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The new J-7902 Virtual Dolby(r) Surround System is now available directly from retailers carrying JAZZ Speakers products, and is on display in the MedianiX demonstration suite (Boardwalk Casino/Holiday Inn, suite 1767) at the Comdex trade show here.

The new speaker set uses the MedianiX chip to create the effect of a full 5.1-channel surround sound system coming from just two satellite speakers and a subwoofer. The MED25007 contains an on-chip Dolby Pro Logic(tm) decoder and a VMAx ``virtualizer.'' The chip decodes Dolby-encoded signals that normally drive five speakers and a subwoofer and uses the virtualizer to create the impression that the listener is encompassed by multiple speakers when only two front speakers and a subwoofer are actually in use. The high-quality audio produced makes the J-7902 ideal for use in variety of applications in which multiple-speaker configurations are not practical, including home theater systems and audio/video (A/V) receivers.

``With the MED25007, we have implemented an all-digital solution that delivers audiophile-quality sound in a virtual environment,'' said JAZZ Speakers vice president Tony Hsu. ``We chose the MedianiX IC because it met all of our requirements, including not only its outstanding virtual surround simulation but also its small footprint and on-chip firmware, which eliminated code development on our part.''

``We're very excited to have been chosen as the supplier of the Virtual Dolby Surround processor for the JAZZ Speakers J-7902 system,'' said John Lee, MedianiX senior vice president of marketing and sales. ``We feel that this reflects the success of our efforts to provide the audio market with a range of DSP-based digital solutions to meet all of its performance and ease-of-use requirements.''

VMAx Virtual Surround Sound

The procedure for creating Virtual Dolby Surround sound entails two steps: decode a digital surround audio signal with a Dolby Pro Logic decoder, then apply a post-processor ``virtualizer'' algorithm to create the ``phantom'' surround channels. The algorithm digitally varies signal frequency, phase, and other characteristics to change the manner in which the human ear perceives the sound, resulting in the impression that the sound comes from multiple sources within the listening environment.

The VMAx 3D surround sound technology was created by Harman Interactive Group, which has the exclusive rights to the Cooper-Bauck patents that are the cornerstone of 3D audio technology. The Cooper-Bauck virtualizing algorithms use Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF), Inter-aural Time Delay (ITD) and Crosstalk Cancellation technologies to create the illusion of multiple speakers surrounding the listener. The VMAx implementation does not alter the timbre of the real or virtual speakers, or otherwise color the sound. Instead, it provides the most realistic three-dimensional sound possible from two loudspeakers.

The MED25007 In The J-7902

The MED25007 is an all-digital implementation based on proprietary 24-bit digital signal processor (DSP) technology that converts two-channel audio containing 5.1-channel encoding into two-channel 3D virtual surround sound that contains all of the original information. The IC has both a Dolby Pro Logic decoder and VMAx virtualizing algorithms contained in on-chip memory.

If desired, the chip can also be used in a speaker configuration using five physical speakers and a subwoofer.

The JAZZ Speakers J-7902 system consists of two satellite speakers and a subwoofer. The satellite enclosures contain both a 3-inch midrange speaker and a 1-inch tweeter, and the subwoofer cabinet has a 6-inch woofer for accurate low-frequency reproduction. Separate main and subwoofer volume controls are provided. The system has a total system power output of 25 watts RMS and a frequency response of from 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

JAZZ Speakers

JAZZ is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture, marketing, and support of advanced audio solutions for emerging technologies. JAZZ is a market-share leader in the worldwide computer audio category, providing high-performance multimedia products for the computer OEM and aftermarket industries. Audio products include amplified multimedia speakers and subwoofers utilizing the latest technological advances.

New products this fall include digital speakers, USB speakers, digital Virtual Dolby speaker systems, and speakers with JAZZ's A3S(tm) technology.

JAZZ maintains active OEM/ODM relationships with leading computer manufacturers and continues to expand its strategic partnerships with industry leaders. Consumers interested in additional information about JAZZ Speakers and its products may call (626) 336-2689 or visit their Website online at www.JazzSpeakers.com.

MedianiX Semiconductor

MedianiX Semiconductor, headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., is a leading provider of silicon solutions for digital consumer audio products. It provides the industry's widest range of single-chip digital 3D audio processors for ``personal electronics,'' which encompasses television sets, home-theater A/V receivers, add-on computer speakers and multimedia personal computers.

Based on proprietary DSP technology and standards-compliant digital audio algorithms, MedianiX audio processors provide consumer product OEMs with an array of choices that is not available from any other audio chip supplier. The company has established alliances and licensing arrangements with all of the leading audio processing technology companies, including Dolby Laboratories, Harman Interactive Group, BBE Sound, Inc., SRS Labs, Inc., and Spatializer Audio Laboratories, Inc.

MedianiX implements the digital audio algorithms developed by these companies in silicon, producing integrated semiconductor- and firmware-based digital products that are optimized for audio applications in consumer electronics and personal computers. Further information about MedianiX and its products is available on the World Wide Web at (http://www.medianix.com).

Note to Editors:

• (tm) Pro Logic is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories, VMAx is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc., and A3S is a trademark of JAZZ Speakers.
• (r) Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories, Spatializer is a registered trademark of Spatializer Audio Laboratories, Inc. SRS is a registered trademark of SRS Labs and BBE is a registered trademark of BBE Sound, Inc.

Contact:

     MedianiX Semiconductor, Inc.

     John Lee, 650/960-7081 ext. 238

     or

     FS Communications

     Joe Fowler, 650/691-1488