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I'm sorry but how is Phillip Broyles alive in the alternate universe, In season 3 and the episode called Entrada, Colonel Broyles sacrifices himself to give time for Olivia to escape the parallel universe. Later on you even see his mutilated body in the normal universe when bOliva is escaping.

I'm sorry but how is Phillip Broyles alive in the alternate universe, In season 3 and the episode called Entrada, Colonel Broyles sacrifices himself to give time for Olivia to escape the parallel universe. Later on you even see his mutilated body in the normal universe when bOliva is escaping.

Are you sure you aren't confusing him with the prime universe one? I haven't even watched the episode yet so I shouldn't be reading this. :laugh:

Are you sure you aren't confusing him with the prime universe one? I haven't even watched the episode yet so I shouldn't be reading this. :laugh:

because now that peter never existed, the whole timeline is different!

because now that peter never existed, the whole timeline is different!

Well as far as I understood it he didn't change anything other than stopping the fringe events from tearing the worlds apart. I guess he did mention time travel though. *still haven't watched the episode*

I'm sorry but how is Phillip Broyles alive in the alternate universe, In season 3 and the episode called Entrada, Colonel Broyles sacrifices himself to give time for Olivia to escape the parallel universe. Later on you even see his mutilated body in the normal universe when bOliva is escaping.

I think the most logical explanation is Peter Bishop's lack of existence. Since he's no longer a part of their time line, events would have unfolded differently to yield similar results. We know that both sides still harbour ill feelings for one another and fringe events still occurred. We can assume that Walter Bishop still conducted his experiments with William Bell (which includes experiments of his own, like opening a hole to the other side). I guess the only difference would be the motivation behind their actions. Maybe that was enough to prevent Colonel Broyles from making the decision to sacrifice himself.

I think the most logical explanation is Peter Bishop's lack of existence. Since he's no longer a part of their time line, events would have unfolded differently to yield similar results. We know that both sides still harbour ill feelings for one another and fringe events still occurred. We can assume that Walter Bishop still conducted his experiments with William Bell (which includes experiments of his own, like opening a hole to the other side). I guess the only difference would be the motivation behind their actions. Maybe that was enough to prevent Colonel Broyles from making the decision to sacrifice himself.

One difference I noted was that Olivia said she killed her stepfather (although that may have been after she left him and after should would have met Peter? or maybe she made it up?), but in the old timeline he was still alive sending her a card on her birthday to let her know he was out there.

Ok, someone explain this to me as I just caught up on the last season. Confusing as hell....

So Peter gets in the machine and is transported into the future. Walter is in jail, again, and it looks like the machine didnt do jack to stop the instances. Now the world is falling apart and Walter is once again let out of prison to help everything tho he is put in jail for causing the events. Peter loses all memory of the machine, or so it seems so far, and now is on track with what is currently happening and is fine to be in the future.

So WTF really happened here?

EDIT: Seems like the machine didnt work and they are still trying to stop the events. The alternate walter is in the other universe causing more events to join the two worlds. Still dont understand why walter was in prison, again...still confusing.

Getting ahead of myself...maybe I should fully catchup....haha

One difference I noted was that Olivia said she killed her stepfather (although that may have been after she left him and after should would have met Peter? or maybe she made it up?), but in the old timeline he was still alive sending her a card on her birthday to let her know he was out there.

Another thing to note is that Olivia mentioned how Bolivia posed as her while she was a captive. So Olivia was still captured on the other side, and in the original timeline was freed by Broyles, who died shortly after. But like you noted above with the stepfather, this could have played out differently. This probably won't be addressed unless the original timeline is restored while the other side still has a Broyles, which shouldn't happen.

I still dont see how Peter cannot exist but yet the machine is still around and was powered up some how now that Peter doesnt exist. So who powered it and who brought the portal open between both worlds? This is the thing that confuses me and when/if they bring Peter back...just dont see how so that it makes sense.

i don't mind so much that they made peter disappear but they really should have explained what DIDN'T happen because of it. i was annoyed that broyles is still around on the other side just because it was never explained. kind of **** poor writing so far this season.

How should they explain it? Nothing has changed for the characters in this timeline. It's been this way their whole life. We know things are different because we have seen the old timeline. I think we'll see what's really changed once we get Peter back.

Hopefully, they'll clear things up in the coming episodes. I'm interested in how they'll explain the circumstances of the current (and new) timeline. It seems like things have played out similarly with minor differences (e.g. Colonel Broyles is still alive, Olivia killed her stepfather, etc).

It's weird though. In the original timeline, the animosity that the two sides have for each other was because of Peter. Walter kidnapped Walternate's son and raised him as his own. If Peter doesn't exist, then Walter must have opened the portal for a different reason. And he must have done something equally as bad or bad enough to anger Walternate.

