Cirrus Logic Introduces New MPEG Encoding Chip Family For Cost-Reduced DVD Recording Platforms; CS9268X Family Integrates Digital Video Input Capability On-Chip.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

Hong Kong Electronics Fair 

HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 13, 2003

Extending its leadership in the fast-growing market for DVD recording chips, Cirrus Logic Inc. (Nasdaq:CRUS) has introduced a new family of MPEG encoding chips, the CS9268X family, the successor to Cirrus' popular CS92288 chip. The new family of chips, which includes the CS92688 and CS92689, offers ideal solutions for manufacturers of DVD recorders and combination DVD recorders with optical- and hard-disk-drive storage capabilities, respectively.

The CS92688 includes built-in digital video (DV) and 1394 media access controller (MAC) support -- which was previously available on a separate board design -- for low-cost camcorder input. The chip also offers integrated VBI processing for closed-caption and EPG support, hardware support for CPRM (copy protection for recorded media) to protect the rights of content holders, and a glueless interface to the CS98200 series of Cirrus DVD processors for lowest cost integration. The CS92689 adds an IDE interface to the CS92688 feature set in order to enable digital video and audio recording as well storage to a hard disk or optical drive.

Both chips are now available to manufacturers as part of Cirrus' next-generation DVD recording reference design. This new reference design uses the same powerful CS98200 DVD processor, enabling a quick and easy upgrade path for existing customers of Cirrus' DVD recording platforms.

"Our first-generation CS92288 MPEG encoding chip established Cirrus at the forefront of the mass-market DVD recording segment," said Brian Heuckroth, vice president of DVD Recording, Cirrus Logic. "This new chip family furthers our leadership position and helps manufacturers develop feature-rich DVD recording products that bring compelling new functions to consumers while providing significant differentiation to OEMs that are competing in a high-growth consumer market."

The chip family gives manufacturers very high video recording quality even at low-bit compression rates, enabling users up to eight hours of high quality recorded content onto standard DVD disc media.

DVD recorders are expected to become the fastest-growing segment in digital entertainment during the next several years, with expected unit sales of up to 46 million by 2007 (source: IDC, September 2003). These devices will allow consumers to upgrade more than 30 years of VCR technology and begin to store and view content in the digital domain. Cirrus' reference platforms are helping customers such as Mustek, Sampo, CyberHome, and Profilo Telra drive volume production of more affordable DVD recording products.

The CS9268X family will be sampling in October 2003 to Cirrus customers, and volume production is expected in the first quarter of 2004. Pricing is market-competitive, and volume pricing information is available to OEMs by contacting any Cirrus Logic representative.

Cirrus Logic Inc.

Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of high-performance analog, mixed-signal and digital processing solutions for consumer entertainment electronics, automotive entertainment and industrial product applications. Building on its global market leadership in audio ICs and its rich mixed-signal patent portfolio, Cirrus Logic targets audio, video and precision mixed-signal applications in these growing markets. The company operates from headquarters in Austin, Texas, with offices in California, Colorado, Europe, Japan and Asia. For more information visit www.cirrus.com.

Cirrus Logic and Cirrus are trademarks of Cirrus Logic Inc. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.