Answerbag: Gameboy42's answers

Answer to A company is selling a surround system with a bunch of little cube speakers. How well do these work?

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 14:49:03 -0700

A company is selling a surround system with a bunch of little cube speakers. How well do these work?

These are not going to reproduce sound very well. Those tiny little speakers cannot reproduce midrange and especially low range signals very well, so your bass will be suffering. If the system includes a subwoofer, that's a slight improvement, but subwoofers only reproduce the lowest...

Answer to How does a speaker work?

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 14:42:58 -0700

How does a speaker work?

The basic function of a speaker is to push air. What the human ear perceives as sound is just changes in air pressure, so the function of a speaker is to create changes in air pressure that we can hear. If these changes are at a high frequency, we hear a high-pitched noise. If they are at a...

Answer to What is "surround sound"?

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 14:29:39 -0700

What is "surround sound"?

This is a generic term for any speaker setup that includes rear speakers that receive a different signal than the front speakers. This is meant to create a 3-dimensional effect, allowing you to hear sounds behind you, just like in the movie theater. Current "surround sound" speaker...

Answer to What's the difference between a receiver, a tuner, and an amplifier?

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 14:17:14 -0700

What's the difference between a receiver, a tuner, and an amplifier?

These three terms are often used interchangably, but they mean different things. A tuner is a device that simply receives radio signals (AM and/or FM). An amplifier just amplifies an input signal before sending the signals to your speakers. They require an input device, such as a CD...

Answer to Should I get a receiver with Dolby Digital? Dolby Pro Logic? What do those mean?

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 14:12:22 -0700

Should I get a receiver with Dolby Digital? Dolby Pro Logic? What do those mean?

Check out my answer about audio formats here: http://www.answerbag.com/q_view.php/1311

Answer to What is a receiver?

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 14:09:25 -0700

What is a receiver?

A receiver is the heart of most home audio systems. Its primary functions are to receive radio signals (acting as a "tuner"), to amplify sound from the radio or other inputs, and to switch between the various inputs. Receivers will usually have inputs for several types of devices,...

Answer to What is a woofer?

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 13:11:18 -0700

What is a woofer?

A woofer reproduces mid- to low-frequency sound. Each woofer will have a different frequency range, but a typical woofer will responsible for everything between the high-frequency signals of the tweeter and the very low-frequency signals of the subwoofer. If your speaker also has a mid-range...

Answer to What is a subwoofer?

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 13:08:53 -0700

What is a subwoofer?

A subwoofer reproduces low-frequency signals, usually in the range from 20 Hz to 80 Hz. Some of these freqencies may be too low for you to hear, but you will feel them.

Answer to Do I really have to wire red-to-red and black-to-black?

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 13:07:06 -0700

Do I really have to wire red-to-red and black-to-black?

Yes. Speakers and amplifiers are coded red (positive, +) and black (negative, -) for a reason, and that is because the speakers will sound best when they are in-phase. Let's say you accidently wired one of your speakers backwards. This will cause one speaker to be "out of...

Answer to What is a subwoofer, and why should I use one?

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 12:49:54 -0700

What is a subwoofer, and why should I use one?

A subwoofer reproduces low-frequency (bass) signals. There are many reasons to use one, including: - A subwoofer will reproduce bass more accurately than other, smaller speakers. It will add the low-frequency "thumps" that other speakers may not be able to produce, thereby giving...

Answer to Why should I use a pre-amp in my system? Are they worth the money?

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 12:34:17 -0700

Why should I use a pre-amp in my system? Are they worth the money?

A preamplifier (preamp) is generally used to provide high-quality signal amplification. A preamp will usually give better signal amplification than the receiver/amplifiers you can buy from the home audio stores. The preamp also lets you switch between various input signals and adjust treble and...

Answer to What is clipping?

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 12:04:25 -0700

What is clipping?

In essence, clipping distortion occurs when you've turned up the volume too high. Your amplifier then cannot produce any more power, so it "clips" off the tops of the power-intensive signals you're telling it to sends to your speakers. This clipping generates extra...

Answer to When a sound system says it has "5.1" or "6.1" speakers, what does that mean?

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 11:57:05 -0700

When a sound system says it has "5.1" or "6.1" speakers, what does that mean?

The number before the period is the total number of surround channels besides the subwoofer. You will want one speaker for each channel for the best surround effects. The number after the period signifies the number of subwoofers (usually 1). In a 5.1 system you'll have a center...

Answer to What are the different surround sound formats?

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 11:43:31 -0700

What are the different surround sound formats?

Dolby Digital (AC-3) Unlike most formats this one is digital, rather than analog. Signals for each speaker channel are transmitted separately, ensuring that each sound channel is reproduced exactly as it was recorded. There is a dedicated subwoofer channel as well. DTS Digital Surround...

Answer to Can you really plug a Gameboy Advance into the Gamecube?

Thu, 02 Oct 2003 10:16:20 -0700

Can you really plug a Gameboy Advance into the Gamecube?

