Full Versions of mp3 SURROUND Encoder and Decoder Available at www.mp3surround-format.com
Thomson (Euronext Paris:18453) (NYSE:TMS) today announced that mp3, the world's
most popular audio compression format, goes multi-channel. Fraunhofer Institute
for Integrated Circuits IIS, inventors of mp3, together with Thomson, co-inventors
of mp3 and exclusive licensing representative for their mp3 patents and software,
and Agere Systems (NYSE:AGR.A) (NYSE:AGR.B), have joined to launch mp3 SURROUND
into the consumer and commercial markets. This technology will enable 5.1 channels
surround-quality sound for a broad spectrum of applications including web-based
music distribution, broadcasting systems, PC-related audiovisual or gaming applications,
consumer electronics and automotive systems.
mp3 SURROUND supports high-quality multi-channel sound at bit rates comparable
to those currently used to encode stereo mp3 material, resulting in files half
the size of common compressed surround formats. At the same time, the new format
offers complete backward compatibility to any existing mp3 software and hardware
devices.
Attracting attention at several recent industry events, the new mp3 SURROUND
format has become eagerly anticipated by the vast mp3 user community. The web
site http://www.mp3surround-format.com
now provides users immediate download access to free mp3 SURROUND evaluation
software, demo samples and detailed technology information.
Thomson, which has partnered with Fraunhofer IIS since the codec's launch in
1992, is adding Fraunhofer Institute's new mp3 SURROUND technology to its licensing
program.
"The free mp3 surround evaluation software will enable everyone to test
the latest feature of the digital audio standard. We encourage music artists,
engineers and producers to experience this new multichannel audio format and
realize the benefits of its portability and backward compatibility," said
Henri Linde, Vice President, Growth Initiatives, Audio & mp3 program of
the Intellectual Property and Licensing unit for Thomson.
The evaluation encoder enables the creation of mp3 SURROUND files out of 5
or 6-channel wav material. The Fraunhofer IIS mp3 SURROUND player is capable
of decoding and playing back the surround format's files as well as stereo mp3
material. This software-only solution runs on any standard PC with multi-channel
audio capabilities.
mp3 SURROUND was developed by Fraunhofer IIS in collaboration with Agere Systems.
Using a psychoacoustic technique called binaural cue coding, mp3 SURROUND captures
the spatial image information of multi-channel sound. This method is critical
in preserving the compact file size that mp3 users expect.
"We are delighted to advance mp3 into the area of multi-channel audio,
with the help of Agere Systems. As surround sound is increasingly gaining importance
in the marketplace, we are confident that mp3 SURROUND will attract the attention
of music production professionals and consumers alike," said Juergen Herre,
Chief Executive Scientist at Fraunhofer IIS.
"Together, Fraunhofer IIS and Agere are developing technology that will
contribute to the delivery of a compelling compressed multi-channel audio solution
into the marketplace," said Peter Kroon, chief multimedia architect for
Agere's Mobility business. "This work is part of Agere's overall commitment
to provide advanced multimedia technology that enables consumers to stay connected."
The evaluation period of the mp3 SURROUND encoder will expire on the 31st of
December 2005, while the Fraunhofer IIS player will continue to remain fully
functional. The use of the software is allowed for personal and non-commercial
purposes only. Professionals can license mp3 SURROUND from Thomson at http://www.mp3licensing.com.
About Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS
The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, today with 450 staff
members, reached international recognition with the development of the audio
codec MPEG Layer-3. It provides research services on contract basis and technology
licensing. Research topics are: Audio and video source coding, digital radio
broadcasting systems, analog and digital integrated circuits, tools for design
automation, high-speed camera systems, industrial and medical vision systems,
wireless, wired and optical networks, nanofocus X-ray technology, and communications
technology in transport and logistics. For more information visit http://www.iis.fraunhofer.de.
About Agere Systems
Agere Systems is a global leader in semiconductors for storage, wireless data,
and public and enterprise networks. The company's chips and software power a
broad range of computing and communications applications, from cell phones,
PCs, PDAs, hard disk drives and gaming devices to the world's most sophisticated
wireless and wireline networks. Agere's customers include the top manufacturers
of consumer electronics, communications and computing equipment. Agere's products
connect people to information and entertainment at home, at work and on the
road -- making personal broadband a reality. More information on Agere is available
at its website http://www.agere.com.
About Thomson - Partner to the Media & Entertainment Industries
Thomson (Euronext Paris:18453) (NYSE:TMS) provides technology, systems and
services to help its Media & Entertainment clients -- content creators,
content distributors and users of its technology -- realize their business goals
and optimize their performance in a rapidly changing technology environment.
The Group intends to become the preferred partner to the Media & Entertainment
industries through its Technicolor, Grass Valley, RCA and THOMSON brands. For
more information: http://www.thomson.net.
