Compaq TrueQ Sound and Motion Delivers Breakthrough Technology on a Home PC; Compaq Presario Home PCs Outpace Packard Bell in Independent Tests.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 13, 1995--With the announcement of the new Compaq Presario 5500 and 9500 home PCs, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) delivers breakthroughs in audio and video technology that surpass the multimedia capability previously available on a home PC. In independent laboratory testing, the Compaq Presario with TrueQ Sound and Motion delivered almost double the performance over a comparable Packard Bell model in key benchmark tests.

Anchored by Compaq's new TrueQ Sound and Motion Technology, the new Compaq Presario 5500 (all-in-one PC) and 9500 (minitower) Series offer outstanding video and audio performance, high-quality multimedia monitors with powerful speakers, voice recognition capability and an intuitive software interface that makes the computer easy to use -- a combination of features that no other home computer can deliver -- (see business release: Compaq Revolutionizes Home PCs With Innovative Sight, Sound and Motion).

"Compaq's strong engineering expertise together with innovative technologies from companies such as S3, Spatializer Audio Laboratories, Inc., and PureSpeech, enable us to provide consumers with unparalleled multimedia capabilities," said Ross Cooley, senior vice president and general manager, Compaq North America.

Compaq TrueQ Sound and Motion

A key element of Compaq-developed technology, Compaq's new TrueQ Sound and Motion offers sensational video and audio capability by implementing hardware-based MPEG video support, Wavetable Synthesis (optional on Presario 5500 models), Spatializer 3-D Stereo surround sound and high fidelity speakers. The following information details these key differentiating features found in Compaq products.

COMPAQ TRUEQ MOTION

o Hardware-based MPEG

Compaq's TrueQ MPEG video support allows full screen, full-motion video and CD-quality audio to be played at any window size without sacrificing performance. The result is consistent high-quality multimedia, precisely synchronized, that will allow consumers to seamlessly interact with the latest CD-ROM software programs while enjoying TV-quality playback at a full 30 frames per second (fps). This implementation is ideal to play the MPEG-based software titles available today and for the upcoming MPEG-oriented interactive games that demand optimum system performance.

In independent testing by National Software Testing Laboratories (NSTL), a leading independent computer testing laboratory, Compaq's TrueQ MPEG solution provided almost double the performance of the MPEG video playback on a comparable Packard Bell Legend premium model(a).

The Compaq Presario 9546 minitower was compared against the Packard Bell Legend 812CD, each with a 100-megahertz Pentium processor and 8 megabytes of RAM.

The benchmark tests compared frame rate, CPU utilization, and audio playback bandwidth under both Windows 3.1 and Windows 95, and then weighted the categories to come to an overall score.

Frame Rate: The Packard Bell Legend 812CD was not able to sustain full frame rate, with dropped frame percentages ranging from 20 to over 60 percent, while Compaq's Presario 9546 played broadcast quality video at a full 30 fps, resulting in the Packard Bell picture to be choppy.

CPU Utilization: The Packard Bell Legend monopolized 60 percent of its CPU processing power during MPEG decoding, while the Compaq Presario only used 17 percent of the CPU's processing power.

Audio bandwidth: The Packard Bell model had a very noticeable limit at higher frequencies, never attaining high end response above 12 Khz, versus true stereo quality of 44 Khz.

Overall: For the consumer, this means that Compaq's TrueQ MPEG video is smooth, full-motion and in-sync with the audio -- without taxing the microprocessor.

COMPAQ TRUEQ SOUND

Compaq's TrueQ Sound system provides a new standard of audio performance on a home personal computer. This new audio performance enhances multimedia software titles, games and digitally recorded music. In independent audio tests by NSTL, Compaq's TrueQ Sound was found to be superior to that of Packard Bell's Legend system(b).

For the audio benchmark tests, NSTL used the same systems as used for the MPEG tests, and compared speaker frequency response, distortion, sound pressure level, signal-to-noise ratio, total harmonic distortion and noise response, line-out frequency response, listening test and output power.

o Wavetable Synthesis

As evidenced by its acceptance among musicians and computer enthusiasts, wavetable synthesis is a technology that enables general MIDI files, or digitally recorded sound files of actual instruments, to be played with remarkable realism. MIDI files are embedded in the majority of today's computer games and multimedia presentation, entertainment and music-oriented applications -- typically, no additional drives are needed.