It's weird though. In the original timeline, the animosity that the two sides have for each other was because of Peter. Walter kidnapped Walternate's son and raised him as his own. If Peter doesn't exist, then Walter must have opened the portal for a different reason. And he must have done something equally as bad or bad enough to anger Walternate.

Maybe Walter went to the other side for Peter all the same but couldn't save him for whatever reason and his son ended up dying regardless.

Something I don't get about this series at all is how they talk about destroying the entire universe (not just Earth), yet the vortexes and anomalies only seem to occur on Earth.

Maybe Walter went to the other side for Peter all the same but couldn't save him for whatever reason and his son ended up dying regardless.

Something I don't get about this series at all is how they talk about destroying the entire universe (not just Earth), yet the vortexes and anomalies only seem to occur on Earth.

Peter doesn't exist in this new timeline in either universe. The reason for Walter going to the other side will vary, but he and Bell were always looking for a way to get over before Peter became the reason. In the original timeline, it was to save Peter. In this new one, it is most likely for a separate reason that we haven't learned yet (and probably won't).

As for your last comment, I don't believe it's been established that the anomalies are limited to Earth, however it would make sense that it is because that's where the hole between the two universes was created. Create the hole on, say, the moon, and now fringe incidents would likely occur there.

Hopefully, they'll clear things up in the coming episodes. I'm interested in how they'll explain the circumstances of the current (and new) timeline. It seems like things have played out similarly with minor differences (e.g. Colonel Broyles is still alive, Olivia killed her stepfather, etc).

It's weird though. In the original timeline, the animosity that the two sides have for each other was because of Peter. Walter kidnapped Walternate's son and raised him as his own. If Peter doesn't exist, then Walter must have opened the portal for a different reason. And he must have done something equally as bad or bad enough to anger Walternate.

This weeks episode cleared this up. Walter went through for the same reason,

took peter, but when they crossed over the ice broke and peter drowned.

This weeks episode cleared this up. Walter went through for the same reason,

took peter, but when they crossed over the ice broke and peter drowned.

Finally some answers. Probably the first of the season that really gives insight into what happened to Peter aside from the fact that the observer changed the timeline. Now the next question that will probably get answered is how he is still lingering around and communicating from wherever he is.

Finally some answers. Probably the first of the season that really gives insight into what happened to Peter aside from the fact that the observer changed the timeline. Now the next question that will probably get answered is how he is still lingering around and communicating from wherever he is.

There isn't a perfect logical explanation for this, but it's obvious they've been trying to hint at it for the past 3 episodes i.e. if someone made such a huge impact on your life, they imprint themselves to your soul. Also note last year with the William Bell stuff. So, yea I don't think they need to go into great deal about why he's haunting people other than the fact that his presence when he was there made an impact for those around him especially Walter.

There isn't a perfect logical explanation for this, but it's obvious they've been trying to hint at it for the past 3 episodes i.e. if someone made such a huge impact on your life, they imprint themselves to your soul. Also note last year with the William Bell stuff. So, yea I don't think they need to go into great deal about why he's haunting people other than the fact that his presence when he was there made an impact for those around him especially Walter.

Yeah, they were pretty blunt about it in the ending of the second episode where Broyles basically put that theory right out in the open.

Peter doesn't exist in this new timeline in either universe. The reason for Walter going to the other side will vary, but he and Bell were always looking for a way to get over before Peter became the reason. In the original timeline, it was to save Peter. In this new one, it is most likely for a separate reason that we haven't learned yet (and probably won't).

Turns out I was right on the money... ;) Walter tried to safe Peter but he ended up dying.

Turns out I was right on the money... ;) Walter tried to safe Peter but he ended up dying.

In one of the episodes, we have seen that the observers "interrupted" twice with the timeline - once in Walternate's lab when he was producing the medicine to cure other-side-Peter (we were watching from the Walter's perspective through that window he built). Now this is me fetching the needle in the haystack, but why didn't the observer's simply avoid interfering with that particular event so that Walternate could cure his kid. The only reason I'm thinking is that they really want that the bridge between worlds.

I wonder if they will discuss the machine's "new story line" - who and how they activated it.

