are seeing LCD TV's with VGA ports, and Computer Monitors with HDMI ports. When they are using the same technology, where do you draw the line of difference?
Point is, you dont. So, when shopping for a screen, look at Monitors. They will provide you a better quality, and will sometimes even run cheaper than a "TV" equivalent.
Dont be a sucker. Look at the specifics. Dont shell out an extra $100 bucks for something that isn't there. 3 things you need to look for when buying a TV-
[/b]Refresh Rate, Dynamic Ratio, Resolution.[/b]
The ViewSonic that MLG endorses supports a 5ms refresh rate, a 20,000:1 Dynamic Ratio, and resolutions of up to 1650x1080.
Now, the official MLG video settings are 1650x1080 on a 22 inch widescreen, using VGA connectors.
Yes, contrary to popular belief, VGA is much better than HDMI when comparing video delay.
I myself bought a Samsung 22 inch LCD which has 2ms delay, 1650x1080 support, and a 20,000:1 ratio. A better screen for $200. The ViewSonic costs about $350.
Now that you know what to look for, just find a good screen with those specifics. Dont get some wierd off-brand one that you know will break. Remember, this screen is going to be your second biggest advantage, the first being your headset.
So lets talk about your headset.
I have used EVERY headset to hit the Pro CIrcuit, and I have have say, I am most impressed with the Astro A40.
With true Dolby 5.1 surround, and stereo microphone audio, it's amazing. If you get the chance, try hooking your headset up to a group of TOSlink'd MixAmps with your other buddies who have the A40. When your team talks, it sounds like they are talking right next to you in a quiet room. None of that far away, wierd sound of either you dropped 8 years of age, or gained 10 years that you get from Xbox LIVE sound. Also, Xbox LIVE has about a 1 second mic lag. This is to reduce latency. If you are TOSlink'd, there is no delay. Dont believe me on the delay? Sing a song on Xbox LIVE, and ask your friends to sing along with you. Do you notice that they are off beat by a couple seconds? Exactly.
Headsets are an absolute must when it comes to FPS's. Radar becomes a thing of the past. You can HEAR where your opponents are, even if they are crouched. You can stand on S3 on Guardian, and hear someone switch weapons over at Top Gold. Hell, I can stand Bottom Mid on Guardian, look at the floor, and from just listening, tell you exactly where you are on sniper tower. You'll also be able to hear exactly where someone is behind you shooting at you, or where a grenade landed behind you.
When you DO get the A40 headset, be sure to get the MixAmp with it. Also, be sure to use OPTICAL CORDS. It's pointless to use the red and white audio. That's just right and left. You might as well be using ear buds. Optical cords are going to allow for a much clearer sounds. It's kind of like there being hundreds of tiny speakers in the earpiece, and they will turn on only in the area where the person is... It's wierd. You just have to experience it.
Also, you can take out the Speaker Tags on the side of the headset, and customize your headset. They're held on by 4 high-powered neo-magnets. I am using the ones I picked up at MLG Meadowlands 2009.
Here is a picture of my headset.
If you're wondering what all that writing is, it's signatures by Pro's such as Tsquared, Walshy, FearItSelf, Nexux, Soldi3r187, and Tizoxic. Coolsauce.
So let's summarize things.
First- you are going to find a 22 inch widescreen LCD Monitor with no higher than 5ms delay, and about a 20,000:1 Dynamic Ratio.
Second- you're going to take a trip over to the Astro Gaming audio system store and pick up the A40 audio system.
Third- thank SHADOWSTRIKE1 for all his wisdom he has shared on this topic.
Fourth- wait for the upcoming Quick Tip video.
Fifth- ???
Sixth- Profit.