Wavetable synthesis samples real sound

WHAT is the difference between ''wavetable synthesis'' and ''FM synthesis'' in computer sound systems and which is better? CHRIS MAN Hunghom In short, FM synthesis sound is fake, while wavetable synthesis is ''real''.

Sound systems using wavetable synthesis create sounds using digital recordings of the actual sounds themselves. These are known as ''samples'', strangely enough.

Systems that use FM synthesis mimic sounds with tone generators and mathematical formulae.

Most personal computer sound systems use FM synthesis because, among other reasons, it is cheaper and the sound quality isn't bad at all. Sound quality from wave-table synthesis systems is, however, much better, and these systems tend to be favoured by ''professionals'' working with sound on computers.

THUS far, very few readers seem to have a solution to David Wong's printing problem with his AST Bravo notebook and BJ200 (Tech Talk last week).

Reader Fosdick Fong has three possible solutions: 1. Find out if the BJ200's 12 dip switches are set to 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 with ''1'' being the down (on) position.

2. If the above dip switch settings do not help, the problem may be with the printer cable or the connection at the PC's parallel port. Unplug the printer cable and check for any twisted pins. Use a new printer cable if necessary.