Analog Devices' SHARC Processor Powers the World's First Standalone DTS Interactive Solution from Creative Labs.

NORWOOD, Mass. -- Home Theater Connect DTS-610 leverages SHARC for high-performance audio encoding, enabling convergence of the PC and home entertainment center

Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE:ADI), a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal processing applications, announced today that its SHARC(R) Processor has been designed into the Home Theater Connect DTS-610 from Creative. This standalone, self-powered hardware encoder product allows all audio from a media center or standard PC -- including multichannel and DRM-protected content -- to be encoded for playback on a surround-sound home theater system. As part of the Home Theater Connect DTS-610, the SHARC Processor powers the market's first implementation of DTS Interactive, a new real-time consumer audio encoder technology.

"Our Home Theater Connect DTS-610 removes the limitations in handling DRM-protected content that traditionally restrict media center PCs from blending seamlessly with other components," said Steven Erickson, vice president of audio for Creative. "ADI's SHARC Processor provides the encoding performance we need to produce the first hardware encoding device that allows the PC to converge with the home entertainment center.

"We selected the SHARC Processor because it offered a complete solution -- including key software and system components -- that helped us reduce development time and keep costs low," Erickson added.

"Once again Analog Devices has brought to market the newest premium audio technology from DTS to enable leading technology companies like Creative to deliver products with an unmatched user experience. Today's announcement extends DTS's reach into the emerging market space where PC and consumer electronics devices converge," said Brian Towne, senior vice president of Consumer/Pro Division of DTS.

Playing back DRM-protected content on a PC, such as purchased MP3 files and DVD audio disks, typically requires the PC's digital audio output connector be shut off in order to prevent the content from being copied. However, owners of the content who simply want to send the files to a multichannel receiver for enjoyment on a home theater system are prevented from doing so. Now with the Home Theater Connect DTS-610, users are able to send music, a movie, or PC game content through their Sound Blaster(R) sound card's analog outputs and have it encoded in real time with DTS Interactive. The content is then digitally distributed to a home theater system for playback. The Home Theater Connect DTS-610 is now available at http://us.creative.com for an estimated street price of US$99.99.

SHARC Processor: Industry's Best Audio Performance

"Creative's Home Theater Connect DTS-610 brings a satisfying listening experience to the home, providing the end customer with quality and value," said Mike Haidar, general manager, Software and Systems Technology, Analog Devices, Inc. "With its high performance, high level of system integration, and ability to process the latest DTS Interactive technology, the SHARC Processor is in tune with Creative's exacting design specifications."

Creative's Home Theater Connect DTS-610 uses ADI's ADSP-21262, a member of the third-generation SHARC Processor family. The processor uses the high-performance SHARC core that supports execution of 32-bit fixed-point and 32/40-bit floating-point arithmetic formats. In audio applications, the single-instruction, multiple data (SIMD) mode effectively doubles the processor performance.

The SHARC Processor ADSP-21262 provides large on-chip dual-ported memory (including 2 Mbit of on-chip dual-ported SRAM and 4 Mbit of mask programmable ROM memory) to enable sustained processor and I/O performance without the need for external memory. System I/O is achieved through six full-duplex serial ports, four timers, a 16-bit parallel port, a serial peripheral interface (SPI), 22 zero-overhead Direct Memory Access (DMA) channels delivering fast data transfers without processor intervention, and an innovative Digital Applications Interface (DAI) offering complete software control through its Signal Routing Unit (SRU).

About Creative

Creative is a worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for PC users. Famous for its Sound Blaster(R) sound cards and for launching the multimedia revolution, Creative is now driving digital entertainment on the PC platform with products like its highly acclaimed MuVo(R) and Zen portable audio players. Creative's innovative hardware, proprietary technology, applications and services leverage the Internet, enabling consumers to experience high-quality digital entertainment -- anytime, anywhere.

About DTS

DTS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DTSI) is a digital technology company dedicated to delivering the ultimate entertainment experience. DTS decoders are in virtually every major brand of 5.1-channel surround processors, and there are more than 300 million DTS-licensed consumer electronics products available worldwide. A pioneer in multi-channel audio, DTS technology is in home theatre, car audio, PC and game console products, as well as DVD-Video, Surround Music and DVD-ROM software. DTS audio products are featured on more than 24,000 motion picture screens worldwide. Additionally, DTS provides imaging technology and services for the motion picture industry; DTS Digital Images, formerly Lowry Digital Images, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DTS and an industry leader in image restoration and enhancement. Founded in 1993, DTS is headquartered in Agoura Hills, California and has offices in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan and China. For further information, please visit www.dts.com.

About Analog Devices

Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices has built one of the longest standing, highest growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industry-wide as the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers, representing virtually all types of electronic equipment. Celebrating 40 years as a leading global manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications, Analog Devices is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, with design and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Analog Devices' common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "ADI" and is included in the S&P 500 Index.

SHARC is a registered trademark of Analog Devices, Inc. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners.