*** Audio
Intel Announces Support FOR DVD WG-4 Audio Specification
(February 19)
Intel Corporation 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.
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.
www.intel.com
Dell Offers Aureal's Vortex Chip on Dell Dimension XPS D 300
and 333 MHz Systems
(February 25)
Aureal Semiconductor Inc. announced that Dell Computer
Corporation will offer Aureal's Vortex AU8820 digital audio
processor in the Turtle Beach Montego A3D which is the PCI
audio card for the Dell Dimension XPS D 300 and 333 MHz
Systems.
Vortex is a high performance PCI audio chip which provides full
PC'98 compliance. Vortex raises the quality level of PC audio
by delivering A3D Interactive audio, pro quality wavetable
synthesis, DirectSound acceleration, high quality sample rate
conversion, and full support for legacy audio DOS based games.
www.Voyetra.com
www.aureal.com
Orchid to ship NuSound 3D
(March 19)
Micronics Computers, Inc. through its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Orchid Technology, announced its plans to ship NuSound 3D, a
three-dimensional audio product, into Europe by the end of
March 98 and domestically in April. Distinguished by the Aureal
Semiconductor chipset, Vortex AU8820, NuSound 3D immerses you
in stimulating audio effects. NuSound 3D presents a natural
compliment to your gameplay –audio coming at you from every
direction.
Utilizing more audio streams than your average stereo system,
true 3D positional sound is possible through the accelerated
PCI bus. This new pass-through audio standard called A3D
Interactive by Aureal, adds amazing 3D audio realism and
immersion to interactive software titles.
NuSound 3 has an U.S. suggested retail price of $69.00. For
European sales inquiries, contact Nick Harwood at 44-1-256-
479898 voice, 44-1-256-364222 fax or nickh@micronics.com.
www.orchid.com
Wave Issue 9808 4/15/98 Article 5-01