A lack of bass is not great for gaming. Flat response and clear, concise audio is great for gaming. You can have both loud bass and clear audio in quality headphones; just check out the Shure SRH750 DJ Headphones: Loud bass, clear, unmuddied audio.

Happy gaming,

Boz

First, read the sticky if you haven't already. Consider also the final paragraph of the Tested.com comparison you linked:

...if you're really serious about audio, you're probably better off getting good headphones and a standalone USB microphone, like the Blue Snowballor Samson Go Mic. After all, the microphone is for everyone else, but the headphones are for you. Who do you really want to take better care of?Tested dot com

That said, of the two, the Carcharias are the better option, as it my understanding. If you want some serious headset reviews, try this forum: http://forums.majorleaguegaming.com/topic/178690-headset-review-roundup/

Good luck,

Boz

That said, it is a bit depressing that a turnout of 25 is considered good considering this is one of if not the most heavily trafficed video game enthusiast site on the internet. It should be a simple thing to let folks know a game night is coming up and having hundreds of participants, which makes me wonder, well, why not?

Gamespot benefits from participation because gaming against the community brings additional traffic to the site as users discuss the game night, bond, and feel compelled to remain with the community. When you start participating in these types of events you become vested; users visit more often and are less likely to roll into an alternative site.

Users benefit because they get to play the games the love and do so with people they can connect with outside the game. You meet more people with similar interests, and everybody wins.

To this end I have the following suggestions:

1. Assign Game Night to either a GS staffer or volunteer and prioritize it. Make it part of the job: Plan the event, show up early, chat up the users, and get everything going. Because volunteers lack monetary incentive, a committee might suffice so long as responsibilities are assigned. Maybe use a unique emblem as an incentive; emblems don't cost GS anything, after all.
2. Make game night more frequent, for established games, and more consistent. This means having Monday night be XBox360 night, Tuesday PS3 night, Wednesday PC night, and Thursday a rotating "blockbuster" new release title. Make it the same time and games that have a large online userbase. For example, make August Team Fortress 2 month, with games weekly at the same time on the same server.
3. Provide front page coverage. The front page is huge, but community game night has tangible benefits for Gamespot in terms of long-term user retention and page views, so it should be prioritized. Once a week a highlight of upcoming game nights will give the events much-needed visibility.
4. Overcommunicate early and often. My biggest problem with every game night is too little information too late. I could have participated in Quake night, for example, if I'd had more clarity of the version, server, and setup instructions a couple weeks in advance. Modern games require more advice than just a date and time, server information, game modes, and even setup instructions help gamers get online early.

Happy gaming,

Boz

"Core Stream" is likely referring to the surround sound encoding, meaning it is transmitting the raw audio file encoded with the digital data necessary to send the correct audio to its respective speakers in DTS, Dolby Digital, or whatever other format it's encoded in. If you are using an HDMI, Coaxial, or Optical cable to send your digital audio signal between your source (in this case Blu-Ray) and the decoder (your receiver) it will decode the signal just fine so long as it is supported by the receiver.

In summary: Don't worry about it, just hook up your Blu-Ray to your Receiver with an HDMI cable, and your receiver to your TV with another HDMI cable. Voila!

Good luck,

Boz

If you are running that hot and using a HP prebuilt, I'd suggest getting a new case for $50 - $70, and rebuild your computer in that.nd5000

Good luck,

Boz

You can try baking it if you're sure it's the card and not your PSU (which can cause similar issues); if it's dying anyway, you've got nothing to lose. Just be sure you provide extra cooling if you've baked it to prevent additional issues, and be aware that its longevity is severely reduced.

Good luck,

Boz

Good afternoon (as applicable):

I am looking for reputable freeware to secure my USB drive. I use it to shuttle my password locker and, while PasswordSafe is encrypted, I'd like an additional measure of protection. At the moment I am considering TrueCrypt.

Must be recognized by both Windows 7 and XP. The drive is a 32GB Patriot XPorter.

Thank you in advance,

Boz

There are a few plug-ins for Windows Media Player to allow syncing with an iPod. Though it may require not having the latest version of iOS.

XaosII

I didn't mean it was for onboard only. From what I understand, they build additional upgrades around the headphone jack on their sound card, such as the integrated amp and improved SnR. ASUS does it and so does Auzentech.ChubbyGuy40

You'll only get maybe one or two people here that have actually used both pairs of headphones first-hand. My understanding is that both headphones are very comparable, so you're on the right track considering differences such as comfort to decide between the two. If you know how to read a frequency response graph, the following may be useful for you as you evaluate:

It is my general understanding that the ATH-AD700's are preferable - all else being equal - to the HD555s, but that the modded 555's (they mod to a 595 with a little work) are superior. If bass is a concern you can try reading up on the JVC HARX900 headphones over at Head-Fi; my understanding is that they have a lot of mods available and are otherwise comparable to the Audio-Technicas you mentioned. Either way I strongly recommend you visit the Head-Fi forums to discuss your purchase the enthusiasts there, as many of them have direct experience with both of the headphones you listed.

Good luck,

Boz