New Audio Technology Takes Next Generation Titles from 5.1 to 7.1 Surround
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- CES 2008 -- THX Ltd., Neural Audio
Corp. and Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, today
announced that Prototype, the first-person shooter (FPS) for next-gen
gaming consoles and PCs, will be the world's first video game to feature
Neural-THX(R) Surround. The Neural-THX Surround technology enabled Radical
Entertainment, an internal development studio of Sierra Entertainment, to
extend the surround sound experience from 5.1 to 7.1, allowing gamers with
Neural-THX Surround capabilities on their audio-video receiver to play
Prototype in 7.1 discrete surround sound. Prototype will go on sale in the
U.S. in fall 2008.
Expanding the game audio experience to 7.1 allows gamers to add two
speakers to the rear of their home theaters or living rooms, creating a
360-degree listening environment. When playing Prototype in Neural-THX
Surround, sound elements will be placed in the front, side and behind the
gamer, enabling them to react to audio cues all around them. The result is
a more interactive and immersive game-play experience. A demonstration of
the Neural-THX Surround 7.1 game experience will be available in the THX
booth (South Hall: 20307) during CES 2008.
"Game developers and consumers alike are recognizing the importance of
accurate surround sound to the overall game experience, and the move to 7.1
surround represents a natural evolution of game audio," said Dr. Mark
Tuffy, games director at THX Ltd. "We are thrilled to partner with Sierra
and Radical Entertainment to introduce Neural-THX Surround for games. The
Prototype storyline and use of surround sound elements makes it the perfect
fit for 7.1 game-play."
A recent survey of U.S. gamers by Nielsen NRG revealed that more than
48 percent of Xbox 360 and 54 percent of PS3 consoles are connected to
multi-channel, home theater systems. In fact, more gaming consoles are now
connected to multi-channel audio systems than television speakers,
indicating that surround sound has grown in importance among the gaming
community.
For AV receiver and loudspeaker manufacturers, Neural-THX Surround,
offers a valuable new feature to attract and grow the next generation of
home theater enthusiasts. Neural-THX Surround is being integrated in an
estimated 70 percent of new audio-video receivers, from companies such as
Sony, Pioneer, Yamaha, Onkyo, Integra, Denon, Marantz, Inkel and Sherwood.
Neural-THX Surround AV receivers are being shipped in more than 25
countries worldwide.
ABOUT THX LTD.
THX Ltd. was founded by filmmaker George Lucas to improve the way movie
audiences experience the sights and sounds of feature films on the silver
screen. The goal, then and now, is to continually improve the entertainment
experience through strict engineering performance standards, innovative
product designs and breakthrough technologies. Leading companies from
around the globe count on THX to help them create better, more innovative
products and services. For more information, visit http://www.thx.com.
About Sierra Entertainment
Sierra Entertainment (http://www.sierra.com), a global division of
Vivendi Games, creates and publishes innovative, high-quality interactive
entertainment for videogame systems, handheld gaming devices and personal
computers. Sierra Entertainment features a portfolio of titles based on
original IP and popular licenses from industry-leading content partners,
including F.E.A.R. (TM), Crash Bandicoot(R), Spyro The Dragon(R),
Scarface(TM) and Ice Age(TM). Sierra Entertainment has four integrated
internal studios providing creative talents and development capabilities
across multiple gaming genres: High Moon Studios in San Diego, CA; Massive
Entertainment in Malmo, Sweden; Radical Entertainment in Vancouver, B.C.;
and Swordfish Studios in Birmingham and Manchester, England.
ABOUT NEURAL AUDIO
Neural Audio, through its Neural-THX(R) Surround technology and unique
audio optimization technologies, has become the key enabler in the delivery
of high quality content for the TV, radio, game, Internet, home theatre and
mobile markets. Key broadcast partners and customers such as XM Satellite
Radio, Yamaha Corporation, Sony Corporation, Pioneer Electronics, Onkyo
Corporation, Denon Electronics, Marantz America and Harris Corporation have
adopted Neural Audio technologies to provide the best quality audio
available today to their customers. For more information, please visit
http://www.neuralaudio.com, or http://www.neuralsurround.com.
THX is a trademark of THX Ltd., which may be registered in some
jurisdictions. All rights reserved.
Neural Surround(TM) is a trademark owned by Neural Audio Corporation.
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SOURCE THX Ltd.
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Related links:
http://www.thx.com
http://www.sierra.com http://www.neuralaudio.com
http://www.neuralsurround.com
CONTACT:
Graham McKenna, Sr. Manager, Global PR, of
THX Ltd., +1-415-492-3900, gmckenna@thx.com; Sunok Pak of Hill &
Knowlton, +1-415-281-7129, sunok.pak@hillandknowlton.com, for THX
Ltd.; or Erik Reynolds of Sierra Entertainment, +1-310-210-1682,
Erik.reynolds@sierra.com
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