RocketFish Computer Hardware RF 71SDC User Guide
7.1 Sound Card  
RF-71SDCD  
User Guide  
 
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600 MB of free hard disk space  
Available PCI 2.1 or higher compliant slot  
Amplified speakers (available separately)  
CD/DVD drive required for software installation  
Sound card components  
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Item Description  
Function  
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Optical S/PDIF Out jack Connects to recording devices with optical connectors (for example, digital audio tape  
recorders, minidisc recorders, or external hard disk recorders).  
Line In/Mic In jack  
Line Out 1 jack  
Line Out 2 jack  
Connects to an external microphone for voice input. Also connects to analog devices like  
music synthesizers and other line-level sources.  
Connects to front left and front right inputs on powered analog speakers or a  
multichannel home theater receiver for audio output.  
Connects to rear left and rear right inputs on powered analog speakers or a multichannel  
home theater receiver for audio output.  
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On 4.1 and 5.1 systems: Rear Left and Rear Right  
On 7.1 systems: Rear Left, Rear Right, and Side Right.  
RF-71SDCD  
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Item Description  
Function  
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Line Out 3 jack  
Connects to center and subwoofer inputs on powered analog speakers or a multichannel  
home theater receiver for audio output.  
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On 5.1 systems: Front Center and Subwoofer  
On 7.1 systems: Front Center, Subwoofer, and Side Left.  
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Aux In connector  
Connects to the analog output on an audio device (for example, a TV tuner) using an  
analog CD cable (available separately).  
Front panel header  
audio connector  
Connects to one end of the Intel Front Panel Audio cable (available separately).  
Setting up the sound card  
Installing the sound card  
To make sure you install your sound card correctly, check your  
motherboard manual.  
To install your sound card:  
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Turn off your computer, then unplug the power cord from your power  
supply.  
Open your computer case following the directions provided in your case  
manual.  
Find an open PCI slot and remove the slot cover for that slot from the  
back of your computer.  
Insert the sound card in the PCI slot and secure with the screw you  
removed from the slot cover.  
Close your computer case and connect the AC power cord to the power  
supply.  
Installing the drivers  
Note: Install the drivers and applications before using the sound card.  
To install the Windows drivers:  
1
After you have installed your audio card, Windows automatically detects  
your audio card and searches for device drivers.  
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Insert the Installation CD into your CD/DVD drive. If it does not run  
automatically, do the following:  
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Click Start, then My Computer (XP).  
- OR -  
Click Start, then Computer (Vista).  
- OR -  
Click the Windows Explorer icon on the taskbar, then click Computer  
(Windows 7)  
- THEN -  
Right-click the CD/DVD drive icon, and then click Open AutoPlay or Autoplay.  
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.  
When prompted, restart your computer.  
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Reinstalling drivers and applications  
You may need to reinstall some or all of the audio applications and  
device drivers to correct problems, change configurations, or  
upgrade outdated drivers or applications.  
To reinstall drivers and applications in Windows 7 or Windows Vista:  
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Click Start, Control Panel, then Uninstall a program.  
Select your audio card's entry.  
Click Uninstall/Change.  
In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the Repair option.  
If prompted, insert the installation CD into your CD/DVD drive, then click  
OK.  
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To repair an application or driver, select the respective check box, then  
click Next.  
Restart your computer when prompted.  
To reinstall drivers in Windows XP:  
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Click Start, Settings, Control Panel or Start, Control Panel.  
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Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon, then click the Change or Remove  
Programs tab.  
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Select your audio card's entry.  
Click Change/Remove.  
In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the Repair option.  
If prompted, insert the Installation CD into your CD/DVD drive, then click  
OK.  
RF-71SDCD  
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To repair an application or driver, select the respective check box, then  
click Next.  
Restart your computer when prompted.  
You can now check if the reinstalled software works properly.  
Uninstalling Drivers and Applications  
You may need to uninstall some or all of the audio applications and  
device drivers to correct problems, change configurations, or  
upgrade outdated drivers or applications.  
Before you begin, close all the audio applications. Applications that  
are still running during the uninstallation will not be removed.  
Uninstalling drivers and applications in Windows 7 or Windows Vista:  
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Click Start, Control Panel, then Uninstall a program.  
Select your audio card's entry.  
Click Uninstall/Change.  
To remove all drivers and applications;  
In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the Remove All option, then  
click Yes.  
- OR -  
To remove selected drivers or applications;  
In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, click Remove, then select the check  
box of the application or driver you want to uninstall, then click Next.  
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Restart your computer when prompted.  
Uninstalling drivers and applications in Windows XP:  
1
Click Start, Settings, Control Panel or Start, Control Panel.  
2
Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon, then click the Change or Remove  
Programs tab.  
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Select your audio card's entry.  
Click Change/Remove.  
To remove all drivers and applications;  
In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the Remove All option, then  
click Yes.  
- OR -  
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To remove selected drivers or applications;  
In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, click Remove, then select the check  
box of the application or driver you want to uninstall, then click Next.  
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Restart your computer when prompted.  
You can now install the original or updated device drivers or  
applications. For more information, see “Installing selected drivers or  
applications” on page 7.  
Installing selected drivers or applications  
Installing selected drivers or applications in Windows 7 or Windows Vista:  
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Click Start, Control Panel, then Uninstall a program.  
Select your audio card's entry.  
Click Uninstall/Change.  
In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the Add option to add new  
software components to your existing installation.  
If prompted, insert the Installation CD into your CD/DVD drive, then click  
OK.  
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Select the application or driver check box, then click Next.  
Restart your computer when prompted.  
Installing selected drivers or applications in Windows XP:  
1
Click Start, Settings, Control Panel or Start, Control Panel.  
2
Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon, then click the Change or Remove  
Programs tab.  
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Select your audio card's entry.  
Click Change/Remove.  
In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the Add option to add new  
software components to your existing installation.  
If prompted, insert the Installation CD into your CD/DVD drive, then click  
OK.  
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Select the application or driver check box, then click Next.  
Restart your computer when prompted.  
RF-71SDCD  
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Connecting the speakers  
The connectors and associated components shown here may be  
different from that of your speaker system. Consult the User's Guide  
of your speaker system to identify similar input connectors. The  
cables shown here are available separately.  
Connecting analog speakers  
You can connect analog speaker systems for up to 7.1 channels. For  
more information on the appropriate jacks and cables to use for your  
speaker system, refer to the following speaker configurations.  
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7.1 channel analog speakers  
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Jack, connector, or cable  
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Line Out 1 jack  
Line Out 2 jack  
Line Out 3 jack  
7.1-channel audio cable  
Speaker system audio input jacks (front, rear,  
side, and center/subwoofer)  
Note: You can use the speaker cables that were bundled with your speakers.  
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digital in  
optical in  
 
