As the exciting 2006 E3 Expo in Los Angeles came to a close this past week, it became very evident to those that attended that the coming wave of gaming for console systems had taken the show by storm. One thing that was still lacking was a successful way to get the full experience with a headphone system from the many hundreds of titles now being introduced and already available offering 5.1 audio.

One of the first large accessories for the Xbox 360 is being released by Pioneer. They are making available a 600W 5.1 Sound System for the console, specifically designed to take advantage of it and offer hi-def audio. It's the Pioneer HTP-XGS1, and has a “combined” output of 600W, which is impressive for a standalone system, and is a standard 5.1 setup that provides optical, coax and analog inputs.

Tritton Technologies, a maker of CE and computer products, today announced the upcoming release of their Dolby Digital and Pro Logic certified digital gaming headphones. The new AX360 is priced at $149.99 and should be available by the end of May.

Audio hardware-maker JBL on Tuesday unveiled its newest speaker system designed for Apple’s iPod MP3 player.

Industry leaders in iPod and technology accessories, Otter Products, LLC. announced today that it has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with H2O Audio. The agreement enables Otter Products to offer its customers H2O Audio’s patented waterproof headphones via Otter Products online store, (www.otterbox.com).