Dolby Digital Does Windows 98
By John Yacono
New York
1:45 p.m. EST Mon., Feb. 9, 1998
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Computer speaker-system manufacturer, Altec Lansing Technologies Inc., today announced a strategic alliance with Zoran Corp. to develop products based the Zoran ZR38600 Digital Audio Signal Processor.
Altec Lansing's objective is to design a family of affordable Dolby Digital AC3, Dolby Surround/Pro-Logic and MPEG2 surround-sound systems for computers, DVD players, digital televisions and set-top boxes.
According to Edward Anchel, Altec' s chairman and chief executive, "The alliance with Zoran means our audio products will deliver true multi-channel digital audio at prices affordable to both OEM manufacturers and consumers."
Altec brings to the table years of experience in the computer-audio market and research into Universal Serial Bus based audio products.
Audio controlled by USB devices is currently supported in Windows 95, but the market lacks a critical mass of peripherals. Windows 98 is expected to add digital-streaming support for audio via USB. Speaker systems that can accept digital audio could replace soundcards, creating new opportunities for companies with the right silicon and experience at USB peripheral design.
Anchel added that, "New technology, including DVD, USB and AC3 means people can enjoy the best quality digital audio with their computers..."
The ADA305 and ADA310 DVD Speaker Systems will be Altec's first products based on the Zoran chip. The ADA305 will be simply controlled via USB. ADA310 DVD is designed to work with a computer' s DVD drive, it will support Dolby Digital AC3 Surround Sound and feature on-screen controls. The signal path between the DVD drive and ADA310 will be entirely digital. |
