It's official now. DVD is now a requirement for any respectable desktop computer.
biz.yahoo.com
DVD and USB-Controlled Speakers Introduced on Dell
Dimension Desktop PCs
ROUND ROCK, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 2, 1997--Dell Computer Corporation
(Nasdaq: DELL - news), the world's leading direct computer systems company, today announced
that it has begun offering digital video discs (DVD) and new USB-controlled speakers with its Dell
Dimension(R) XPS desktop PCs for small business customers and home PC users.
The new USB-controlled speakers announced today are designed by Altec Lansing Technologies
Inc., and for a limited time will be offered exclusively on Dell Dimension XPS PCs. The new Altec
Lansing ACS495 speakers include Dolby(R) circuitry and management software to enable users to
operate their computer audio system through a graphical user interface (GUI).
Dell co-developed the speaker GUI with Altec Lansing to enable users to visually manage the audio
experience. Users can customize and save audio presets for different environments such as games
or movies where the speakers' Dolby Pro-Logic surround sound would best play.
Altec Lansing believes the new ACS495 to be the first speakers controlled by USB (Universal
Serial Bus) technology. USB provides an interface for commands to be communicated to and from
the GUI and the ACS495 speakers, allowing users to choose between manual or onscreen speaker
settings.
''Our shared development efforts with Dell allow customers to hear innovative, multi-channel,
surround sound that is USB-controlled,'' said Ed Anchel, Altec Lansing chairman and CEO. ''As a
result, people can hear superior surround sound audio playback from games, audio CDs or DVD
movies while personalizing their listening environment with our Audio Management GUI.''
Second-Generation DVD
Dell's DVD solution is developed by Hitachi and Quadrant International based on
second-generation DVD technology. Dell waited for second-generation DVD to deploy on
Dimension PCs for its faster performance and backward compatibility with recordable CD-ROMs,
which allows business customers the ability to run existing programs and files.
The Hitachi GD-2000 DVD-ROM drive runs at DVD speeds of 2x with variable 8/20x CD
performance for a powerful multimedia platform for movies, interactive games and educational
software. Complementing this solution is the Quadrant CineMaster C-1.2D decoder card, which
provides high-performance MPEG 2 video and Dolby Digital (AC-3) sound decoding.
''After looking at the limitations of first-generation DVD, Dell made a strategic decision to wait until
the technology was more developed before adding it to Dell Dimension PCs,'' said Bill Peterson,
director of marketing, Dell Dimension business unit. ''Because many of our Dell Dimension
customers such as small businesses employ CD-R devices, we felt that full backwards compatibility
would be the best choice. For home PC users, we determined that the first-generation DVD
performance and quality levels were below what would make for the best customer experience.''
The new Altec Lansing ACS495 speakers are available today on Dell Dimension XPS PCs for
$183. Dell's DVD offering is expected to be available before the end of the year on Dell Dimension
XPS PCs with Intel Pentium(R) II processors for $299. Included in the price is the DVD controller
card.
Dell Dimension desktop PCs, which are custom-built for small businesses and home PC users, have
been recognized with more than 120 product awards this year from the top five industry-leading
high-tech publications, including the prestigious title as 1997 ''Product of the Year'' by
PC/Computing magazine. For a listing of recent product awards for Dell Dimension PCs, visit Dell's
homepage at www.dell.com/products/dim/mvp.
Altec Lansing Technologies Inc., based in Milford, Pa., is a leading designer, developer and
manufacturer of high-quality multimedia personal computer and home entertainment sound systems,
and is developing a series of solutions for emerging digital technologies. Consumers interested in
additional information about the company and its products can call 800-ALTEC88 or visit the
company on the worldwide web at: altecmm.com.
Ranked in the top 200 of Fortune 500(R) companies, Dell Computer Corporation is the world's
leading direct computer systems company, based on revenues of $11 billion for the past four
quarters. Dell designs and customizes products and services to end-user requirements, and offers an
extensive selection of peripherals and software through the DellWare(R) program. Information on
Dell and its products can be obtained through its toll-free number 1-800-388-8542 or by accessing
the Dell World Wide Web server at www.dell.com.
Dell, Dell Dimension are registered trademarks and DellWare is a registered service mark of Dell
Computer Corporation. Fortune 500 is a registered trademark of The Time Inc. Magazine Co. Intel
and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corp. Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the
marks and names of others. |
