Altec Lansing Pioneers All-Digital Sound Systems For PC Audio And Home Theatre

New, Compact Systems Combine Class D Digital Amplification And Micro-Speaker Technology To Deliver Hi Fi Sound

9-Feb-01

Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc., the leading developer of PC audio solutions for the retail and OEM markets, became the first manufacturer to introduce a line of all-digital sound systems. Available at retail in spring 2001, the new line incorporates Direct Digital Amplification (DDXÆ) and new micro-driver speaker technology to create a breakthrough in sound quality. The amplifier and speakers are unified in elegant, compact enclosures and deliver high fidelity sound at a fraction of the cost of conventional technology. From PC entertainment to home theatre, the compact, all-digital speaker systems are ideal for playing all types of digital audio including CDs, MP3s, DVDs, DTV and streaming audio. Signals remain digital from source to speaker, removing the quality losses associated with digital-to-analog conversions that occur in traditional audio systems. The new system eliminates the need for an external amplifier by performing all amplification at the speaker. The result is clear, crisp sound reproduction unmatched by conventional systems in the same price class.""The breakthrough sound systems overcome many of the drawbacks that impaired digital sound reproduction in the past,"" said Tommy Freadman, President, Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. ""Now there's a home entertainment sound system designed to bring out the best in digital media with the quality to rival many home theatre systems.""Traditionally a leader in the PC audio market, Altec Lansing has integrated this new technology into sound systems for both PC and home theatre environments. To develop the new line, Altec Lansing drew upon its expertise in integrated PC audio solutions and leveraged relationships with Apogee Technology, Inc., developer of Direct Digital Amplification (DDX) technology, and the ALST Center, an independent research and development venture created by Altec Lansing with support of STMicroelectronics. ALST created the DDX-based chip amplifiers incorporated into the speaker systems.The DDX digital amplifiers are nearly twice as efficient as a comparable analog amplifier. The coupling of a DDX amplifier with Altec Lansing's highly efficient, proprietary micro-driver loudspeakers allows the system to render rich, accurate sound using very low power. According to Freadman, the combination of these technologies also allows for a much smaller speaker enclosure and exceptionally low harmonic distortion.""Now we can deliver an integrated, all-digital sound system that will please both audiophiles and average consumers seeking compact, digital entertainment systems,"" continued Freadman.Altec Lansing plans to deliver the new speaker systems through both the PC and home theatre retail channels. Two system classes are expected to ship in late April - each will offer the option of two, four or five satellites and subwoofer. The All-Digital Personal system is designed for use with a personal computer and convergence media applications such as MP3 playback or DVD-ROM players in a small listening area. All-Digital Personal will be designed in 2.1, 4.1 and 5.1-channel configurations for both stereo and surround sound applications. The All-Digital Classic is designed for use in a standard home theatre environment and will be compatible with set-top boxes, televisions, MP3 playback devices, gaming stations, stereo systems and DVD players. All-Digital Classic will be offered in 2.1, 4.1 and 5.1-channel configurations for both stereo and surround sound applications. The 2.1 and 4.1-channel All-Digital Personal systems will be available at retail for approximately $129 and $199. The 2.1 and 4.1-channel All-Digital Classic systems will be available for approximately $149 and $399. Pricing for the 5.1-channel system is still pending. Final pricing will be announced in April 2001. For additional information about Altec Lansing, visit www.altecmm.com.

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