FREMONT, Calif. -- Jan. 17, 1999 -- Continuing to demonstrate its position as the world's largest supplier of audio chips (1), Cirrus Logic Inc. (NASDAQ:CRUS) today unveiled the industry's first firmware support of advanced "Circle Surround" technology from SRS Labs.

Kenwood is the first company to introduce an A/V receiver on the US market that incorporates Circle Surround. "We believe Circle Surround will be an extremely successful feature in 2000," said Brian Towne, National Product Manager for Kenwood USA Corporation. "The Crystal DSP's ability to provide this advanced surround sound support in firmware has accelerated our time-to-market, enabling our VR-409 to be the first audio system to offer Circle Surround technology."

"This is the first sound enhancement technology we've heard where consumers will be able to immediately recognize an improvement in their overall listening experience," Added Joe Richter, President of Kenwood USA. "We think that when the VR-409 is demonstrated properly, consumers will be absolutely stunned by the enhanced experience they can achieve just by adding our new receiver to their current entertainment system. Our engineers and product planners agree that the VR-409 is our best effort yet to deliver a home theater product that is a perfect combination of performance, features, and price. We thank SRS Labs and Cirrus Logic for working with us to make the VR-409 possible."

Cirrus Logic's unique firmware support - now available with all of its Crystal® programmable audio DSPs - eliminates the need for the costly and complex dedicated analog circuitry that is typically found in today's Circle Surround system designs. The ability to quickly download the production-ready Circle Surround code from Cirrus Logic also simplifies design and reduces overall system cost.

"By innovating cost-effective DSP solutions that support Circle Surround, we expect to usher in a new era of multi-channel audio realism," said Terry Ritchie, vice president of consumer marketing for Cirrus Logic's Crystal Audio Products Division. "For the first time, value-priced consumer audio systems can now offer full multi-channel playback from standard stereo sources, such as CDs, VHS tapes, televisions and even radio broadcasts. Imagine being able to listen to your favorite stereo compact disc in full 5.1 channel surround sound. Our firmware support of Circle Surround makes it possible."

Multi-Channel Audio Not Just For DVD

The growth of 5.1 channel sound systems has been both fueled and hindered by DVD content. While many consumers are willing to upgrade to a 5.1 channel audio system and purchase new DVD content to maximize their home theater experience, others are still waiting for more content before they upgrade. With Circle Surround technology, 5.1-channel content moves beyond just DVD. Consumers can now enjoy 5.1-channel audio from existing stereo audio sources. To enjoy multi-channel audio, consumers no longer have to wait for DVD Audio discs, with Circle Surround, current stereo playback sources like CD and stereo movies are converted to 5.1 channels, delivering unparalleled audio realism.

Code Availability

The Crystal Circle Surround DSP audio firmware is production-ready and available now for implementation. The new CS4932x family, announced today, (2) of multi-standard consumer audio DSPs will offer Circle Surround as a downloadable upgrade at no additional silicon cost to the manufacturer.

Cirrus Logic, Inc.

Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of high performance analog and advanced mixed-signal chip solutions. The company's products, sold under its own name and the Crystal product brand, enable system-level applications in mass storage, audio and precision data conversion. Additional information about Cirrus Logic is available at www.cirrus.com.

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(1) According to the Forward Concepts' The Convergence of Audio report

(2) See related releases: Cirrus Logic Supports Advanced Surround Sound Technology Ushering in New Era of Multi-Channel Audio Realism & Cirrus Logic Converts Audio/Video Receiver Into Internet Player

Note to editors: Cirrus Logic and Crystal are registered trademarks of Cirrus Logic Inc.

All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.