Altec Lansing Demonstrates High Quality, Next Generation Surround Sound for Computers; With a Six Speaker Demonstration, True Surround Sound for Personal Computers Can be Experienced for the First Time.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 1, 1996--Altec Lansing Technologies Inc. today will demonstrate, for the first time, new, next generation surround sound for personal computers.

The demonstration takes place this week at the WinHEC 96 conference in San Jose and offers Dolby Laboratories Digital AC-3 sound on a personal computer speaker system.

"As personal computer and consumer electronics applications converge, we will all want the same quality sensory experiences as we have become used to with our home theaters and compact disc players," said Edward Anchel, president and CEO of Altec Lansing. "This demonstration is intended to show what that experience can be in the not too distant future."

The demonstration includes Altec Lansing Dolby surround sound speakers including wireless surrounds controlled by a personal computer which will be connected through Universal Serial Bus (USB). This system achieves true surround sound. The end result is that a computer game or other computer-generated entertainment can have the same sound quality as a movie with a high quality home theater system. For example, if a plane is flying over head, the sound will physically move from one speaker channel to another.

The integration of Dolby's Digital AC-3 technology with personal computers is highlighted by this demonstration. Until now, this very advanced six-channel surround sound has been limited to advanced home theater systems. However, because Altec Lansing is experienced both in the audio world and in bringing audio to the personal computer, the company was able to adapt the AC-3 technology for the personal computer environment.

"Companies like Altec Lansing -- with experience in both the consumer electronics and personal computer arenas -- fill a valuable role by acting as a catalyst and bringing their expertise to this industry," said Carl Stork, director Windows Hardware Platforms Group Microsoft Corp. "Over the next few years, we will increasingly see the convergence of applications of these traditionally separate markets."

Altec Lansing faced a difficult technical challenge in integrating Dolby Digital AC-3 into digital computer applications. The Dolby system is an analog "peripheral" system attached to a home audio or theater system. However, to use this technology in the personal computer environment, it has to be both integrated with the personal computer and adapted to run with a digital system.

Altec Lansing said the first products based on this technology are expected to be available by the end of 1996.

Altec Lansing Technologies Inc., based in Milford, Pa., is combining its leadership in computer and home theater sound systems with additional developing technologies to serve as a catalyst in the convergence of personal computers, consumer electronics, and telephony. The company is privately held and employs approximately 300 people worldwide. In addition to the company's U.S. headquarters and offices, Altec Lansing has offices in Asia and Europe. Altec Lansing's advanced development facility is in Israel. -0-

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CONTACT: Altec Lansing Technologies Inc.

Andrew Bergstein, 814/234-1230

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Roeder-Johnson Corporation

Abigail Johnson or Mike Brogan, 415/802-1850

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