Trident and QSound Labs join forces to provide virtual surround sound; Trident's Mirage 5.1 furthers DVD playback leadership of 3DImage 975DVD and 3DImage 985DVD.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. & CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 24, 1997--

Trident Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRID) in partnership with QSound Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ: QSNDF) will offer Qsurround, QSound Labs' "virtual speaker" technology as part of their Mirage 5.1 audio module for their previously announced high performance 3DImage 975DVD and 3DImage985DVD graphics controllers for PC OEMs.

Trident's Mirage 5.1 audio software module is scheduled to be demonstrated for the first time today at Intel's Platform for Visual Computing. It was formulated to provide a complete, immersive 3D audio experience during DVD playback on standard PC platforms with only two speakers. Mirage 5.1 is optimized on an Intel MMX CPU and can be ported to other DSP platforms. QSurround is the key enabling technology for playback of DVD multi-channel audio providing accurate audio positioning with only two speakers.

Certified by Dolby Labs, QSurround meets the challenge of new multi-channel audio delivery formats and enables decoded Dolby or MPEG 2 information to be effectively reproduced across the entire range of playback systems. By creating "virtual speakers" it reproduces the full surround sound effect of 5.1 audio channels and gives the enjoyment of surround sound encoded movies and music.

QSound Labs' 3D positional technology enhances Trident's industry-leading 3D videographics controllers incorporating THAMA (Trident Hardware-Assisted MPEG-2 and AC-3) architecture. The agreement also marks the first implementation of Trident's Mirage 5.1 audio module. Working in conjunction with Mediamatics' MVCCA (Motion Video Collaborative Compression Architecture), THAMA, which was announced last fall, furnishes the most cost effective DVD playback subsystem at a full frame rate.

"DVD is expected to become a standard of computer and consumer audio products by the end of the year," said David Gallagher, president of Qsound Labs. "The combination of Trident's leading-edge 3D graphics and Qsound Labs' innovative 3D audio technology offers OEMs a high-quality, cost effective PC DVD solution."

"DVD means high quality video and surround sound audio," said Pier Del Frate, vice president of marketing for Mediamatics. "By taking advantage of Qsounds' 3D audio and Mediamatics'MVCCA technology, Trident's 3DImage975DVD and 3DImage985DVD graphic controllers can deliver the right features at the right price to PC users."

"QSound Labs' QSurround technology is a key ingredient of Trident's Mirage5.1," said Dr. Gerry Liu, vice president of multimedia marketing at Trident. "Trident will continue to provide OEMs with the leading, immersive, 3D graphics and audio experience for consumers at an affordable price."

THAMA, QSurround and DVDExpress were optimized to take full advantage of Intel MMX technology. The combination of the three technologies provide the user with the performance they expect from a MMX machine; superior graphics, immersive 3D positional audio and great DVD playback quality.

Background

Trident Microsystems Inc. (NASDAQ:TRID), with headquarters in Mountain View, California, designs, develops and markets integrated circuit graphics controllers and multimedia video processing chipsets for IBM-compatible PCs which significantly enhance graphics display. Trident products are sold through a network of OEMs and system integrators worldwide.

Based in Calgary, Alberta, QSound Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ: QSNDF) serves the home entertainment, PC/multimedia, consumer electronics and professional audio industries. The company's patented 3D audio technologies provide immersive, realistic 3D environments and include specific sound placement, stereo enhancement and surround sound solutions. Visit our Website http://www.qsound.ca for more information about the company or its technology.

QSound Labs' customers include: Video Game Publishers: Capcom, Electronic Arts, Fathom Pictures, Microsoft, Microprose, Mindscape, Overtime Sports, Sega PC/Multimedia : Acer, AIWA, CompCore, Crystal Semiconductor, IBM, OPTi, Samsung, Siemens Nixdorf, Yamaha Professional Audio: Bryan Adams, Janet Jackson, Madonna, Sting, Paula Abdul, Roger Waters, West Productions, The X-Files, Millennium, The Wonder Years.

Forward-Looking Information

The statements made herein regarding the incorporation of Trident products with other technologies are forward-looking statements. The actual availability and sales of such products could vary substantially as a result of a variety of factors, including the Company's ability to supply and support its customers, the ability of the Company's customers to manufacture and ship products incorporating the Company's products, as well as the availability of other products and resources. Trident's performance depends upon the overall markets' reaction to its technology, feature sets, pricing and delivery schedules. Further information regarding these and other risks is described from time to time in the Company's SEC reports. -0-

Trident is a registered trademark of Trident Microsystems, Inc. 3Dimage975DVD, 3DImage985DVD and THAMA are trademarks of Trident Microsystems, Inc. All other product names or trademarks are property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Trident Microsystems, Inc.

Peter Brown, 415/943-3761

E-mail: [e-mail]

WEB: tridentmicro.com