5.1 channel speakers  
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Speaker component  
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Subwoofer  
Left front speaker  
Center speaker  
Right front speaker  
Right rear speaker  
Left rear speaker  
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7.1 channel speakers  
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Speaker component  
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Subwoofer  
Left front speaker  
Center speaker  
Right front speaker  
Right side speaker  
Right rear speaker  
Left rear speaker  
Left side speaker  
Connecting peripherals  
Your audio card works seamlessly with many external devices. To  
connect these peripherals, refer to their relevant sections below.  
RF-71SDCD 15  
 
 
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Software suite  
The following software lets you access the rich features of your audio  
card.  
To learn more about each application, refer to its online Help.  
Depending on the application, you can do this by clicking the  
question mark on the toolbar of the application, or selecting Help  
Topics from the Help menu.  
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Audio Control Panel  
Entertainment Console  
Creative MediaSource  
Sound Blaster Plugin for Microsoft Media Center  
Notes  
- The applications included with your audio device may differ from those described  
here. Your audio card may also come with third party applications.  
- Some applications are available for certain operating systems only.  
Specifications  
Rocketfish 7.1 Audio Card  
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PCI Specification Version 2.1 compliant  
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Professional quality digital mixing and equalization  
Professional Digital Audio Processing  
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24-bit Analog-to-digital conversion of analog inputs at up to 96 kHz  
sample rate.  
24-bit Digital-to-analog conversion of digital sources at up to 96 kHz to  
analog 7.1 output.  
24-bit Digital-to-analog conversion of digital stereo sources at up to  
192 kHz to stereo output.  
16-bit to 24-bit recording sampling rates: 8, 11.025, 16, 22.05, 32, 44.1, 48  
and 96 kHz.  
Supports Sony/Philips digital Interface (S/PDIF) format of up to 24-bit/  
96 kHz  
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S/PDIF output at selectable sampling rate of 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz.  
S/PDIF output not available during playback of protected digital audio  
content authored with DRM (Digital Rights Management) technology.  
Flexible Mixer Control  
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Selectable input source or mixing of various audio sources for recording  
Adjustable master volume control  
Independent control  
EAX Audio Technology  
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Creative EAX® Audio Technology redefines your gaming and music  
experience with true-to-life 7.1 audio and different environment settings  
for realistic and immersive 3D positional audio experience.  
X-Fi CMSS 3D  
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X-Fi CMSS®-3D Surround: Upmixes stereo sources to 4, 5.1, or 7.1  
channels  
X-Fi CMSS-3D Headphone: Provides a multichannel playback experience  
over headphones for all types of content  
X-Fi CMSS-3D Virtual: Provides a multichannel playback experience over  
two loudspeakers for all types of content  
Connectivity  
Audio Inputs  
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One 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo jack for analog Line In or Microphone In  
Audio Outputs  
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One Optical S/PDIF connector for digital output  
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Three 3.5mm (1/8") stereo Line Out jacks for analog output:  
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Front left/Front right  
Rear left/Rear right/Side right  
Center/Subwoofer channel/Side left  
RF-71SDCD 21  
 
