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New implementation makes PC-based multichannel audio available from more sound sources than ever before

For the first time, PC users with Intel- and AMD-based PCs equipped with C-Media's award-winning chipsets will have access to the benefits and convenience of the high-quality, exciting multichannel audio experience that only Dolby Digital provides. (C-Media chipsets are used on more than 25 percent of all motherboards manufactured worldwide.)

"By creating a software implementation of the real-time Dolby Digital encoder technology, C-Media has made it possible for PC users to enjoy more entertainment than ever before in multichannel audio," said Greg Rodehau, director, PC and games technology marketing, Dolby Laboratories. "This development marks a new milestone in the advancement of the real-time Dolby Digital encoder because for the first time, Intel- and AMD-based PCs will be able to take advantage of this exciting multichannel audio technology.

"With this software implementation of the real-time Dolby Digital encoder technology, existing and future customers who are using C-Media's PCI or AC97 audio chips can obtain high-quality Dolby Digital audio from the S/PDIF output much more easily and from more sound sources than ever before," said Eric Cheng, president and CEO of C-Media. "Better yet, not only is the digital signal free from the usual problems present in traditional analog outputs, but it also reduces the number of wires needed between the PC and a home theater system. With the real-time Dolby Digital encoder technology, data is digitally transmitted from the PC to the home theater system via a single cable, instead of the three pairs of cables used with previous multichannel analog outputs."

Real-time Dolby Digital encoder technology renders interactive game sound effects with the same surround sound quality offered in DVDs. For game players, this means that systems utilizing this technology can provide Dolby Digital 5.1 during actual game play, immersing the player in high-quality, interactive surround sound and essentially making users feel closer to and more involved with the gaming action. The technology can also enable other future entertainment capabilities from the PC, because of the ability to deliver any audio source via a single digital interface to an existing home theater system.

About Dolby Laboratories

Dolby Laboratories is the developer of signal processing systems used worldwide in applications that include motion picture sound, consumer entertainment products, and media, broadcasting, and music recording. Based in San Francisco with European headquarters in England, the privately held company also has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, and Tokyo. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby technologies, please visit www.dolby.com.

Note to Editors: Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation. AMD is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Contact:

     Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
     Jim Arnold, 415/645-5116
     jja@dolby.com