FAQ
From amBX wiki
Frequently Asked Questions
Contents |
About amBX
What is amBX?
amBX technology delivers full sensory surround entertainment experiences. amBX enables content creators to add real world effects using light, colour, rumble and air flow, through licensed amBX devices, to the virtual worlds of computers, games, music, movies and TV entertainment. With amBX the entertainment world is brought into the real world to create incredible immersive experiences.
What is the correct way to pronounce amBX?
amBX is pronounced æm /bi/ /ɛks/ or "am bee ecks"
What is the cost of an amBX system?
To experience amBX you need to buy licensed amBX devices. You can buy the first range of amBX devices manufactured by Philips Peripherals for PC. Find them here. Other hardware companies can manufacturer amBX devices by obtaining a license.
What platforms does amBX support?
amBX first launched on the PC. Plans for console are under way with Sony PS3 peripherals to lead.
Can I create amBX applications/programs?
You can download the amBX SDK from the developer site.
Is amBX just about gaming?
amBX adds further richness to other types of media including music and films. Currently you can experience enhanced lighting effects with music and films on PC through the current range of peripherals. There are also huge possibilities for home cinema in the future.
In March 2009, amBX announced the introduction of a new business line called amBX Pro. This will see the launch of a revolutionary lighting controller - the amBIENT XC. amBIENT XC provides a dynamic and flexible way to control LED lighting to maximum effect, by harnessing lighting effects to the theme, purpose, or changing ambience of a location.
Does it matter what amBX-enabled kit I have?
No, it doesn’t matter what devices you have in your room although the more devices, the richer the experience. amBX works dynamically to make the best use of what’s available: lights, sound, active furniture and more. New devices automatically become part of the mix. If a device is removed, its contribution transfers to other devices. If a new device is added, it automatically joins in to provide the best experience possible.
Is amBX part of Philips?
amBX UK Ltd is now an independent company that spun out of Philips Corporate Technologies in October 2008 with VC funding. Philips Peripherals & Accessories division remain a licensee through sales of amBX gaming kits.
Hardware problems
My lights aren't working!
If your kit flashes white when you plug it in, the lights must be working to some extent. If they flash some odd colour, then maybe some of the LEDs have failed. Check that the power pack indicator is lit.
If the hardware does not show up in DirectControl, it may be faulty or the drivers may be incorrectly installed. Make sure you follow all of the installation and troubleshooting instructions. If the hardware does show up in Direct Control but doesn't work right, check all the devices are enabled and intensity is as maximum.
My hardware is definitely broken. Can I get a new one or a refund?
If your hardware is faulty you need to contact the retailer you bought it from about returns.
My amBX speakers make a buzzing sound
This could be a grounding issue, interference from a nearby wireless device or a hardware fault.
Can I extend the cables of the satellites, fans and rumbler?
At the moment the wiring is bespoke. At the moment there is no official way to extend the cables. However, some users have reported they have managed to extended the satellites with a 15-pins d-sub cable, e.g. this one.
Software problems
Why is my favourite game not producing all the amBX effects?
There are a number of methods to get amBX effects out of games. The best method is to have support from the developer, with amBX technology built in to the game from the start. Games such as Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway, Supreme Commander and Far Cry 2 have this support.
Another method is through a mod that adds amBX effects. There are mods available for games such as Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, Doom 3 and UT2004 available on the downloads page. The option to make a really good mod depends on how much of the game mechanics are exposed to the modder, and of course their l33t modding skills.
For games that don't have amBX support built-in, The amBX team created software to automatically generate lighting effects from on-screen information. However, knowing when to produce other types of effects automatically (i.e. fans, rumbles) is not trivial. Some games have Enhanced Automatic Effects which are at least a special lighting profile specially suited to the game, and sometimes specific hooks to game events for extra effects.
Unsupported mods by the amBX community can be found on the amBX Games forum.
The amBX Control Panel doesn't recognise my game
The game may not be compatible with amBX. Check to see if it is in the List of compatible games. If it is listed, it might be a problem related to UAC or admin rights. Try turning off UAC and/or running the game as an administrator.
amBX effects don't appear to be working correctly
Within Direct Control check that your amBX peripherals are correctly arranged, that they are "enabled" and that the height function is set to "none". For troubleshooting with specific games please visit the amBX forum. Check the forum for your specific game. Creating an amBX Diag report will help a lot with the diagnosis.
Does amBX work with Windows XP/Vista/Vista x64?
Yes!
Does amBX work with Windows 7?
Yes, check the installation page for instructions. It's not fully supported yet, however.
