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DIGITAL DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIO 2.0 SUPPORT DELIVER ULTIMATE GAMING EXPERIENCE    

The digital architecture of the Sound Blaster Live! X-Gamer processes every audio signal at a full 32-bit resolution for high quality output. To further enhance the digital experience, a digital output allows the connection of four-way digital speakers such as the FourPointSurround FPS2000 Digital for a surround sound experience. Featuring advanced elements such as the powerhouse EMU10K1 processor, customized sound pre-sets and downloadable upgrades through Creative’s Live!Ware , the Sound Blaster Live! X-Gamer is the gamer’s sound card of choice.

The Sound Blaster Live! X-Gamer audio accelerator promises to make sound an even more integral part of the gaming experience by fully implementing Creative Labs’ Environmental Audio 2.0 standard, which draws gamers into a world that sounds as authentic as it looks by including high quality reverb, improved 3D positioning and support for effects like occlusion and obstruction. While graphics cards have taken center stage in the gaming community over the past several years, the importance of sound solutions has now become clear as games evolve into more immersive experiences. With the Environmental Audio 2.0 standard, sounds can now be accurately heard anywhere within a 360 degree circumference and in an up-down axis. Sounds such as footsteps, a rogue space ship or a slamming door will have a definite place in an evocative soundscape, pulling the gamer further into the 3D realm.

"Gamers have come to expect hardware innovations as compelling as today's top-selling titles," said Sim Wong Hoo, chairman and chief executive officer of Creative Technology Ltd. "Sound Blaster Live! X-Gamer represents the kind of unrivaled system optimization that truly brings gaming to the next level."

"Must-Have" Games Bundle

Providing an unprecedented value as well as the opportunity to experience the full dimension of Environmental Audio, Creative also includes three hot new full-version game titles for X-Gamers to enjoy with their purchase: "Descent 3," "Need for Speed 4: High Stakes" and "Thief: The Dark Project ."

Beyond the full-version game titles, an awesome feature set is integrated into the Sound Blaster Live! X-Gamer solution, giving users unparalleled opportunities to enhance their game environment. The Sound Blaster Live! X-Gamer delivers:

• EMU10K1 Digital signal processor: Processes every audio signal at full 32-bit resolution providing for the highest level of clarity and accurate 3D positional audio. The most powerful digital integrated music, audio and effects engine available, the EMU10K1 efficiently accelerates Environmental Audio, DirectSound3D and DirectSound so gamers locked in life-and-death online competitions won't be fragged by latency issues.
• Full Environmental Audio support: An industry standard in audio, Environmental Audio adds real-time effects for maximum customization and extended game re-play value. The Sound Blaster Live! X-Gamer also includes presets for more than 100 legacy titles to support Environmental Audio.
• Multi-channel audio output: To further enhance the experience, a digital output allows the connection of four-way digital speakers such as the FourPointSurround FPS2000 Digital for a surround sound experience.
• Games Bundle: Effectively gives gamers a free solution by including three "A" full-version game titles including "Descent 3," "Need for Speed 4: High Stakes," and "Thief: The Dark Project."
• Live!Ware Support: Creative's online resource keeps hardware current by increasing the power of the Sound Blaster Live! X-Gamer through new gameplay and playback features and functionalities, including upgradeability for MP3 authoring.

Pricing and Availability

The Sound Blaster Live! X-Gamer is now available through Creative’s extensive network of distributors and resellers worldwide at an estimated street price of US$99.99.

About Creative

Creative Technology Ltd. develops, manufactures and markets a wide array of advanced multimedia solutions for the PC, entertainment, education, music and productivity tools markets. Creative’s products are marketed through the OEM, systems integrator and retail channels under a variety of trademarks, including the "Blaster" family name. With the new Sound Blaster® PCI standard, Creative has produced a solution that utilizes a combination of hardware and software for near-perfect compatibility with existing DOS and Windows titles. Creative’s corporate headquarters and primary manufacturing are based in Singapore, with sales, distribution and research and development being carried out through an extensive, global network of subsidiaries located in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

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Sound Blaster is a registered trademark and Environmental Audio, EMU10K1, Environmental Audio Extensions, EAX, Creative Multi Speaker Surround are trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd. in the U.S and other countries. E-mu Systems and SoundFont are registered trademarks of E-mu Systems, Inc. Cambridge SoundWorks is a registered trademark and PCWorks and Desktop Theater are trademarks of Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc. All other product names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners and are hereby recognized as such.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Hector Marinez                         Gary Brotman

Creative Labs, Inc.                 Golin/HarrisCommunication

(408) 546-6416                         (213) 623-4200

hmarinez@creativelabs.com gbrotman@golinharris.com