Analog Devices Enables High-Definition Audio in the World's First HD DVD Player from Toshiba; With audio powered by the SHARC processor Toshiba introduces first DVD players capable of delivering high-definition audio & video.

NORWOOD, Mass. -- Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI), a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal processing applications, today announced that its SHARC(R) processor has been selected by Toshiba to power the audio signal chain in the world's first HD DVD players, the HD-A1 and the HD-XA1. The HD-A1 and HD-XA1 leverage four SHARC processors to enable multi-channel audio, providing the high-fidelity audio needed to support the high-definition digital media format delivered to today's digital home.

The SHARC processors are able to decode multi-channel streams in a wide array of audio formats. Leveraging the 32-bit floating-point capabilities of the SHARC ADSP-2126x family, the HD-A1 and HD-XA1 support lossy and lossless formats from DTS(R) and Dolby Labs - including Dolby(R) Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD (Core decode). The SHARC's processing power is critical for the simultaneous decode of the Dolby Digital Plus streams, which can reach up to 3 Mbps, and the simultaneous conversion to backwards compatible Dolby Digital streams.

In addition to performing the required conversion processing, the SHARC processors conduct the up and down sampling; secondary and effect channel decode; and perform extensive on-board Multi-Channel Signal Management including: Bass Management, Delay Management and Channel Level Management.

"In delivering to market the first HD DVD players, we required robust processing capabilities. The SHARC processors has been a leader in the high-performance audio market for over a decade and its ability to process complex audio algorithms made it ideal for the HD-A1 and HD-XA1," said Hiroyuki Tokoro, Technology Executive, Toshiba Corporation.

"Analog Devices is pleased to play a role in this revolutionary new technology that shapes the way today's consumers view movies in the home," said Mike Haidar, general manager, Software and Systems Technology, Analog Devices, Inc. "As the HD video format continues to flourish, manufacturers are recognizing the need for high-performance, multi-channel audio to support it. All too often, products have delivered pristine video only without giving audio performance the proper consideration. As manufacturers begin to recognize the need for high-performance audio to support advanced digital video formats, SHARC is becoming increasingly critical to the Advanced TV market."

SHARC Powers Next-Generation HD Media

For more than 10 years, SHARC has dominated the floating-point digital signal processing market, delivering exceptional core and memory performance complemented by outstanding I/O throughput. By combining the digital signal processing power of SHARC with its converter and linear products, ADI enables a best in class full HD signal chain solution. Today, SHARC supports and is being designed into multiple standards for the delivery of next-generation HD audio, and multimedia.

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 more than 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. www.analog.com

SHARC is a registered trademark of Analog Devices, Inc.