Yes. To do this, you will need the Gameboy Advance Cable which sells for around $10 US.

Answer to Can I play games online with my Gamecube?

Thu, 02 Oct 2003 10:11:20 -0700

Can I play games online with my Gamecube?

Yes, but you will need to buy an adapter. Nintendo makes adapters for modems or for high-speed connections such as cable modems or DSL.

Answer to Can the Gamecube play DVDs?

Thu, 02 Oct 2003 10:09:53 -0700

Can the Gamecube play DVDs?

No, it cannot. Standard-sized CD or DVD-ROMs won't even fit in the unit because it's designed for disks with a smaller physical size.

Answer to What are the technical specifications of the Gamecube?

Thu, 02 Oct 2003 10:08:34 -0700

What are the technical specifications of the Gamecube?

Found on: http://www.nintendo.com/systems/gcn/specifications.jsp MPU ("Microprocessor Unit")* : Custom IBM Power PC "Gekko" Manufacturing process: 0.18 micron IBM copper wire technology Clock frequency: 485 MHz CPU capacity: 1125 Dmips (Dhrystone 2.1) Internal...

Answer to How much does it cost to play online games?

Wed, 01 Oct 2003 19:42:37 -0700

How much does it cost to play online games?

Just the cost of the Network Adaptor - there is no set fee for playing online games. Publishers may charge their own fees for certain games, but those will be set on a game-by-game basis.

Answer to Can I play online games with my PS2?

Wed, 01 Oct 2003 19:41:31 -0700

Can I play online games with my PS2?

Yes, but you'll need to buy the Network Adaptor. The adaptor will work with either dial-up connections (modems) or high-speed connections like cable modems or DSL.

Answer to Can I install Linux on a PS2?

Wed, 01 Oct 2003 19:33:27 -0700

Can I install Linux on a PS2?

Yes, and Sony actually makes a kit for it! The model number is SCPH-97047. Here are some details: Description: Linux enthusiasts and programmers can now use the same system they play their favorite PlayStation 2 formatted games on to run thousands of Linux applications! Combining the...

Answer to What are the PS2's hardware specifications?

Wed, 01 Oct 2003 19:27:38 -0700

What are the PS2's hardware specifications?

From: http://www.us.playstation.com/hardware/PS2/415007657.asp PlayStation 2 System Features and Specifications* *Updated for model number SCPH-39001 CPU: 128-bit CPU System Clock Frequency: 294.912 MHz Cache Memory: Instruction: 16KB, Data: 8KB + 16 K(ScrP) Main Memory: Direct Rambus...

Answer to How fast is the PS2's CPU?

Wed, 01 Oct 2003 19:20:06 -0700

How fast is the PS2's CPU?

300 MHz, or 294.912 MHz to be exact.

Answer to What is a hook?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:58:53 -0700

What is a hook?

A shot that curves to the inside, that is to the left if you're right-handed, or the right if you're left-handed.

Answer to What is a slice?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:58:25 -0700

What is a slice?

When you hit the ball and it curves outside, that is towards the right if you're right-handed, or the left if you're left-handed.

Answer to What is a wood?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:57:30 -0700

What is a wood?

A driver.

Answer to What is a walk?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:49:48 -0700

What is a walk?

If the batter receives four balls before receiving three strikes, he gets to "walk" to first base, and is credited with a walk.

Answer to What is a RBI?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:48:46 -0700

What is a RBI?

A Run Batted In. If the batter hits the ball and drives in any players on base (including himself), he is credited with an RBI for each one. A grand slam would give the batter 4 RBIs. Even if the batter is tagged out or their ball is caught on the fly, they still receive an RBI as long as they...

Answer to What is a base?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:46:42 -0700

What is a base?

The bags that runners are "safe" on. These are first base, second base, and third base.

Answer to What is a foul ball?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:45:08 -0700

What is a foul ball?

A ball that is hit into foul territory, specifically any area that is not between the first-base line and the third-base line. If a home-run ball hits the "foul pole," it is judged fair, a home run. If the ball is hit on the ground, it is foul if it is not within the first- and...

Answer to What is a curveball?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:40:23 -0700

What is a curveball?

A pitch that is thrown so as to make it curve through the air, thereby making it harder for the batter to hit.

Answer to What is an inning?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:38:56 -0700

What is an inning?

A phase of play. During an inning, each team has the opportunity to send its batters to the plate until they receive three outs. First one team goes up, receives their three outs, then the other team goes up. A regulation game is made up of 9 innings (27 outs per team.) In the event of a tie,...

Answer to What is a strikeout?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:36:13 -0700

What is a strikeout?

When a batter receives three strikes before receiving four balls. The batter is then declared out.

Answer to What is a ball?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:35:33 -0700

What is a ball?

A pitch that the batter does not swing at and that is not in the strike zone.

Answer to What is a strike?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:35:04 -0700

What is a strike?

