Cirrus Logic Launches First Multi-Standard, Multi-Channel Audio Decoder for Both Dolby Digital and MPEG-2; Support for 5.1 Channels of Dolby and MPEG-2 Eliminates Digital Media Compatibility Risk in European and other PAL TV-Based Home Audio Systems.

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 29, 1997--The Crystal Semiconductor Products Division of Cirrus Logic Inc. (NASDAQ:CRUS) today announced the first multi-standard, multi-channel audio decoder (CS4925) for both Dolby(R) Digital (AC-3 (TM)) and 5.1 Channel MPEG-2.

This new chip solution provides manufacturers and users of international home entertainment systems a low-risk, compatibility path to future DVD solutions.

The ability of the CS4925 to decode dual audio coding standards eliminates the future digital media compatibility risk for international consumers planning to upgrade to a multi-channel home audio system. Moreover, its single-chip implementation offers the highest level of integration making the CS4925 the lowest-cost system solution for home stereo and DVD players for all areas utilizing PAL-standard television.

"By providing a single-chip audio decoder solution for 5.1 channel MPEG-2 surround and Dolby Digital surround, we removed a major cost and implementation obstacle for international consumer electronics manufacturers who face the decision of whether or not to include Dolby Digital into their new MPEG-2 multi-channel audio DVD ready products," commented Dr. John Paulos, vice president of audio products for Cirrus Logic's Crystal division.

Dr. Paulos added, "With the CS4925 we are promoting multi-standard decoding as the required feature set for the new generation of international home audio equipment."

Chip Removes a Major Impediment For International DVD

It has been an ongoing issue in the movie industry as to which audio coding standard to utilize for PAL television DVD titles. This comprehensive Crystal family of pin-compatible DVD audio decoders will support all international requirements. The CS4925 is the second device in this family.

"We are pleased to have Cirrus Logic's Crystal division move forward with the second product in their pin-compatible audio decoder chip roadmap," said Mark Mayes, vice president at Harmon International. "What's exceptional about the Crystal DSP decoders is that the pin compatibility and multi-standard support provides a manufacturer with the opportunity to deploy a single multi-channel chassis for all DVD geographic regions. The CS4925 is the only cost-effective solution for multi-standard DVD audio decoding."

MPEG-2 Decoding of 5.1 Channels

Borrowing from the experience gathered from shipping millions of stereo MPEG audio decoders, the CS4925 audio decoder solution was readied in time to dismiss the challenges associated with MPEG-2 multi-channel audio decoding.

Dr. Miroslav Dokic, DSP micro-code design manager for Cirrus Logic's Crystal division commented, "The CS4925 is capable of decoding the MPEG-2 audio streams constructed using backward compatible MPEG-1 audio with the additional discrete channels delivered via extension frames all the way up to 1.1 Mbit/sec. We are proud to be the first supplier of a robust product capable of decoding Dolby Digital as well as MPEG-2 multi-channel audio as may be required for DVD PAL movies."

In association with this decoder chip announcement, Paul Reynolds, manager of new business creation for Philips Components the Netherlands, stated, "As we previously predicted, the technical log-jam associated with implementing MPEG-2 multi-channel audio will be short lived. World-class encoders and decoders from multiple sources have become available to eliminate the technical obstacles and no further industry fears remain for implementing DVD-based MPEG-2 audio. It is obvious that Cirrus Logic's Crystal division recognizes the international appeal and market potential of utilizing MPEG-2 for digital distribution of superb quality motion pictures."

A Complete Two-Chip Audio Decoder System Solution Replaces 10 Chips

The CS4925 is a derivative and superset of the previously certified CS4923 Dolby Digital audio decoder. Targeted at emerging international DVD-based Home Theater and Set-Top entertainment applications, the Crystal CS4925 complements a high-quality consumer and professional audio integrated circuit portfolio.

Terry Ritchie, director of Audio DSP marketing for Cirrus Logic's Crystal division, explained, "In addition to the 24-bit audio decompression capability, the CS4925 is equipped with residual MIPS and data memory. With the extra capacity, this solution provides all of the DSP firmware necessary to implement the output post-processing system requirements including simultaneous Dolby Surround Pro-Logic decode, configurable output crossover filters and complete output bass management."

The CS4925 multi-standard multi-channel audio decoder can be paired with Crystal's CS4226 multi-channel audio CODEC to fulfill the entire digital signal processing and data conversion requirements for international home audio receiver products. The CS4925 and CS4226 combination can replace as many as 10 independent chips required for multi-channel home audio receiver amplifiers.

Low Power Consumption Provides Reliable Operation

The CS4923 is manufactured using a 0.35-micron CMOS process at Cirrus Logic's MiCRUS facility located in East Fishkill, N.Y., USA. "The use of our low power 3.3 volt 0.35-micron CMOS process eliminates the possibility of thermal reliability problems that competitive audio DSP chip manufacturers may experience while trying to utilize older DSPs for new multi-channel, higher sample rate decoding standards," said Eric Broockman, vice president and general manager of Cirrus Logic's Crystal division.

The introduction of the CS4925 is part of a broader strategy by Cirrus Logic to leverage its expertise in the professional audio and apply it more broadly to the consumer electronics industry.

Pricing, Availability

The CS4925 decoder is packaged in a 44-pin PLCC and will sell for approximately $15 in 100K unit volume. The CS4925 shares the same foot print as the CS4923 Dolby Digital decoder but provides multi-standard capability. Samples of the CS4925 will be available to beta customers in October 1997 with qualified production parts available in January 1998.

Crystal Semiconductor Products Division

The Crystal Semiconductor Products Division of Cirrus Logic designs, manufactures, and markets advanced analog and digital integrated circuits for data acquisition, consumer/professional audio and video and imaging applications. The Crystal brand is recognized for providing high-performance mixed-signal and DSP solutions for consumer and industrial markets.

Cirrus Logic

Cirrus Logic is a leading manufacturer of advanced integrated circuits for personal computing, communications, mass storage, consumer and industrial markets. The company's "systems in silicon" add high value and software richness to major brands worldwide. With a focus on innovating microperipheral chip solutions, Cirrus Logic is committed to technology leadership for the Interactive Age. -0-

Note to Editors: Cirrus Logic news releases may be obtained by fax by dialing 800/359-6414, or by dialing 510/249-4200 from outside the United States, or via the Internet on the world wide web at http://www.cirrus.com/

"Dolby" and "Pro Logic" are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

CONTACT: Cirrus Logic

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