Microsoft Enters PC Speaker Business With Product to Make PCs Sound More Like
High-End Home Audio Systems
REDMOND, Wash., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) will
publicly debut Microsoft(R) Digital Sound System 80, Microsoft's first PC
speaker system, at this year's Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3), to be held
May 28-30 in Atlanta (Booth 4420 in West Hall, Georgia Congress Center).
Digital Sound System 80 will bring PC users crisp, clear sound more like the
audio quality they've come to expect from high-end home audio systems.
Microsoft Digital Sound System 80 is an 80-watt, three-piece PC audio
system that includes two satellite speakers and a subwoofer with a built-in
digital amplifier. Microsoft's sound system accepts both digital and analog
sound inputs, so it provides smooth, dynamic sound and tight, responsive bass
with the Universal Serial Bus (USB)-compatible Windows(R) 98 operating system,
non-USB systems and non-PC entertainment systems.
"Sound is an increasingly important part of the PC experience -- and often
the most overlooked," said Richard Brudvik-Lindner, product manager for
Digital Sound System 80 at Microsoft. "With multimedia developers using
positional sounds and other audio effects to add drama and realism to games,
music and simulations, good speakers become increasingly important to enjoying
everyday computing."
Microsoft is applying its experience in designing innovative hardware
products to help create a new category: high-quality, high-fidelity digital PC
sound. Microsoft combines its expertise with Philips Electronics, a recognized
leader in digital audio and USB technology, to design its best-in-class PC
audio system. The pairing gives Microsoft exclusive use of Philips' patented
wOOx subwoofer technology, which provides Microsoft Digital Sound System 80
with maximum bass response and a smooth, rich sound, whether using an analog
or a digital signal.
Full digital audio is possible in PCs for the first time, thanks to USB, a
two-way communications link that lets users connect devices to PCs without
reconfiguring any software. USB will be enabled on a wide variety of new and
existing computers next month with the scheduled release of Windows 98.
Microsoft Digital Sound System 80 uses USB to pull digital audio signals
directly from the Internet, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs or audio CDs and converts them
to analog sound in the subwoofer, rather than through a sound card inside the
PC. This diminishes potential noise pollution from the PC and greatly enhances
PC sound quality.
Feature Set and Consumer Benefits at a Glance
The Microsoft Digital Sound System 80 capitalizes on advancements made
possible by USB, using USB to carry not only audio control signals, but the
audio signal itself. USB audio signals can be customized using a 10-band
programmable graphic equalizer in the software accompanying Digital Sound
System 80. The equalizer lets listeners create and save personalized sound
profiles, optimizing the sonic qualities of music genres (e.g., rock vs.
classical), types of content (e.g., games vs. music) or audio sources (e.g.,
CD-ROM vs. Internet audio).
Microsoft Digital Sound System 80 can also add 3-D-sound realism and
immediacy to the PC experience in two ways: It simulates a home-theater-like
sense of audio immersion with standard stereo sound sources, such as an audio
CD or game soundtrack, and it uses Microsoft Surround Sound to decode true
surround sound in games and CD-ROMs that feature it.
Satellite and subwoofer volume and mute controls are located on the right
satellite speaker for fast, easy access, automatically synchronizing with
software-based controls. The three-piece system is easy to set up and features
a small-footprint design.
Availability and System Requirements
To take full advantage of all the USB features of Microsoft Digital Sound
System 80, users will need a multimedia Pentium 166 or higher PC with USB,
Microsoft Windows 98, and a compatible double-speed or faster CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM drive capable of playing digital audio. To use the speaker system in
analog mode, users will need a PC running the MS-DOS(R) operating system
version 5.0 or higher or the Microsoft Windows 3.x or higher operating system,
and a Sound Blaster-compatible audio board with a MIDI-enabled game port.
Microsoft Digital Sound System 80 is scheduled to be available in fall
1998 with an estimated retail price of $259.95.
About Philips Electronics
Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is one of the world's largest
electronics companies, with sales of more than $39 billion (U.S.) in 1997. It
is a global leader in color television sets, lighting, home telephony
products, electric shavers and recorded music (PolyGram). Its
264,700 employees in more than 60 countries are active in the areas of
semiconductors and components, consumer products, professional products and
systems, lighting, and software and services. Philips is quoted on the NYSE as
well as the London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other stock exchanges. News from
Philips is located at http://www.news.philips.com/.
Microsoft Hardware Group
The Microsoft hardware group employs innovative engineering, cutting-edge
industrial design and extensive usability research to create products of
exceptional quality and durability that improve the software experience and
strengthen the connection between users and their PCs.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software for
personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services
for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it
easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of
personal computing every day.
NOTE: Microsoft, Windows and MS-DOS are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective
owners.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
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Related links:
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CONTACT:
gaming press, Adam Kahn, 425-452-5400, or
akahn@shandwick.com, or all other press, Brad Smith,
612-841-6134, or bsmith@shandwick.com, both of Shandwick, for
Microsoft Corp.; or Marty Gordon of Philips Electronics,
408-570-5694, or marty.gordon@na.km.philips.com
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