Philips Dynamic Edge: WTF?? I have to PAY for the software???

[Triumph]

I picked up a Philips Dynamic Edge soundcard tonight. I bought my dad the Rythmic Edge, and I was happy with that. This one is pretty much just an upgrade of that, adding an SPDIF output, and it's only 25 bucks. Now here is the kicker: The software that comes with the basic installation is on a TRIAL BASIS!!! WTF! I look at the box, and it advertises all these effects, like "QMSS" which controls the multiple channels, and "QXPANDER" which widens the sound field, yet the box says nothing about having to BUY these features of the card! Here's what the screen says when I open up the software:

Thank you for installing the Dynamic Edge Plus trial version. This fully functional trial allows you to use all the features of the Dyanamic Edge Plus.
You have 45 days left for this trial version. Upgrade during the trial period and continue enjoying the following features for only $9.99, half the regular price of $19.99. Upgrade now and keep enjoying:
-QSurround
-QMSS
-QSizzle
-QRumble
-Normalization
-10 Band Equalizer
-User Customizable Presets

I'm pissed off. How can they advertise these features of the card, and then surprise you by limiting you to just a trial version? Nothing on the box says anything about the software being limited. I didn't have this problem with the Rythmic Edge.

Keep in mind that this is just the basic version: I didn't add any extra software like the MP3 jukebox or sound wave editor software. This is just the basic software to control the features of the card. I'm freaking pissed.
Dynamic Edge at Philips website. Note the lack of any mention about buying the software

 

[Viper0329]

Is this considered false advertising?

 

[holdencommodore]

You still get QMSS regardless of upgrade AFAIK.... which is the best feature of the soundcard... I would say that there is just some error in the message you got...

This is the extra stuff you get with the upgrade...

What You Get:
The Plus Package adds virtual 5.1 surround sound, QSizzle? mid-range enhancement, QRumble? bass enhancement, volume normalization, and a 10-band equalizer to your SoundAgent 2. Plus, you'll be able to customize the settings to suit your own environment.

More info on the Philips Sound Agent upgrade...

http://www.soundagent2.com/www-soundagent2-com/psa2.htm

This is the Philips PC Sound site for the Dynamic Edge and all the Edge series...
http://pcsound.philips.com/_dynamic604.html

Note... the Dynamic and Sonic Edge are Philips new low end cards and use a different DSP to the Philips Edge PSC70X series

Cheers

 

[Spicedaddy]

Whoa, they're even worse than Creative...

 

[Triumph]

Originally posted by: holdencommodore
Note... the Dynamic and Sonic Edge are Philips new low end cards and use a different DSP to the Philips Edge PSC70X series

Cheers

Damnit, are you serious? Does this mean they suck? Man, now I'm even more pissed off. Best Buy didn't carry the Rythmic Edge.

 

[holdencommodore]

Didn't you notice that the DSP is a different size?! LOL... I should mention to you that the Rythmic Edge has been discontinued now so you may be able to pick one up at a good price.

The Sonic and Dynamic Edge are still good cards, they fill a different market that Philips wants to target (entry level). You will still get QMSS regardless of upgrading..... I am fairly sure of this... it doesn't mention QMSS on the sound agent website, so I think someone has made a typo on the screen you got.

Cheers