Sigmatel Implements HD Audio
Online staff -- EDN, January 5, 2005
Sigmatel this week introduced three new codecs that implement Intel’s new high definition audio (HD audio) specification, enabling a new class of audio performance on PCs.
The 2-channel STAC9200 is targeted primarily to notebook and corporate desktop PCs and includes true 24-bit audio and a 100dB signal to noise ratio (SNR).
The STAC9221 and STAC9220 are both 8-channel high fidelity codecs for PC and convergent media applications. The STAC9221 enables surround sound "theater quality" 7.1 audio for the high-end PC, media center applications and convergence devices such as digital media adapters (DMA) and media center extenders. The STAC9220 enables high definition audio for the mainstream desktop PC.
According to the Austin, Texas-based company, the STAC9200 performance level rivals the audio fidelity of consumer electronics and supports Dolby Sound Room specifications. Such PCs provide Dolby headphone, Dolby Pro Logic II and Dolby virtual speaker capabilities, the company said in a statement.
"The STAC9200 sets the performance standard for audio in notebook PC applications," said Phil Pompa, Sigmatel Integrated Components Group VP, in a statement. "The high fidelity and innovative features, coupled with the advanced software and high degree of customer support, make the STAC9200 an obvious choice for high quality notebook applications."
The HD audio capability was created to bring PC audio closer to that offered by consumer electronics devices.
"High Definition Audio is designed to provide dramatic improvements to PC audio quality," said Sunil Kumar, director of chipset and software marketing for Intel. “With its new STAC9200 Sigmatel adds an important building block to enjoy HD audio on mobile computers. Chip-level support from Sigmatel will help enable the wider consumer adoption of the HD Audio specification."
The STAC9221 is deigned for media-centric systems such as media center PCs, game enthusiast PCs and new classes of devices aimed to distribute music and video around the home. The STAC9221 provides 8-channels of true 24-bit audio with a 105dB SNR, enabling theater quality 7.1 surround sound to PCs and PC-like devices.
The STAC9221 incorporates an ADAT Lightpipe interface allowing connectivity to professional audio equipment. The STAC9220 provides 95dB SNR performance setting the standard for the high volume, mainstream desktop PC and high end notebook PCs.
"The audio performance of the STAC9221 enables PC-like systems that seamlessly integrate into the home theater and home listening environment," said Pompa. "For the first time, the consumer does not have to sacrifice audio fidelity to gain the benefits of the media center PC."
