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MONTRÉAL, September 25, 2002 – Hercules is thrilled to announce the launch of its revolutionary new range of 7.1 channel sound cards, bringing the ultimate in home theater sound to PC users.

An industry pioneer in both PC sound and graphics solutions, Hercules has drawn on its years of experience to create this unique range of sound cards, transporting users into the very heart of the action in games, music and DVDs in a way never before possible.

“We are extremely proud to once again be right at the forefront of this latest innovation in the world of PC sound,” states Navin Sekhon, Brand Manager for Hercules North America.  “Digital 7.1 channel sound is Dolby Laboratories’ new flagship standard, providing the incredibly lifelike 360° spatial audio found in today’s best movie theatres. The true pinnacle of digital 3D cinema audio which was only available up until now in movie theatres or with home theatre devices is now accessible to everyone at home on their PC. Users can experience a captivating 360° true-to-life audio environment in games, DVDs and even with digital audio music!”

Hercules is the first worldwide to offer this unrivalled new technology to PC users.  Dolby^® Digital Surround EX, or 7.1, provides three surround tracks, compared with one in 5.1 channel systems (180° of coverage).  In fact, Dolby^® Digital 5.1 is actually a down-mix of EX 7.1, as the technology has not existed – up until now – to reproduce this kind of breathtaking sound, practically and affordably, in the context of a home environment.

Hercules’ groundbreaking technology allows for connection of 8 speakers – center, front left and right, surround left and right, back surround left and right, plus a subwoofer –enveloping listeners in a living, breathing 3D world where alien creatures can be heard circling menacingly overhead, for example, or the approach of enemy troupes closing in from all directions.

Hercules Gamesurround Fortissimo^TM III 7.1 is now available at a recommended retail price of US $49.99.

Hercules Game Theater^TM XP 7.1 is now available at a recommended retail price of US $99.99.

Hercules Digifire^TM 7.1 will be available from October 2002 at a recommended retail price of US $79.99.

Hercules^®, Gamesurround Fortissimo^TM, Game Theater^TM and Digifire^TM are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Guillemot Corporation S.A.  Dolby^® is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.  All other trademarks are hereby acknowledged and are the property of their respective owners.

About Hercules Technologies

Founded in 1982, Hercules developed the industry’s first high-resolution graphics boards for personal computers.  From its roots in establishing the monochrome graphics standard, Hercules proceeded to pioneer advances in color graphics solutions.  In November 1999, Hercules was purchased by the Guillemot Corporation Group, which develops and manufactures high-quality PC and console peripherals.  Hercules offers a complete range of graphics, image and video products, catering principally to the international gaming community.  Hercules’ audio product line, dedicated to gamers and music enthusiasts worldwide, integrates more than 17 years of expertise from Guillemot.

Thanks to its extensive experience and advanced in-house technology development center, Hercules Technologies guarantees end users superior quality products compatible with all of the latest industry standards, as well as all existing hardware and software.  In addition, the company’s manuals and software ensure easy installation and represent the ultimate in user-friendliness.

For more information, please visit our website at www.hercules.com.

About Guillemot Corporation

Guillemot Corporation is a designer, manufacturer and distributor of interactive entertainment hardware and accessories.  Ranked 5^th in its field worldwide, the Group offers a diverse range of products under the Hercules and Thrustmaster brand names.  Active in this market since 1984, the Guillemot Corporation Group is currently present in 17 countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Japan, and China, and distributes its products in a total of 45 countries worldwide.  The Group’s mission is to offer innovative, high-quality products which increase the sensations and enjoyment that gamers derive from their games.