Well computer history is full of unusual hardware, from Logitech Cyberman 2 to Quantum3D Obsidian 100SB (Voodoo1 in SLI) to Lucid Hydra 100. Among such hardware, what really stirs your interest?

To me, it's this one.

'PC SURROUND SOUND DECODER 525D' The Ultimate 3D sound for 3D games. The first surround sound decoder available with BBE and Dolby Pro Logic. Second input for external stereo device! $179

Well at least that's what the ad was saying. It was part of Chips and Bits advertising page in CGW #144 (July 1996). I actually read the issue in 1997, although that particular issue brings lots of memories... Ah well, back to the topic, the PC Surround Sound Decoder wasn't available in Indonesia, so I never owned it. But recently, I found a description here.

SSI Surround Sound Decoder 525D Introduces SSI's Surround Sound Decoder 525D, a device that brings Dolby Pro Logic surround-sound technology to the personal computer (PC). ISA plug-in card as mediator between the decoder and the sound card; Available modes of surround sound production; Decoder's replacement of a professional surround-sound amplifier; Barkus Berry Electronics (BBE) technology; Pricing; Contact information.

Alright, ISA plug-in card as mediator between the decoder and the sound card. Why would you ever need an ISA mediator between the decoder and your sound card? It is Dolby Pro Logic; it works with two channel stereo sources, matrixed or not, so all you need to do is connecting your sound card's stereo output into the decoder's stereo input. In fact, the product description clearly says, "second input for external stereo device." So it is obviously a Dolby Pro Logic decoder, which takes stereo input and upmixes it into surround sound using Dolby Pro Logic. The box is probably a cheaper version of Technics SH-AC300, which basically does the same job.

Unfortunately the 525D hardware was never available in my country, so I never got the chance to take a closer look. I still don't understand the need of ISA card, and probably I'll never knew. Nonetheless, it's one of those unusual hardware that really stirs my interest.

Post yours.