Date: 07/01/2009

Set of audio IP solutions from ARC for consumer OEMs and silicon vendors

ARC International has introduced audio intellectual property (IP) solutions for consumer electronics product categories: digital TVs and home theaters, portable media devices, and PC and laptop computers called "sound-to-silicon" solutions. These "sound-to-silicon" solutions comprise audio enrichment software, low power hardware platform, optimized codecs and related software, and development and mastering tools and services.

OEMs benefit from ARC's Sonic Focus software's acoustical modeling and time domain analysis engine that was created in the studio and on the stage and refined in partnerships with music industry professionals. OEMs can choose from multiple silicon suppliers offering ARC-Based chips for their devices.

For semiconductor companies, the "Sonic Focus ready" ARC Sound Subsystem offers the low power and small form factor compared to any other in the industry. Codecs, drivers, OSs, and software development and EDA tools complement the configurable ARC processor in the subsystem, reducing development and test time. By leveraging the configurable nature of the ARC Sound Subsystem in combination with the scalable Sonic Focus audio IP, semiconductor customers can design a platform to target multiple audio applications.

"ARC is pioneering a new way for OEM and chip companies to deliver compelling electronics products. With our new sound-to-silicon solutions, customers can create unique products that increase competitiveness, lower development costs, and greatly improve the consumer multimedia experience in a variety of key market segments," said Carl Schlachte, president and CEO of ARC International.


Enriched Bass Listening Experience
Each ARC solution includes the recently introduced Virtual Bass software that delivers a rich bass sound on existing speakers and headphones, thereby eliminating the need for expensive woofers. Video describing this new technology is available at http://www.arc.com/sonicfocus/virtual_bass.html

ARC Portable Media Device Solution
Implemented on a portable media device, the ARC PMD solution enables consumers to enjoy music, movies, and games anywhere and anytime with a home entertainment center listening experience and extended playback time. It provides an integrated audio offering that chip vendors can differentiate to reduce silicon cost and operating power and provide competitive advantage. The solution allows OEMs to cut their manufacturing cost while building a product that will engage the consumer.

ARC Digital TV and Home Theater Solution
The ARC Digital TV and Home Theater solution creates a compelling home entertainment center listening experience that provides for the ear what high-definition video provides for the eye. The ARC solution eliminates costly components for the OEM, such as center channel speakers and woofers, thus reducing speaker count along with amplifiers and hardware. The ARC solution enables chip builders to create a differentiated device that addresses set-top box, digital TV, home theater, and home media server applications.

ARC PC and Laptop Solution
The ARC Personal Computer and Laptop audio solution provides a home entertainment center listening experience on PCs and laptops using existing speakers or headphones. The solution comprises industry-leading ARC Sonic Focus audio enrichment products that refine the sound so it resembles the original performance, while eliminating the need for costly audio components.

Availability
ARC's integrated audio solutions are available immediately for licensing to OEMs and semiconductor companies. ARC-Based chips incorporating the "Sonic Focus ready" ARC Sound Subsystem are available to OEMs.