Sydney, 11 September 2002: Lake Technology Limited (ASX:LAK) announced that one of its key strategic customers, Sharp Corporation, continues its drive to dominate the MiniDisc player market with the release of two highly featured models.

The players both feature Dolby Headphone Implementation using Lake Technology’s VZ chip design, which gives Lake both a direct licence fee per unit plus a share of the Dolby Headphone licence fee via Dolby, thus multiplying and accelerating the royalty stream flowing to Lake Technology.

The MD-DS8 “Auvi” model is the world’s first MiniDisc device with a 1-bit amplifier. It features Dolby Headphone and a unique polar separated headphone adaptor to completely separate the left and right signals for better sound. The 1-bit amplifier significantly improves treble response and reduces power consumption, giving up to 180 hours playback time. 

The MD-ST800 model features extended playback of up to 140 hours using high capacity batteries 

These new models join Sharp’s existing range of MD products which feature Dolby Headphone: the ST880S and ST 880W MD players and the MT 200H and MT 200W MD recorder/players.

Sharp has shown itself to be one of the most enthusiastic adopters of the Lake-developed Dolby Headphone technology, having been the first VZ technology licencee, with implementations in both consumer electronics and PC applications.

Lake’s CEO Chris Gilbey said “Sharp have once again demonstrated their commitment to continuous innovation with the introduction of 1-bit amplification in a MiniDisc player for the first time. We at Lake are delighted that Sharp has once again chosen Dolby Headphone, supported by Lake’s VZ chip technology, in order to deliver the highest quality headphone listening experience.”

“Dolby Headphone is now in over 6 million devices, confirming its acceptance as a quality solution, and we look forward to working with Sharp and our other strategic partners on the introduction of quality audio enhancements.”

John Bell
CFO/Secretary
Lake Technology Limited
02 9123 9003