A pitch that is within the strike zone and the batter does not hit. A strike is also given if the batter hits the ball into foul territory (assming it isn't caught on the fly.)

Answer to What is a key?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:33:50 -0700

What is a key?

The painted area under the hoop that stretches out to the free-throw line.

Answer to What is a double dribble?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:31:33 -0700

What is a double dribble?

To dribble, stop your dribble, and then start again without the ball leaving your possession.

Answer to What is a travel?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:30:43 -0700

What is a travel?

To move one's pivot foot without dribbling the ball

Answer to What is zone defense?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:28:52 -0700

What is zone defense?

A defensive formation where players are supposed to guard a certain area, as opposed to a man-to-man defense.

Answer to What is a touchdown?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:28:02 -0700

What is a touchdown?

A touchdown is scored when a player brings the ball to the end zone of the opposing team. The ball must simply break the "plane," an imaginary wall coming up from the goal line, to be counted as a touchdown. A touchdown scores six points. After the touchdown, the scoring team has...

Answer to What is a field goal?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:25:11 -0700

What is a field goal?

The offensive team, on any down, can attempt to kick a field goal. This involves the center hiking the ball to a holder who then holds the ball so the place kicker can kick it. If the ball goes through the goal posts, the team is rewarded with three points and will then kick off the ball to the...

Answer to What is a down?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:23:17 -0700

What is a down?

A play. Teams get four downs (four plays) to either score or go ten yards. If they go ten yards, the down is reset to one (first down), and they get four more downs.

Answer to What is a punt?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:21:08 -0700

What is a punt?

When the offensive team has run out of downs, they will punt (drop-kick) the ball to the defensive team, who will then take over possession.

Answer to What is a center?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:13:21 -0700

What is a center?

The player who starts each play holding the ball. Each play starts when the center hikes the ball to the quarterback.

Answer to What is a line of scrimmage?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:10:33 -0700

What is a line of scrimmage?

An imaginary line parallel with the yard lines that passes through the position of the ball at the beginning of a play. All offensive players must be on their side of the LOS, and defensive players on their side when the play starts, or they will be called for a penalty.

Answer to What is a clipping?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:06:16 -0700

What is a clipping?

This is a foul that is committed when a player is hit in the back by an opposing player.

Answer to What is a PAT?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:05:30 -0700

What is a PAT?

Point after touchdown

Answer to What is a shotgun?

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:05:04 -0700

What is a shotgun?

A formation where the quarterback stands several yards behind the center. When starting the play, the center must "hike" the ball accurately so that the quarterback can catch it.

Answer to How do I fight against monsters who drain my levels?

Sun, 17 Aug 2003 17:11:38 -0700

How do I fight against monsters who drain my levels?

There are many types of undead that will "drain" your levels when they attack. You may be a level 12 fighter, but that vampire just made you into a level 10 fighter. This is easily fixed with a Restoration spell, but there are some other consequences of level drain as well. When a...

Answer to What shields can I get?

Sun, 17 Aug 2003 16:54:41 -0700

What shields can I get?

Large Shields nw_ashmlw006 - Dragon Shield nw_ashlw001 - Large Shield nw_ashmlw002 - Large Shield +1 nw_ashmlw008 - Large Shield +2 nw_ashmlw009 - Large Shield +3 nw_ashmlw005 - Mirror Shield nw_ashmlw003 - Shield of the Holy nw_ashmlw004 - Shield of the Sun ...

Answer to How can I plug several Xboxes together so I can play against my friends on separate screens?

Sun, 17 Aug 2003 16:17:13 -0700

How can I plug several Xboxes together so I can play against my friends on separate screens?

In short, System Link Play takes Split Screen mode to a new level. Basically, System Link Play allows you to connect up to 4 Xbox systems together for massive multiplayer madness. If you have 4 Xbox systems hooked up, as many as 16 people can play at one time! The same levels and gametypes...

Answer to What skills can I learn?

Sun, 17 Aug 2003 16:06:57 -0700

What skills can I learn?

Computer Use: - Related to Intelligence. Used with computer spikes to access computer terminals. Harder tasks require more spikes. This skill reduces the number of spikes needed by 1 for every 4 points total. - A good skill to invest in when playing as Scouts and Scoundrels. Because...

Answer to What are the stats for all the Canes?

Sun, 17 Aug 2003 15:56:57 -0700

What are the stats for all the Canes?

Canes are force only weapons that have average power and accuracy. Lower level canes are pretty useless and you would do well to sub them for a wand or rod as soon as you can. Special Canes are pretty much interchangeable with Special Rods and Wands and which one you equip depends on your...

Answer to Where are the Great Fairies?

Sun, 17 Aug 2003 15:21:05 -0700

Where are the Great Fairies?

Eight Great Fairies live about the great sea. Each will help you in their own special way. However, you are going to need to find at least two of the eight Great Fairies in order to complete the main quest. Which of them you will need, I will not tell. All-in-all, this section will help you find...