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Philips is bringing the stylish design and high performance of audio/video products to PC users with a new external Sound Processor and two new flat speaker systems. These make it even easier for users to add powerful, stylish sound solutions to their notebook and desktop PCs, as well as to audio devices like portable CD and MP3 players, game consoles and even TV sets.

The new products are the PSC805 Aurilium, a 24-bit external Sound Processor that can easily be added to PCs and notebooks without opening the PC box, plus two new Acoustic Fusion speaker systems featuring Philips’ unique Flat Panel speaker technology: the A3.610, 5.1 channel system for Dolby^® and EAX^® multichannel reproduction; and the A3.310 3-piece stereo system.

An external sound processor with controls that users can touch

The new PSC805 Aurilium Sound Processor provides high-definition audio with the realism of full 5.1 channel sound. It is easy to connect to the PC with just a single cable, using the USB 2.0 interface which is rapidly becoming a ‘standard’ on virtually all new PCs and notebooks. This also powers the Sound Processor, so no separate power connection or external power supply is needed, which minimizes the number of cables required.

A big benefit of the Aurilium is that it gives users a complete audio solution with controls they can touch, just like on a familiar audio system. And unlike other PCI cards, the Aurilium brings distinctive audio styling to the PC environment, with its striking silver design, stylish display and cool blue LEDs providing visual feedback. It can be mounted either vertically or horizontally on its compact stand. Connectors for line in, microphone and headphones are easily accessible and located conveniently together, making the PSC805 into a complete audio control centre able to handle functions like recording CDs/LPs to MP3 files on the PC, audio/video conferencing and music creation.

For easy access to its advanced control features, the PSC805 is supplied with the unique Sound Agent 2 software program that provides an innovative and easy-to-use visual interface. Sound Agent 2 gives instant visual feedback on the PC screen for all the selected settings, with the option of using either symbolic graphical controls or classical slider controls. As well as providing easy access to all the audio control functions, Sound Agent 2 takes active control of audio processing by constantly monitoring the input signals and optimizing the sound performance to create the ultimate listening experience.

Flat Panel Speaker solution; great sound with innovative design

Unlike other so‑called ‘flat’ speaker solutions which simply use conventional drivers made to look flat, the Philips Soft Flat Panel concept uses innovative speaker technology designed specifically to combine ultra-slim dimensions with excellent sound reproduction characteristics. These Flat Panel speakers are based on Philips’ implementation of NXT SurfaceSound technology which has been further developed with 3 additional patents. With its patented 3D SFP tweeters and Acoustic Energy Equalizer the Philips Flat Panel speakers generates a dispersed sound field creating an optimum stereo experience with all kinds of sound sources. 

Both these new speaker systems bring a powerful listening experience to sound reproduction from PCs, games consoles and TV, with great styling that looks right wherever it is used, in the PC corner, home office or living room. And thanks to Philips’ proven audio technology they bring a new level of sound reproduction quality to all these areas.

The new A3.610 Acoustic Fusion 610 speaker system is an outstanding way to add great sound reproduction to PCs as well as all kinds of other audio devices, games consoles and even TV sets. Styled by Philips’ award-winning design studio, the A3.610 bridges the gap between PC and traditional entertainment devices, and is equally at home in a pure PC environment or in the living room connected to an audio player or TV set.

The A3.610 comprises a powerful wooden 8” side-firing subwoofer with a big 100 watts of RMS power, plus 5 x 20 watt Soft Flat Panel satellite speakers. Behind its attractive design and compact desktop footprint is Philips’ advanced audio technology. Philips’ Soft Flat Panel technology delivers a unique combination of slim, elegant design with the kind of stunning performance that is normally only found in high-end home audio systems. The A3.610’s 5.1 channel reproduction makes this system ideal for Dolby^® and EAX^® multichannel reproduction, adding a powerful surround sound dimension to music, PC gaming and TV audio.

Operation is made easy by the remote control, which gives fingertip access to the system’s Digital Sound Control with 4 sound presets and the input selector for 3 sound sources, as well as volume and mute controls.

Bringing the same advanced Soft Flat Panel technology to a 3-piece stereo system, the new A3.310 Acoustic Fusion 310 speaker system comprises a 20 watt wooden subwoofer with bass level control and two ultra-thin 6 watt Soft Flat Panel satellite speakers. This system combines a space-saving design with great styling and easy operation.

Philips combines high performance and appealing design in PC sound.

 For further information please contact

Philips Consumer Electronics
Simon Poulter
Communications Department
Tel.: +31 20 5977914
Fax: +31 20 5977910
Email: simon.poulter@philips.com

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of EUR 31.8 billion in 2002. It is a global leader in color television sets, lighting, electric shavers, medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, and one-chip TV products. Its 170,000 employees in more than 60 countries are active in the areas of lighting, consumer electronics, domestic appliances, components, semiconductors, and medical systems. Philips is quoted on the NYSE (symbol: PHG), London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other stock exchanges. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter

Source: Philips