Verdict: Eight-channel output at this price is too good to be true

As you'd expect from Gainward, its sound card is as daftly named as its graphics cards.

It strikes us that the prouder a manufacturer is of its product the larger it makes the box. On this basis, the Hollywood doesn't inspire confidence, as it's packaged inside a tiny box with some of the dodgiest artwork we've ever come across.

Its four outputs enable eight-channel support, though potential buyers should note that this is only under Windows XP. As you might expect considering the price, there are few frills - no FireWire or midi/gameport.

Installation was straightforward and the rear ports are colour coded. Once installed, the options in the driver are very limited and the interface certainly isn't pretty to look at. The Hollywood supports EAX 1 and 2, Sensaura, DirectSound and A3D 1.

The card is based on the VIA Envy 24HT-S chipset, which offers high-quality 24-bit/192KHz support. However, this is limited to the optical output only, so you'll also need an external decoder. The eight channels through the line-outs are enabled by two chips, a VIA VT1616 Six-Trac ASIC and a Cirrus Logic CS4341 DAC, providing support for the two extra rear stereo channels.

If you want eight-channel support on the cheap then the Hollywood just about passes muster, but otherwise it's worth spending a bit more.

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