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    • Nope. That lack of surround sound capability (analog) won't fly with me. Sure, I use headphones most of the time, but still.
    • Creative Sound Blaster AE-X PCIe review: your headphones will love it by Steven Parker If you have been reading Neowin for any length of time, you may remember that I reviewed the Sound Blaster Audigy FX Pro back in April. I found it to be an excellent budget sound card, even though it lacked support for formats such as DTS over the included SPDIF port. Anyway, Creative reached out to me again asking if I was interested in reviewing the Sound Blaster AE-X. It is a card mainly targeted at headphone wearers, which I'll get into a bit later. Before we get underway, here is a disclaimer: Creative Labs provided a free sample without any review pre-approval. Here are the full specs of it: Creative Sound Blaster AE-X Dimensions: 179 x 126 x 18 mm Weight: 263g / 9.28 oz Platform: PCI-e DAC: ESS ES9039Q2M Connectivity Options Side: Rear: 1 x HD Audio Front Panel Connector, 1 x ⅛“ Headphone port, 1 x RCA Line-out (Left) port, 1 x RCA Line-out (Right) port, 1 x Coaxial SPDIF-out port, 1 x ⅛“ Mic in/Line-in port, 1 x TOSLINK SPDIF-in port Surround: No DNR / SNR: THD+N: 0.0001% Dynamic Range 130 dB Recording Resolution: PCM up to 32-bit / 192kHz (Stereo) Direct Mode: Line Out (Stereo): PCM up to 32-bit  384 kHz Coaxial SPDIF Out: PCM up to 24-bit 192.0 kHz Headphone Amp: PCM up to 32-bit / 384kHz (Stereo) Native DSD: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 Output Impedance: 1Ω, Supported Headphone Impedance: 8–600Ω, IEM: 0.5Vrms, Low: 1.5Vrms, Mid: 3Vrms, High: 6Vrms, Maximum output power: 350mW @ 32Ω (High), Maximum output voltage: 6Vrms (High) Front Panel Headphone Amp: PCM up to 32-bit / 192kHz (Stereo) Native DSD: DSD64, DSD128 Output Impedance: 10Ω, Supported Headphone Impedance: 32–300Ω, Maximum output power: 40mW @ 32Ω, Maximum output voltage: 1.9Vrms ASIO: ASIO 2.3 Total Harmonic Distortion: THD+N: 0.0006% Dynamic Range: 114 dB Scout Mode: Yes EMI shielding: No (but it passed all the FCC emission tests) Operating temperature: 0–45°C Input Power: 12V⎓0.5A Warranty: 1 Year (MSRP) Price: $179.99 / £169.99 The Sound Blaster AE-X was announced at the end of May, and it becomes clear that it is mainly for headphone wearers. I should also note that the card does not support DDL/DTS encoding technology, but it is said to support decoding through the coaxial SPDIF port. I was able to test this working with the classic Windows Sound properties, but I could not get a DTS (decode) signal through my Logitech Z906, it defaulted to 3D sound whenever I played DTS content through Plex or Emby. In addition, this card only supports two channels (stereo) over the speakers. The surround support is limited to the Headphone Amp, so before I get underway, what we have here is a card mostly intended for headphone use, especially with its SPDIF In (Toslink) port where you could connect another device like a console. So what about the highlights of this card? The AE-X is powered by the ESS SABRE DAC (ES9039Q2M), which is capable of a 130 dB dynamic range. In addition, it supports 32-bit/384 kHz playback for deeper detail and clarity. The headphone amplifier delivers up to 350 mW @ 32Ω, which admittedly far surpasses standard onboard audio, offering support for studio-grade headphones. DSD256 and ASIO 2.3 are also supported. What doesn't it have? No support for What-U-Hear, Super X-Fi, or the SmartComms Kit No EMI shielding, but it passed all the FCC emission tests (from the FAQ) I also want to make it clear that I am no audiophile. For me, it's purely subjective and it should just "work" out of the box. First impressions As I said in the introduction, I was a bit sad to see that the AE-X only supports stereo output, meaning it would not be on par with my ALC1220 over my speakers, as I mentioned it seems like this card is marketed toward headphone users. Since I am not an avid gamer that would rule me out as a potential customer, but I can still test its capabilities! The card arrived in a nice-looking box, as shown above. It's quite a bit larger than the Audify FX Pro that I reviewed back in April, and at first I thought the covering meant that it was EMI shielded, but it isn't as mentioned above in the highlights section. What's in the box: 1 x Sound Blaster AE-X PCIe card 1 x 3.5 mm CTIA TRRS to Dual TRS Headset Splitter Cable 1 x Quick Start Guide Aside from the Quick Start Guide, which someone at my age (I guess) needs a magnifying glass to read thanks to the tiny fonts, Creative Labs also has the manual online, which first requires you to prove that you're human in order to access it (so I can't direct link it). Anyway, the box is mostly made up of cardboard, and the only plastic in it is the anti-static bag for the card itself. Design Top Bottom The card itself looks pretty cool and actually wouldn't look out of place in an all-white build. There's only one connector, and for some reason it is awkwardly placed on the side (front-facing) that is for the front panel audio connector, which will let you use the headphones through the front PC audio jack. Since the front panel