3DsoundSurge Press Release: ESS Technology Introduces the World's First True Positional 3D PC Audio Accelerator

ESS Technology Introduces the World's First True Positional 3D PC Audio Accelerator

Canyon3D(TM) Audio Accelerator - A PC Gamer's Dream

FREMONT, Calif., March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- ESS Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESST - news) introduces its Canyon3D accelerator, the world's first true 3D positional audio solution for multispeaker configurations. ESS's Canyon3D audio accelerator uses Sensaura's MultiDrive(TM) technology to vertically position 3D sound effects from each of the four speakers in a multispeaker PC gaming environment.

The Canyon3D technology, which supports the Microsoft DirectSound3D (DS3D) API, uses HRTF algorithms for each of the four individual speakers to provide the vertical sound cues needed for total PC game immersion. Canyon3D's vertical sound positioning for each speaker outperforms other four-speaker processors which only use simple 2D panning techniques to attempt to simulate a true 3D environment. Additionally, Canyon3D is the only accelerator to support multiple speaker configurations, including two-speaker, four-speaker, and the popular 4.1 and 5.1 home entertainment configurations.

``The Canyon3D solution is specifically architected to provide hardware acceleration for a four-speaker environment,'' states Mark Klonower, director of product development at ESS. ``ESS raises the performance bar with Canyon3D by providing both 3D sound positioning and DOS legacy compatibility in hardware, freeing more of the CPU's resources for a game's graphics processing demands.''

``Canyon3D represents the ultimate in a true three-dimensional gaming experience,'' explains Dave DeMarinis, director of strategic marketing at ESS. ``By using existing information in DirectSound3D games, sounds such as a whisper in the ear, or an ultra-close ''fly-by`` from a laser, missile, or airplane, achieve a realism that was previously unattainable.''

The Canyon3D flexible dual processor architecture accelerates more than 32 Microsoft DirectSound3D streams, providing complete acceleration for the most demanding games while supporting the latest sound standards including DirectSound, DirectMusic and EAX. Canyon3D also supports consumer audio system demands with a S/PDIF digital output interface for Dolby Digital and PCM formats. Built on an AC '97 2.0 architecture, the Canyon3D processor has an MPU-401 MIDI interface, PCI power management with APM 1.2 and ACPI 1.0 compliance, and a PCI compatible interface. More details about Canyon3D are available at the World Wide Web site: www.Canyon3D.com.

Pricing and Availability

The new Canyon3D processor is available now from ESS Technology in a 100 pin TQFP for $20.00 in quantities of 10,000.

ESS Technology

ESS Technology, Inc. supplies Internet, modem, PC audio and digital video solutions for the Internet, PC and consumer markets. ESS designs, develops, and markets highly integrated mixed signal semiconductor, hardware, software and system solutions for Internet, PC and multimedia applications. ESS, headquartered in Fremont, California, has sales and technical support offices in Austin and Houston, Texas; Irvine, California; Bellevue, Washington; Beijing and Shenzhen, China; Tokyo, Japan; Taipei, Taiwan; Seoul, Korea; and Hong Kong. ESS Technology is listed on the Nasdaq Market System under the symbol ESST. World Wide Web site: http://www.esstech.com.

The matters discussed in this news release include certain forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, not limited to, the timely availability and acceptance of the Company's new products, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the dependence on continued growth in demand for PC and consumer multimedia products, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in the SEC reports of ESS, including the reports on Form 10-K and Form 10Q. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

NOTE: Canyon3D is a trademark of ESS Technology, Inc. Sensaura and MultiDrive are trademarks or registered trademarks of Scipher. Other brands and names are trademarks of their respective companies.

SOURCE: ESS Technology, Inc.