Intel supports advanced DVD audio for the PC............
INTEL: Intel announces support DVD WG-4 audio spec to bring
advanced consumer-quality audio to the PC
M2 PRESSWIRE-18 February 1998-INTEL: Intel announces support DVD WG-4 audio specification to bring advanced
consumer-quality audio to the PC (C)1994-98 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
* Intel is the first PC industry company to join audio working group creating next-generation music industry format
INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM, SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Intel Corporation today announced its membership in the DVD
WG-4 Audio Working Group and support for its proposed DVD audio specification as a next step in bringing
next-generation consumer-quality audio to the PC platform.
Intel is the first computer industry representative invited to join the predominantly consumer electronics forum that has been
meeting with music industry representatives for the last two years.
Intel supports the proposed WG-4 format as the most cost-effective and PC-friendly, and will provide input to the committee
in its efforts to make this an accepted standard. "We are taking an active role in the multi-industry efforts to help develop new
copy protection technologies that serve hardware, software and consumer electronics companies," said Dan Russell, director
of platform marketing in Intel's Desktop Products Group. "These efforts will also help pave the way for our OEMs and IHVs
to implement these new technologies quickly and cost-effectively."
The Audio Working Group is a committee of the DVD Forum composed of more than 30 top consumer electronics and
music industry representatives to create the specifications for the recording industry's next-generation audio format utilising
DVD.
"Support of the WG-4 specification is consistent with Intel's position to drive audio to the next level of convergence, bringing
high-quality digital audio to consumer electronic devices," said Russ Hampsten, Intel's audio marketing manager.
"The power of Intel's processors will allow us to take advantage of this emerging technology, making the PC a port of choice
for DVD audio playback. We have geared our activities toward making this a cost-effective reality for our customers and
ultimately end users."
Intel outlined its vision and direction of next generation PC audio in April 1997 with its Audio '98 Roadmap. Recognizing that
excellent audio enriches the multimedia PC experience, the Audio '98 Roadmap discusses the impact of general trends and
highlights specific technology ingredients that bring high-performance, built-in, quality audio support to the consumer PC.
The latest update to PC audio, Audio Codec '97 version 2.0, was announced at the September Intel Developer Forum. The
AC '97 2.0 specification defines new cost-effective options to help PC OEMs integrate the components necessary to support
next-generation audio-intensive PC applications such as DVD, 3-D surround sound, multiplayer games and interactive music.
The specification also defines new extensions supporting modem and docking to help both desktop and mobile manufacturers
incorporate these new features more quickly and cost-effectively.
Intel is offering a special session today on DVD audio at its Intel Developer Forum. A technical presentation on the
specification implementation is being made by Nick Kuroda, JVC DVD promotion manager and secretary of the DVD Audio
Work Group.
"Intel's efforts in DVD audio will accelerate the process of bringing quality audio to the PC and be invaluable to the music and
recording industry," said Jac Holzman, chief technologist at Warner Music. Holzman will also be present at the Intel Developer
Forum, participating in the day's session activities. Holzman was previously the founder and, for 23 years, chief executive
officer and creative head of Elektra Records. He discovered such artists as The Doors, Bread, Judy Collins, Harry Chapin,
Carly Simon and Queen.
"The PC will offer many exciting audio options for enjoyment as well as audio editing capabilities used in the music and
recording industry," said Bike H. Suzuki, general manager of JVC Research Center and chairman of the WG-4 DVD Audio
Working Group. "Intel's participation helps the WG-4 address issues relevant to the PC platform and validates our intent on
creating an open standard which is easy to implement and cost-effective for all."
The Intel Developer Forum is a three-day intensive forum providing hardware OEMs and IHVs in-depth information on Intel
technologies and initiatives. More information on the Intel Developer Forum can be found at www.intel.com/design/idf.
Continual updated information between Intel Developer Forums is available by subscribing to the Platform Solutions
Newsletter at developer.intel.com/solutions.
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of personal computer, networking and communications
products. Additional information is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
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