Creative and Sonics to Jointly Offer Revolutionary 3D Headset and Audio Processing Technology.MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 24, 1997-- Industry-leading Audio Firms To Form New Venture to Market Headset-Based 3D Audio Creative Technology Ltd. (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on :CREAF CREAF Creative Technology Ltd (stock symbol) CREAF Centre de Recerca Ecològica i Aplicacions Forestals ), the world's leading provider of multimedia products for the PC, and Sonics Associates, Inc., a world leader in super-fidelity audio and an affiliate of Imax Corp., (NASDAQ:IMAXF)(TSE See Tokyo Stock Exchange. TSE 1. See Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE). 2. See Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE). :IMX IMX In My eXperience IMX Interactive Music Exchange (TV show) IMX Integrated Multimedia Exchange IMX Industrywide Mortgage Exchange IMX Intermodal Marketing Extension IMX Inverse Multiplexor ) today announced a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is a legal document describing a bilateral or multilateral agreement between parties. It expresses a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of action and may not imply a legal commitment. which contemplates that the companies will jointly form a separate new company, SurroundFX, Inc., to bring Sonics SurroundFX(R) 3D headset and audio processing technology (company) Audio Processing Technology - (APT) A company that produces codecs based on predictive analysis rather than frequency coding. to the consumer market and the PC mass market. With SurroundFX technology, sound is delivered to the user via a unique patented wireless headset See headset. that does not cover the ears. SurroundFX headset and processing technology, when used together with Creative's unique Environmental Modeling (E2M E2M Engineering Environmental Management, Inc. E2M Economic Movement for Millennium 2000 ) audio, delivers an incredibly realistic, three-dimensional sound experience virtually indistinguishable from a live experience. Creative will begin making certain SurroundFX technology available on new Sound Blaster A very popular family of sound cards from Creative Labs. In the days of DOS, Sound Blaster was the de facto interface for gaming sounds. Monaural Sound Blaster cards were introduced in 1989, and stereo cards followed in 1992 (Sound Blaster Pro). sound cards and with PC-DVD products. As part of the agreement, Creative would receive exclusive rights to integrate SurroundFX technology into computer products, including Creative's new line of Sound Blaster(R) and PC-DVD products. With this technology, users will experience Creative's immersive, fully interactive three-dimensional audio delivered using patented, wireless, off-the-ear headsets and unique processing technology. In addition, SurroundFX, Inc., will continue negotiations currently being pursued by Sonics with several of the world's leading consumer electronics companies to provide this technology for use in television, home entertainment, and other non-computer consumer applications. SurroundFX technology is derived from work completed by Sonics for the giant screen large format entertainment company, Imax Corporation. It was premiered at the SONY IMAX(R) Theatre on Broadway and has since been installed in IMAX 3D theatres around the globe. "SurroundFX's implementation is a remarkable advancement in audio technology," said Lynn McCroskey, president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Sonics. "We have already seen its stunning realism in IMAX(R) theatres. "We believe the potential for this product in the computer and consumer electronics markets is very strong. Creative brought sound to our computers and now they will add a whole new dimension with SurroundFX." "SurroundFX technology offers a wonderful new way for computer users to enjoy the type of three dimensional, highly immersive computer audio that Creative offers through its AWE and future Sound Blaster Environmental Audio solutions," said Sim Wong Hoo Sim Wong Hoo (born 1955; Chinese: 沈望傅) is the CEO and Chairman of Creative Technology,[1] a pioneer of computer sound systems, a designer and manufacturer of products for personal computers and personal digital entertainment devices. , chairman and chief executive officer of Creative Technology, Ltd. "With audio having become standard equipment on new computers, and 3-D graphics technology evolving so rapidly, the time is right for those PCs to be upgraded to Creative's 3D Environmental Audio, and SurroundFX is the best headset implementation we have heard." "We think this is an important evolutionary step for Sonics," said Imax co-chief executive officer, Richard L. Gelfond. "The reach of Creative products into the computer market will hopefully give Sonics the ability to make its technology the standard in 3D sound." Birmingham, Ala. based Sonics Associates, Inc. is an affiliate of Imax Corp., and is the exclusive provider of sound systems for giant-screen IMAX theatres world-wide. In addition, Sonics systems are employed in facilities throughout the world including: theme park rides such as Jaws(R) and Back to the Future(R) at Universal Studios(R). Sonics systems have been installed at world exhibitions in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , Spain and Japan, provided to governments and some of the largest corporations in the world. Sonics has developed technology and holds patents in the areas of positional audio, compact disks and data synchronization Keeping data in two or more computers up-to-date so that each repository contains the identical information. Data in handheld devices and laptops often require synchronization with the data in a desktop machine or server. . The company also manufactures a line of professional audio equipment under the Oxmoor(R) brand name. Creative Technology Ltd., develops, manufactures, and markets a wide array of advanced multimedia solutions for the PC, entertainment, education, music and productivity tools markets. Creative's products are marketed through both the original equipment manufacturers and retail channels under a variety of trademarks, including the Blaster family name. Sound Blaster has become the multimedia industry's de facto [Latin, In fact.] In fact, in deed, actually. This phrase is used to characterize an officer, a government, a past action, or a state of affairs that must be accepted for all practical purposes, but is illegal or illegitimate. audio standard. Sound Blaster is an audio platform consisting of a sound card or chip set, software drivers and bundled software (1) Applications that are included with new hardware. For example, a new PC often comes with several applications, many of which may be light versions or full versions with no limit on usage. Others may be only 60- or 90-day trial packages. See bundle. applications that enable PCs to produce high quality audio. Creative's corporate headquarters and primary manufacturing are in Singapore, with sales, distribution and research and development being carried out through an extensive, global network of subsidiaries located in North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. , Europe, Asia and Africa. Founded in 1967, Imax Corporation has consistently delivered the world's premiere cinematic experiences. In 1997, Imax was awarded the sole Oscar(R) for Scientific and Technical Achievement by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The award recognized Imax's innovation in creating the world's best theatrical projection system as well as Imax's acceptance as part of the entertainment mainstream. As of Sept. 30, 1997, there were more than 150 permanent IMAX theatres in 22 countries, with a backlog of more than 65 theatre systems scheduled to open during the next few years. Imax has forged strategic alliances and relationships with some of the largest corporations in the world, including Sony Corporation., Caesars World (an ITT Corporation subsidiary), Circus Circus Enterprises, Ogden Corporation., Famous Players Inc. (a subsidiary of Viacom Inc.), and Regal Cinemas, Inc. More than 500 million people have seen an IMAX presentation since the medium premiered in 1970. In 1996 alone, more than 60 million people world-wide enjoyed the IMAX experience. -0- NOTE TO EDITORS: Sound Blaster is a registered trademark of Creative Technology Ltd., in the U.S. and other countries. E-mu Environmental Modeling is a trademark of E-mu Systems, Inc. and SurroundFX(R) is a registered trademark of Sonics Associates, Inc. IMAX(R) is a registered trademark of Imax Corporation. All other product names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners and are hereby recognized as such. CONTACT: Sonic Associates, Inc. Chip Stewart, 404/869-2645 stewart526@aol.com or Imax Corporation Victoria Dinnick, 905/403-6366 vdinnick@imax.com or Creative Labs, Inc. Rick Myllenbeck, 408/434-5700 rickm@soundblaster.com |
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