Empower TEchnologies Interview about The Power Play 5.1 Media Chair

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Could you tell us about your self and your company???

Empower Technologies Corporation is an innovative, publicly traded company dedicated to bringing consumer electronic solutions to the forefront of intelligent electronics.

I am Damian Romanov Empowers Sales and Marketing Coordinator, I bring over a decade of experience in the consumer electronics industry and I possess a strong audio background.

What is your goal with the Power play 5.1 media chair???

The goal of the PowerPlay 5.1 media chair is to show the world that the very concept of media/sound furniture can be done properly while providing an amazing audio experience in absolute comfort.

As well we recently signed a letter of intent with one of the worlds leading seat manufacturers to make furniture ‘smart’ using our embedded software and other technologies.

We feel strongly that this emerging channel is quite groundbreaking when you consider that furniture has changed very little in thousands of years.

Why did you decide to use the products you used in the chair????

We feel that Logitech makes an excellent product for enjoying the various formats of media in surround sound.

The surround system integrated very well into the seats design in terms of size, performance and installation to the frame.

Logitech was very supportive and excited to be part of the project.

What other items do you plan on bringing or adding to the Power Play chair???

I plan on adding lots of bodies to it!

Will the chair support Linux audio software???

Not at this time

I've yet to hear of many 5.1 rigs under linux(besides maybe MythTV users) is their a area for this among the linux community in your mind???

I am sure that there is an area for it in the community.

Can this unit be used with a pc???

Yes

What are the speaker specs and model???

We use the Logitech Z-5500 5.1 Digital surround sound system.

A great system!

5 Phase-aligned Satellite Speakers
Powered 10” Subwoofer
5.1 Dolby Digital, DTS 96/24, Dolby Pro Logic II Decoding
THX Certification
6 Inputs, 2 Digital, 4 Analog
Headphone Output
Powered Tactile Transducer
Wireless Remote Control and Digital SoundTouch Control Center
Easy Setup Guide
6 Channel 505 Watts Total Power (RMS)
4 x 62W (L, R, SL, SR) / 1 x 69W (C) / 1 x 188 W (Sub)

www.logitech.com for detailed specs.

Does the chair have a decoder also??

Yes the PowerPlay has onboard digital sound processing. Dolby Digital, DTS, DTS 96/24, Pro Logic 2 decoding, 5 channel stereo,

If the Power Play isn't made for the PC ; Can it be made to or will their be one made for the pc???

Works with PC

What type of connectors are used??

6 Inputs, 2 Digital optical/coaxial, 4 Analog mini-jack, RCA

Will the Power Play 5.1 decode Dolby Digital signals???

Yes

Have you added any features to support certain games??

5.1 surround sound decoding for all media types including all consoles past, present and future as well as PC games, a tactile transducer which works well with action games and movies that lets you not only hear but feel the action.

What other items do you make in the Linux field???

Empower is a leading provider of embedded Linux technologies

What is the price range of this unit???

A projected sub $999 US price point including the sound-system

Where will this be sold in say Canada??

Online and brick and mortar retailers that will be announced in the near future

How do you test the Power Play 5.1 media chair???

Chair frame and cushion are put through rigorous durability tests.

Sound system is tested during Logitechs quality control process.

The speaker placement on the chairs frame was done with consultation by sound engineers.

Do you do open or closed beta testing??

Does not apply

Will the unit ship with linux drivers if any are needed???