Direct Digital Amplification (DDXÆ) Technology Helps Altec Lansing Pack Superior Sound Into Micro-Speaker Package

New Digital Amplifier Chip Set Drives First All-Digital Sound Systems

2-Mar-01

Apogee Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: APGT), leading developer of digital audio amplification technology, has announced a major design win for its patented Direct Digital Amplification (DDXÆ) technology. Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc., leading developer of PC audio products, is using Apogeeís DDX all-digital, high efficiency amplifier technology as a core component in the companyís new line of all-digital sound systems. Designed for all types of digital audio in the personal computer and home theatre markets, Altec Lansingís All-Digital Personal and All-Digital Classic speaker systems are ideal for playing CDs, MP3s, DVDs, and streaming audio. The new speaker systems couple Apogeeís high efficiency amplifier technology, packaged as a chipset, with Altec Lansingís micro-driver loudspeakers to deliver clear, crisp sound at a fraction of the cost and size of traditional audio technology.""Using Apogeeís DDX technology, the beauty and excitement of pure digital sound is now a reality,"" said Tommy Freadman, President and Chief Technology Officer, Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. ""This revolutionary digital amplifier technology will allow us to deliver compact, high quality speaker systems at price points that consumers will appreciate."" Direct Digital Amplification (DDX)Apogeeís patented DDX technology enables Altec Lansing to produce a new generation of audio products that deliver pure digital sound. DDX directly amplifies the digital audio, eliminating the need for and cost of a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). This approach removes potential analog signal corruption and quality losses that occur in traditional audio systems, thus enabling true digital audio production. In addition to superb sound, DDX amplifier solutions provide Altec Lansing with nearly twice the efficiency of comparable analog amplifiers. This eliminates the need for external heat sinks, thus reducing space and manufacturing costs. Together with their proprietary micro-driver loudspeaker technology, the system allows for a much smaller speaker enclosure with very low power requirements.""The market demands high quality, compact audio designs and Altec Lansing is seizing the opportunity,"" said David Meyers, Apogeeís Vice President Business Development. ""Combining Apogeeís DDX digital amplifiers with Altecís unique micro-speaker technology establishes the next generation of all-digital speaker systems, with universal applications in the home and workplace.""The core of the Altec Lansing speaker design is a new DDX digital amplifier chipset. This was developed under a licensing agreement with the ALST Technical Excellence Center with design and manufacturing provided by STMicroelectronics. Designed for consumer electronics companies developing digital-powered speakers or other digital audio playback products, this solution integrates multiple digital audio interfaces, specialized audio signal processing and preamplification functions, and provides up to five channels of DDX amplifier outputs. For more information about Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc., visit www.altecmm.com. Additional information about Apogee and DDX products can be found at www.apogeeddx.com.

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