News Release

VIA Announces New High Performance Eight-channel Audio Codec

An integral component in VIA's Vinyl Audio strategy, the VIA Eight-TRAC promises to deliver enhanced features and leading audio fidelity

Taipei, Taiwan, 23 September 2003 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator and developer of silicon chip technologies and PC platform solutions, today announced the VIA Vinyl Eight-TRAC codec featuring 100dB SNR and support for the latest multimedia content, enabling the next generation of AC'97 audio.

Continuing VIA's leadership in providing high quality Audio solutions, the VIA Vinyl Eight-TRAC is another step in the audio revolution with a leading combination of high audio fidelity and a premium feature set. Complying with AC'97 revision 2.3, the Eight-TRAC supports 8-channel outputs, and up to 20-bit resolutions and 96kHz sampling rates.

The VIA Vinyl Eight-TRAC also supports DualMax™ hardware down-mixing, stereo enhancement, and integrates a high-quality headphone amplifier. To make set-up as easy as possible, the VIA Eight-TRAC provides innovative Sixth-Sense™ jack detection, and MixMaster™ technology enabling maximum flexibility in configuring customized audio set-ups.

"VIA was the first to market with 8-channel audio solutions in both the soundcard and integrated audio markets, and now with the VIA Vinyl Eight-TRAC we will continue to provide support for the latest 8-channel content in new market segments," commented Steve Chen, Executive Assistant to the CEO, VIA Technologies, Inc. "As well as having wide appeal in the integrated Audio on Motherboard market, we see the Eight-TRAC enabling us to offer more flexible solutions together with our VIA Vinyl Envy24HT-S and Envy24PT Audio Controllers."

The VIA Vinyl Eight-TRAC come equipped with a stylish, easy to use interface as part of the Stylus Audio Driver that enables full access to all of its wide range of features. The driver also includes as a standard feature full 3D Immerzio™ gaming support integrating Sensaura technology, enabling new levels of gaming support in an AC'97 solution.

About the VIA Vinyl Eight-TRAC

Complying with AC'97 revision 2.3, the VIA Eight-TRAC (VT1617) features 8-channel outputs, and support for up to 20-bit/96KHz content. Feature support includes DualMAX hardware down-mixing that allows end users to enjoy 6-channel audio with 2-channel or 4-channel speakers. To maximize recording quality for home studio applications the VIA Eight-TRAC integrates 20-bit, Sigma-Delta ADCs for stereo recording with white noise removal. The analog mixer circuitry integrates a stereo enhancement to provide a pleasing 3D surround sound effect for stereo media. A high-quality headphone amplifier is integrated into the Eight-TRAC, reducing BOM cost and design time.

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