ESS Technology Licenses x2(TM) 56K Technology From
U.S. Robotics(R)
FREMONT, Calif., May 29 /PRNewswire/ -- ESS Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:ESST) announced
today it has licensed x2 technology for 56Kbps-modem operation from U.S. Robotics
(Nasdaq:USRX - news). ESS will offer the 56K download speed option in its ES2820 DSP-based
modem chipset line of integrated circuit communications solutions.
The new 56K modem will be inter-operable with other x2 modems, as well as Internet services
supporting the x2 technology, and will be upgradeable to the 56K standard ultimately adopted by
the ITU standards organization. The ESS x2-compatible 56K chipset is expected to be available in
the third quarter of 1997.
``The addition of true x2 56Kbps capability solidifies ESS' advanced modem product offering,'' said
Bo Ericsson, vice president of marketing at ESS Technology. ``We will implement x2 technology in
our stand-alone modem products and provide a seamless x2 upgrade path for current modem
customers. As the world leader in PC audio, ESS also intends to take advantage of x2 technology in
future architectures combining audio and modem. We look forward to working with U.S. Robotics
and other leaders to bring the higher speeds that x2 provides to the broadest market possible.''
``This agreement with ESS Technology is another testament to x2's leading position in the
marketplace for 56K technology,'' said Joe Dunsmore, vice president, U.S. Robotics. ``And it
expands the options available for modem and PC manufacturers who implement x2. Modem
companies can also be assured that x2 is supported by most of the world's largest ISPs. Already,
more than 350 ISPs provide x2 service today in nearly 870 cities across the U.S. and Canada.''
ESS Technology, Inc. is a leading supplier of PC audio and digital video semiconductor solutions for
the PC and consumer markets. ESS designs, develops, and markets highly integrated mixed signal
semiconductor and software solutions for multimedia applications. ESS, headquartered in Fremont,
California, has sales and technical support offices in Beijing and Shenzhen, China; Tokyo, Japan;
Taipei, Taiwan; Hong Kong; and Austin, Texas. ESS Technology is listed on the Nasdaq Market
System under the symbol ESST. World Wide Web site: esstech.com
x2 products are capable of 56K downloads; however, due to FCC rules, which restrict power |