Interfaces  
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2 x 5 pin front panel header for connection to Intel HD Front Panel Audio  
standard header  
Front Panel Header Audio Connector  
Connection compatiblity  
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Intel HD Front Panel Audio standard only. Not compatible with AC97 or  
Intel-compatible HD Front Panel Audio  
Pin Signal name  
Description  
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PORT 1L  
GND  
PORT 1R  
PRESENCE#  
Analog Port 1 - left channel (Microphone)  
Ground  
Analog Port 1 - right channel (Microphone)  
Active low signal that signals BIOS that an Intel HD Audio  
dongle is connected to the analog header. PRESENCE# =  
0 when an Intel HD Audio dongle is connected  
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PORT 2R  
SENSE1_RETURN  
SENSE_SEND  
Analog Port 2 - right channel (Headphone)  
Jack detection return for front panel (JACK1)  
Jack detection sense line from the Intel HD Audio CODEC  
jack detection resistor network  
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KEY  
Connector Key  
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10  
PORT 2L  
SENSE2_RETURN  
Analog Port 2 - left channel (Headphone)  
Jack detection return for front panel (JACK2)  
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Troubleshooting  
This section provides solutions to problems you may encounter  
during installation or normal use.  
Problem  
Suggestion  
No sound from the speakers  
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Make sure that the speakers are connected to your sound card’s output.  
Make sure that you have selected the correct speaker configuration in the  
application.  
No audio output when playing  
digital files (WAV, MIDI, or AVI clips)  
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Make sure that the speakers’ volume control is set to mid-range.  
Make sure that your powered speakers or home theater receiver are connected  
to the Line Out jacks.  
Make sure that you have selected the correct speaker configuration in the  
application.  
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There is no audio output when  
By default, digital CD playback is already enabled in Windows 7 and Windows Vista.  
playing audio CDs or games that To solve this problem in Windows XP, enable digital CD playback:  
require a CD  
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Click Start, Settings, Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens  
Double-click the System icon. The System Properties dialog box opens.  
Click the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager.  
Double-click the DVD/CD drives icon. Your computer drives appear.  
Right-click the disk drive icon. A menu appears.  
Click Properties.  
In the Digital CD Playback box of the next dialog box, click the Enable digital  
CD audio for this CD-ROM device check box to select it.  
Problems with multiple audio devices  
The other installed audio card is not  
working well  
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You may have an existing audio device installed in your computer. The audio  
device may be an audio card or an onboard audio chipset. Before you install your  
Rocketfish 7.1 audio card, we recommend that you completely uninstall and  
remove your existing audio device. Operating multiple audio devices in your  
computer may introduce usability issues.  
- OR -  
If your computer detects an installed audio card during the installation of your  
•
Rocketfish 7.1 audio card, a message box recommending that you completely  
uninstall and remove the older audio device will appear. Click Yes to continue  
with the installation of the Rocketfish 7.1 audio card. After the installation is  
complete, uninstall the existing card and remove the audio card from your  
computer.  
The onboard audio chipset is not Disable your computer's onboard audio chipset. See your computer's motherboard  
working well documentation for details.  
RF-71SDCD 23  
 
 
Legal notices  
License and Copyright  
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does  
not represent a commitment on the part of Creative Technology Ltd. No part  
of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any  
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for  
any purpose without the written permission of Creative Technology Ltd.  
The Software License Agreement is found in a separate folder on the  
Installation CD.  
All rights reserved. EAX and CMSS are registered trademarks of Creative  
Technology Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. Intel and  
Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. AMD and AMD  
Athlon are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Microsoft, Windows  
Vista, Windows and the Windows logo are trademarks or registered  
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other products are trademarks or  
registered trademarks of their respective owners.  
Version 1.0  
October 2008  
FCC statement:  
United States Regulatory Information  
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to  
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful  
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,  
including interference that may cause undesired operation.  
ICES-003 Statement:  
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil  
numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.  
Copyright  
© 2010 Rocketfish. Rocketfish and the Rocketfish logo are trademarks of  
Best Buy Enterprise Services, Inc. Other brands and product names are  
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.  
Specifications and features are subject to change without notice or  
obligation.  
For service and support call 1-800-620-2790.  
24  
 