To access these sound files, you normally need to have a separate add-in board which can cost from $200 to $500. By integrating this technology into the Presario 9500 Series (optional for Presario 5500 Series), Compaq is able to offer access to this superior sound at a surprisingly affordable price.

Most other computers and ad-in boards today use a process called FM synthesis to play MIDI files, but that typically makes the sounds seem tinny and computerized. Wavetable Synthesis has several benefits:

- Generates realistic sounds in games and edutainment

applications,

- Supports 16-bit stereo at 44 Khz sample rate (same rate as

music CDs)

- Supports 128 sampled melodic instruments, 47 sampled percussion

instruments (actual recorded instruments) with 32 note polyphony

(32 notes can be played at one time), allowing realistic

playback of MIDI files.

o 3-D Stereo Sound From Spatializer

Another major component of Compaq's TrueQ Sound is three-dimensional audio technology, provided by Spatializer Audio Laboratories, Inc., which delivers the most powerful, robust 3-D surround sound from only two conventional speakers to existing stereo recordings and multimedia software programs. The technology also gives multimedia game developers an effective way to steer sounds outside the speakers and around the listener in coordination with on- screen action.

In the new Presario 5500 and 9500 models, consumers can enhance their multimedia experience by activating this feature. Spatializer technology was originally developed for the professional recording industry, and it has become a standard 3-D audio tool used by recording and broadcast engineers throughout the world.

o New Presario Multimedia Monitors, Speakers for Presario 9500 Series

Compaq's innovative audio technology is augmented by the introduction of new multimedia monitors with detachable high fidelity speakers that have the acoustic output capability to effortlessly fill an entire living room.

Designed specifically to optimize the enhanced audio functionality of the Compaq Presario 9500 Series, the new Compaq Presario 1400 and 1500 Multimedia Monitors offer high performance multimedia support, volume control and full-duplex speakerphone.

Users will experience sensational sound when they play their favorite game or music CDs with the integrated amplifier with fixed equalizer for high fidelity sound.

The audio system consists of several components, each designed to work concurrently with the monitor and main microprocessor. For example, the audio power supply is actually an extension of the monitor power supply. This reduces the number of connections and wires, as compared to an externally powered audio system. The built-in power amplifier supports a peak output of 20-watts per channel, which is comparable to a 40-watt home mini-stereo system. And the built-in audio system equalizer, a four-stage design, allows for designing components based on the components surrounding them.

The equalization for the loudspeaker enables the speaker to be designed for maximum efficiency and reliability at critical frequencies and reduces compromised performance due to mechanical or acoustical side effects.

At the heart of the audio system is a unique acoustic transducer designed to perform like no other loudspeaker. The extended low frequency response and compact size of the speakers is due in part to the long throw capability and high motor strength of the transducer. When used with the Presario 9500 Series, the new plug and play monitors also feature:

-Full duplex speakerphone capability with high quality acoustic

sound

-Unique 45-degree "tool-less" detachable speaker design

-Conveniently located volume control knob

-Resolution support for 1024 x 768 (non-interlaced)

-Analog and digital front panel controls with built-in volume

control

The Compaq Presario 1400 Multimedia Monitor (12.9-inch viewable display area), is priced at $399(c) and the Presario 1500 (13.7-inch viewable display area) at $499.

Corporate Background

Compaq Computer Corporation is the world's largest supplier of personal computers, offering desktop PCs, portable PCs, and servers. Founded in 1982, the company reported 1994 worldwide sales of $10.9 billion. Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of more than 38,000 Compaq marketing partners. Compaq also sells directly to customers through Compaq Direct Plus at 1-800-888-5858. Compaq provides 24-hour customer support and can be reached through the Compaq forums on America Online, CompuServe, Internet, and Prodigy, or by calling 1-800-345-1518. -0-

(a) Based on NSTL Report: Comparative Analysis of MPEG Implementation, August 1995 (b) Based on NSTL Report: Comparative Analysis of Audio Sub- systems, September 1995 (c) All prices listed herin are estimated US retail prices; actual prices may vary; monitor sold separately for 9500 Series

Compaq, Presario, Registered U.S Patent and Trademark Office. Spatializer is a registered trademark of Desper Products, Inc. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

CONTACT: Compaq Computer Corporation

Mike Berman, Brian Temple, Yvonne Donaldson,

John Sweney, Jerele Neeld, Hedy Baker, Nora Hahn,

Rebecca Kopf Nahas, Janet Dean

713-374-0484

or

Miller/Shandwick Technologies

Jean Borgman CherylDelgreco

617-536-0470

[e-mail]