Audio processor chip from Medianix enables surround sound in new Tandberg Home Theater Systems; First system to use a new-generation digital Pro Logic decoder.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 3, 1997--Medianix Semiconductor, Inc. today announced that its MED25005 Dolby(R) Surround Pro Logic(TM) decoder integrated circuit was selected by Tandberg Audio Products to perform high-quality digital surround sound decoding in the new Tandberg Model 4138 A/V Control Amplifier.

The Tandberg Model 4138, the first home audio system to use the MED25005, is part of a series of multichannel and surround sound Home Theater systems unveiled last week at Hi-Fi '97: The Home Theater & Specialty Audio Show in San Francisco.

The Medianix MED25005 is a single-chip digital audio processing solution, certified by Dolby Labs, that decodes Dolby Surround Pro Logic-encoded signals and generates full 5.1-channel surround sound. It accepts a digital stereo audio input that includes Dolby Surround information and produces six digital audio outputs: left and right front channels, left and right Surround channels, and center and subwoofer channels. A Soundfield Synthesizer function digitally simulates the effect of the multiple acoustic echoes that are present in large listening areas, such as concert halls and theaters. These effects are added to the audio outputs to create the illusion of a large space, greatly enhancing the listening experience.

"Tandberg's commitment to quality and superbly engineered audio and video performance translates to rigorous evaluation of every component and supplier we work with," said Tom Helgesen, chief product designer at Tandberg Audio Products, Norway. "For the Model 4138 A/V Control Amplifier, we determined that the Medianix MED25005 delivered the highest quality sound regeneration. This an entirely new single-chip digital audio processor, and we are very pleased to be the first company in the world to design-in the Medianix solution."

As a single-chip solution for digital Dolby Surround Pro Logic decoding, the MED25005 offers significant advantages in performance, efficiency and cost when compared to the digital general-purpose signal processors frequently used for audio systems. The MED25005 incorporates a 24-bit fixed-point digital signal processor (DSP) core optimized for audio applications, internal memory (ROM and RAM), control and interface circuitry, and the additional logic functions in firmware needed to implement true digital Dolby Surround decoding. Medianix also supports audio system designers with a design-in kit that includes a reference design evaluation board and software. This kit enabled Tandberg to quickly design-in the MED25005 and complete its system development.

"We designed the MED25005 specifically to meet the needs of emerging digital consumer electronics systems and take advantage of digital media," said Terry Leeder, President and CEO of Medianix. "Tandberg has a well-deserved reputation for quality and innovation, and we're very pleased that it has selected our audio processing solutions for its new family of Home Theater systems."

Medianix Semiconductor, headquartered in Mountain View, California, is rapidly becoming a leading provider of complete silicon solutions for digital consumer audio products. Through a partnership with New Japan Radio Corporation and technology licensing agreements with companies such as Dolby Laboratories, the company develops enhanced, standards-based ICs and markets them to leading international consumer product OEMs. -0-

Note to Editors: Dolby is a registered trademark, and Pro Logic is a trademark, of Dolby Laboratories.

CONTACT: Medianix Semiconductor, Inc.

Don Phillips, 415/960-7081 ext. 225

or

FS Communications

Joe Fowler or Matthew Schmidt, 415/691-1488