FREMONT, Calif., -- June 2, 1998 -- Cirrus Logic Inc. (NASDAQ:CRUS) announced today the availability of a consumer electronics version of its multimedia-rich PC convergence reference design. Called MediaMax™ EC-II, the new entry combines into one system the features found in a DVD player, a personal computer and a set-top box. Enabling systems priced at $799 or less, the MediaMax reference design allows manufacturers to provide consumers with a complete home entertainment system for much less than the cost of the system's individual components.

Cirrus Logic worked in conjunction with Philips RCS, IBM Microelectronics Division, and Universal Scientific Industrial Company, Ltd. (USI) to create this no-compromise design. The state-of-the-art MediaMax EC-II system includes: a DVD player with 5.1 channel sound, a TV tuner, a TV-out encoder with exceptional DVD video quality, 3D AGP graphics, 3D positional audio, a PCI based V.90 modem, the IBM6x86MX PR233 MMX processor, 32MB of memory, 256KB cache, 2.1GB HDD, a bundled software solution of consumer applications, two USB ports, two 1394 ports, and an infrared (IR) keyboard/mouse with optional universal remote control. In addition, a $599 solution based on this design is available without DVD or TV tuner.

"Cirrus Logic is committed to providing comprehensive entertainment solutions for the consumer electronics industry which are based upon our strong DSP and mixed-signal expertise," said Art Swift, vice president and general manager of Cirrus Logic's PC Products Division. "We are able to accomplish this because of the work we have done with our partners, combining our core strengths."

Philips RCS Division worked closely with Cirrus Logic to implement their USB-based IR technology that allows the MediaMax EC-II reference design to support seven IR devices simultaneously, including an IR keyboard/mouse, a universal remote control with mouse, and IR gamepads.

Mr. Candido Peterlini, marketing manager, Philips RCS Division added, "Convenience and ease-of-use are essential to the success of any consumer product. Our expertise in IR technology and peripherals provides an important edge in the living room environment through extremely long battery lifetime and exceptional remote operation from any angle."

IBM Microelectronics provided the IBM6x86MX processor, the CD1V MPEG2 decoder and memory technology for the MediaMax EC-II reference design. Multimedia-rich consumer software is also available from IBM/Lotus to enhance this solution.

"IBM has worked closely with Cirrus Logic to create a leadership solution for the consumer marketplace," said Chris King, director, worldwide marketing, IBM Microelectronics Division. "Our combined design expertise allows the addition of key features and increased performance while keeping costs low."

USI has committed to manufacturing Cirrus Logic's reference design for its worldwide customer base. "Successful companies know how important it is to bring products to market quickly and cost-effectively," said Brian Hsieh, program manager, sales & marketing, USI. "When timing is everything, USI is ready with the manufacturing expertise, quality, reliability and cost model that allows OEMs to quickly get a MediaMax EC-II-based system into production at a very attractive price point."

Specific Design Features For MediaMax EC-II

The MediaMax EC-II system reference design includes unparalleled features and performance required for the cost-sensitive consumer electronics market, drawing on the proven expertise of Cirrus Logic, Philips RCS and IBM:

From Cirrus Logic:

Hardware accelerated 3D graphics

Hardware accelerated 3D sound using D3D

Hardware accelerated 5.1 channel sound

PCI based V.90 modem

TV-out encoder with exceptional graphics and consumer quality DVD video

Software integration and complete system design

From Philips RCS:

USB IR Hub

IR Keyboard/Mouse

Universal Remote with Mouse (Optional)

IR Gamepad (Optional)

From IBM:

IBM6x86MX MicroProcessor

CD1V MPEG2 Decoder

32MB of EDO Memory

DVDExpress Player/Navigator from IBM

IBM/Lotus multimedia and consumer software

Computex Demonstrations

Cirrus Logic will be demonstrating MediaMax EC-II during Computex at the Grand Hyatt Taipei, Suite #1532 and #1536. IBM will be showing the MediaMax EC-II in Suite #1407 and USIC will be demonstrating in Booth B522 on the Computex show floor.

Cirrus Logic, Inc.

Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of system-level integrated circuits that depend on high-performance mixed-signal processing. The company applies its system expertise to enable high-volume applications in data storage, networking, and multimedia for both computing and consumer electronics markets as well as ultra-precision data acquisition applications for industrial automation and instrumentation markets.

Additional information about Cirrus Logic and its subsidiaries may be accessed on the World Wide Web at www.cirrus.com

or via fax-on-demand at (800) 359-6414 (dial 510-249-4200 from outside the United States).

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Note to editors: Cirrus Logic is a registered trademark of Cirrus Logic Inc. and CrystalClear is a trademark of Cirrus Logic Inc. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.