Modern computers come fitted with all manner of hardware aimed at those eager to watch DVD movies, play the latest games, create digital music libraries and record time shift video.

Sadly, none of this wizardry will truly live up to expectations if your PC's audio is pumped out through a bog-standard sound processor. While a meaty set of speakers might seem to be the obvious aural upgrade, we would suggest you first consider your computer's sound card.

Notebook owners and those averse to wielding a screwdriver will be pleased at Philips' sleek, powerful, external solution, the PSC805 Aurilium.

Rather than requiring an internal refit, the device plugs into a free USB port and even draws its power from the serial bus. This makes setting up the card a piece of cake.

It packs a fair punch, with up to 24bit, 96KHz processing and is capable of decoding a range of multi-channel digital audio formats, including Dolby Digital and DTS. The PSC805 will output stereo, 2.1 or 5.1 channels, depending on the speaker system used. The supplied Sound Agent software can recognise the speakers that are plugged in and adjust settings automatically. Alternatively, the same interface allows access to all kinds of manual tweaks, such as a variety of equaliser settings and special processing tools.

With a chic design and a removable foot that can stand on the breakout box horizontally or upright, the PSC805 should definitely get the lifestyle lobby's vote. All the requisite digital/analogue in/out sockets are present and correct, although the lack of a remote control seems at odds with the home entertainment market this product is aimed at.

Contact: Philips 0870 900 9070
www.consumer.philips.com

Specifications:

• Philips Aurilium sound processor
• 24bit, 96KHz
• stereo, 2.1 and 5.1
• headphone, digital SP/DIF, digital coaxial
• Dolby Digital, AC3 and DTS
• Sound Agent 2
• 2-year warranty