Headphone Amp has fewer capabilities than the rear headphone port, I decided not to use it. Rear of card PCI-e interface The rear of the card is completely open and is normally where you would find the front panel connector. The PCIe interface side is completely covered, which initially made me think it was EMI shielded. I/O panel Side (front-facing) with Front panel connector On the outer rear bracket side we have the TOSLINK SPDIF in, Coaxial SPDIF out, RCA line out (Right), RCA line out (Left), Headphone out, and Mic/Line in ports. On the front facing portion of the card itself is the F-panel connector. Usage Test System Our test system consists of the following: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Gigabyte X870E AORUS MASTER (BIOS F12) Corsair RM1000x (2024) Thermal Grizzly Kyronaut (33x33x0,2mm) 2x 32GB Kingston Fury Beast RGB DDR5 6000MT/s CL36-38-38-80 T-Force Z540 2TB (PCIe Gen5) NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition (NVIDIA) Creative Sound Blaster AE-X Windows 11 25H2 Pro I installed the card into the Gigabyte X870E AORUS MASTER which includes the RealTek ALC1220 onboard audio. For our subjective listening tests, I used the Coaxial SPDIF port to my Logitech Z906 speakers. For headphone tests I used the OneOdio Studio Max 2 Wireless DJ Headphones that I reviewed last month. After installing the audio driver, I installed Creative Nexus, which is a relatively new app designed for the latest Sound Blaster cards. Then I discovered the AE-X needed both a driver update from 1.00.15.0001 to 1.01.09.000 and a firmware update from 1.00.06.0000 to 1.00.06.0002, then I was set to go. It should be noted that the card did not work without the driver (not Plug and Play). As you can see above, you can manage the firmware, driver, and inputs via Advanced Settings on the Device tab. By default Nexus enabled "Direct Mode". Upon clicking on Acoustic Engine, the Equalizer can be enabled and set to four different presets, which are: Gaming Music Movies Footsteps Enhancer There's also a dedicated Scout Mode for gamers. I mainly used Tidal and Spotify in the past week to listen to some of my Liked Songs (which now total over 700) in Shuffle mode; there were no pops or interference that I could hear. I also found a 5.1 Surround Music playlist on Tidal that sounded really great over Studio Max 2 headphones. When I reviewed the Audigy FX Pro, I went out and purchased a Logitech Z906 set second-hand for €100 specifically to use with the card, but in this instance all I could get on the AE-X was the 3D output of surround sound through Coaxial SPDIF and although it still sounded great, it isn't quite as good as DTS Interactive via my onboard Realtek ALC1220. Conclusion So what have I learned? The AE-X lacks multi-channel support for 5.1/7.1 setups and drops support for modern surround technologies like Dolby or DTS, functioning strictly as a stereo output device. So to really benefit, you will need Studio-grade headphones to "hear" the benefits of this card. With that being said, I can imagine it will appeal to gamers who are switching between console and PC. By utilizing the SPDIF in port, you could just plug your headphones into the AE-X (front or rear port) and then switch between PC and Console without having to move the headphones to a different port. As I said in the Sound Blaster Audigy review, the EQ in the Creative Nexus app offers safe presets, which allows a user to further tweak the lows, mids, and highs for a personal listening experience. Of course it all depends on the headphones you hook up to it. Speaking of headphones, I kind of wish I had higher-quality Studio-grade headphones to really test this card with; I'm not usually wearing headphones in my day to day duties. The only time I will wear them is if I want to listen to music very late at night and I don't want to disturb my neighbors, so my rating (verdict) is based on this fact. Someone with a PC/Console setup and wears headphone religiously to game, and consume media will benefit much more than I from the high-quality Headphone Amps that are included in the AE-X. Once again, I do feel like Creative could have gone the extra mile to support the S/PDIF port a bit more. Why include it if you're not supporting the main popular digital formats? It seems like the decision was more of a legacy-based one, offering uncompressed 2-channel PCM audio, for users with high-fidelity audio systems and external DACs. Maybe I will be lucky enough to review a card that truly includes all these features in the future. I am sure readers with far more knowledge on audio systems than me will correct me in the comments below. I'll just say I am happy to learn what I don't know! Where to buy The Sound Blaster AE-X is available to purchase now in preorder for $179.99 on the U.S. Creative website, or for £169.99 on the Creative UK website and will start shipping to customers from June 25.
    • $80 or 90%, anything else would be financial suicide one way or another.
    • Or... just use Bitwarden. Free, and has on-prem option as well. Works both on desktop and mobile, wherever you are. The age of local password files is over.
    • Thanks
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