SigmaTel
Delivers Sound Technology for Sony VAIO(R) Desktop
PCs; New Sound Reality(TM) Technology Puts
Professional Quality Sound Capabilities in the Hands
of Consumers
AUSTIN,
Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 26, 2005--When
consumers turn on the new Sony VAIO(R) desktop PCs to
watch a movie, play music or compose a song, they'll
be experiencing professional theater quality sound
based on the new Sound Reality(TM) processor, which
features technology from SigmaTel, Inc.
(NASDAQ:SGTL). SigmaTel, a global leader in analog
intensive, mixed-signal integrated circuits for the
digital multimedia consumer electronics and computing
markets, is a champion of putting professional
quality audio capabilities in the hands of everyday
consumers. The Sound Reality technology is a
combination of SigmaTel's theater quality 8-channel
High Definition Audio codec and Sony's DSD
technology, offering consumers a professional audio
quality experience not found on today's conventional
PCs.
"SigmaTel
and Sony worked together to develop the Sound Reality
processor for the new VAIO desktop PC family, opening
up the world of professional sound creation to
mainstream consumers," said Ron Edgerton,
president and CEO of SigmaTel. "Soon, the line
between professional and at-home users could blur to
the point where one is indistinguishable from the
other."
Powered by
SigmaTel's 8-channel High Definition Audio codec,
multimedia PCs like Sony's new VAIO PC Type R, Type H
and Type V models introduced for the Japanese market
last month and the VAIO RC series and selected models
in the RB series now available in the US, provide
music enthusiasts and home studio users with the
world's first consumer PC audio chip capable of
recording and playback in the Sony DSD format; the
codec used in Super Audio CDs. Additionally, these
new PCs are compatible with the new Intel High
Definition Audio standard providing compatibility
with any Windows-compatible software.
Sony worked with
SigmaTel to create a system that maintains a very
high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a measure of signal
strength relative to background noise. The new Sony
VAIO PC family far exceeds the sound quality of
conventional PC sound processors with an average SNR
of 107 dB. To get the most out of the Sound Reality
technology, Sony engineers reduced electronic noise
within the PC, dramatically reducing the noise
generated during the sound transfer process improving
total sound quality.
Additionally,
the Steinberg, AG Audio Stream Input/Output
(ASIO(TM)) API provides compatibility with high-end
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and audio editing
software. ASIO technology, which was previously only
available to professionals in high-end studio
equipment, makes it possible for consumers to take
advantage of professional sound creation and editing
capabilities at competitive, mass-market prices.
About SigmaTel:
SigmaTel, Inc.,
a fabless semiconductor company headquartered in
Austin, Texas, designs, develops, and markets
proprietary, analog intensive, mixed-signal ICs for a
variety of products in the consumer electronics and
computing markets, including portable compressed
audio players, such as MP3 players, notebook and
desktop PCs, digital video cameras, multi-functional
peripheral products, digital televisions, and set-top
boxes. SigmaTel provides complete, system-level
solutions that include highly-integrated ICs,
customizable firmware and software, software
development tools, reference designs, and
applications support. The Company's focus is on
providing system-level solutions that enable
customers to rapidly introduce and offer electronic
products that are small, light-weight,
power-efficient, reliable, and cost-effective.
SigmaTel is ISO 9001:2000 certified and is committed
to providing customers with high performance, quality
products along with superior customer service.