 
One-Year Limited Warranty  
Rocketfish Products (“Rocketfish”) warrants to you, the original purchaser of this new  
RF-71SDCD (“Product”), that the Product shall be free of defects in the original manufacture of  
the material or workmanship for one (1) year from the purchase of the Product (“Warranty  
Period”). This Product must be purchased from an authorized dealer of Rocketfish brand  
products and packaged with this warranty statement. This warranty does not cover refurbished  
Product. If you notify Rocketfish during the Warranty Period of a defect covered by this  
warranty that requires service, terms of this warranty apply.  
How long does the coverage last?  
The Warranty Period lasts for one year (365 days), beginning on the date you purchased the  
Product. The purchase date is printed on the receipt you received with the product.  
What does this warranty cover?  
During the Warranty Period, if the original manufacture of the material or workmanship of the  
Product is determined to be defective by an authorized Rocketfish repair center or store  
personnel, Rocketfish will (at its sole option): (1) repair the Product with new or rebuilt parts; or  
(2) replace the Product at no charge with new or rebuilt comparable products or parts. Products  
and parts replaced under this warranty become the property of Rocketfish and are not returned  
to you. If service of Products and parts are required after the Warranty Period expires, you must  
pay all labor and parts charges. This warranty lasts as long as you own your Rocketfish Product  
during the Warranty Period. Warranty coverage terminates if you sell or otherwise transfer the  
Product.  
How to obtain warranty service?  
If you purchased the Product at a retail store location, take your original receipt and the Product  
to the store you purchased it from. Make sure that you place the Product in its original  
packaging or packaging that provides the same amount of protection as the original  
packaging. If you purchased the Product from an online web site, mail your original receipt and  
the Product to the address listed on the web site. Make sure that you put the Product in its  
original packaging or packaging that provides the same amount of protection as the original  
packaging.  
Where is the warranty valid?  
This warranty is valid only to the original purchaser of the Product in the United States, Canada,  
and Mexico.  
What does the warranty not cover?  
This warranty does not cover:  
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Customer instruction  
Installation  
Set up adjustments  
Cosmetic damage  
RF-71SDCD 25  
 
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Damage due to acts of God, such as lightning strikes  
Accident  
Misuse  
Abuse  
Negligence  
Commercial use  
Modification of any part of the Product, including the antenna  
This warranty also does not cover:  
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Damage due to incorrect operation or maintenance  
Connection to an incorrect voltage supply  
Attempted repair by anyone other than a facility authorized by Rocketfish to service the  
Product  
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Products sold as is or with all faults  
Consumables, such as fuses or batteries  
Products where the factory applied serial number has been altered or removed  
REPAIR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY.  
ROCKETFISH SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR  
THE BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT, INCLUDING, BUT  
NOT LIMITED TO, LOST DATA, LOSS OF USE OF YOUR PRODUCT, LOST BUSINESS OR LOST  
PROFITS. ROCKETFISH PRODUCTS MAKES NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO  
THE PRODUCT, ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES FOR THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING, BUT  
NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF AND CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND  
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE WARRANTY PERIOD  
SET FORTH ABOVE AND NO WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WILL APPLY AFTER  
THE WARRANTY PERIOD. SOME STATES, PROVINCES AND JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW  
LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY  
NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO  
HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE OR PROVINCE TO PROVINCE.  
Contact Rocketfish:  
For customer service please call 1-800-620-2790  
www.rocketfishproducts.com  
Distributed by Best Buy Purchasing, LLC  
7601 Penn Avenue South, Richfield, Minnesota, U.S.A. 55423-3645  
© 2010 Best Buy Enterprise Services, Inc.  
All rights reserved. ROCKETFISH is a trademark of Best Buy Enterprise Services, Inc. Registered in  
some countries. All other products and brand names are trademarks of their respective owners.  
26  
 
www.rocketfishproducts.com  
(800) 620-2790  
Distributed by Best Buy Purchasing, LLC  
7601 Penn Avenue South, Richfield, MN 55423-3645 USA  
© 2010 Best Buy Enterprise Services, Inc.  
All rights reserved. ROCKETFISH is a trademark of Best Buy Enterprise Services, Inc.  
All other products and brand names are trademarks of their respective owners.  
09-0961 ENGLISH  
 

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