Yamaha/QSound Alliance Launches Audio Into Third Dimension; New 3D Audio Standard Expected; Yamaha Licenses QSOUND Technology

Business Wire, Nov 10, 1995

CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 10, 1995--Sound placement technology development will be accelerated as a result of a new alliance between QSOUND LABS, INC. and YAMAHA SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY, INC. The resulting product will provide a superior hardware/software sound localization product for use with Windows (R) software. Yamaha has entered into a non-exclusive licensing agreement with QSound Labs' for the use of its unique sound placement technology in Yamaha's "Audio Effects Chips." These chips will be distributed worldwide by Yamaha and their customers for use with Windows (R) Sound Drivers in personal computers.

The first products available resulting from this agreement are expected to be available in the first quarter of 1996.

QSound TM is a patented, multidimensional sound localization technology that provides greatly expanded soundfields creating an audio experience of previously unheard depth, clarity and realism. Traditional stereo playback equipment is all that is necessary for reproduction.

THE WINDOWS (R) 95 CONNECTION

Microsoft (R) Windows (R) 95 software contains several initiatives aimed at maximizing the PC's performance as a game platform. DirectSound TM, the core digital audio element, delivers high- speed sound handling - critical for fast-paced gaming. DirectSound3D TM, an extension of the Direct Sound application programming interface (API) targeted for delivery in 1996, will provide content developers with a uniform means of modelling a 3D sound environment. The Yamaha/QSound offering will fit this new API making development of 3D sound easier with incredible results.

"At Yamaha we highly regard innovators in sound and welcome the addition of their new ideas to our product lines," said Mr. Robert Starr, General Manager, Sales & Marketing of Yamaha Systems Technology, Inc. of San Jose C.A. "Yamaha has been working on its own version of three dimensional sound and sees the combining of Yamaha's technology with QSound technology as the next step in three dimensional sound development. This alliance with QSound is consistent with Yamaha's policy of collaboration with excellence."

"Yamaha's long-standing commitment to superior sound quality has been evident in their musical instruments and audio products for a great many years" said Mr. David Gallagher, President of QSound Labs" this collaboration with the world's leading manufacturer of high quality audio chips reinforces QSound Labs as the leader in 3D audio technology."

Yamaha Systems Technology, Inc. was founded to manufacture and market integrated circuits, board level products and complete systems to OEMS and VARs. The division's product line includes custom and semi-custom ASIC's standard circuits for graphics communications and audio applications and CD recorder products.

QSound Labs, Inc. is a leading-edge audio technology company specializing in virtual sound localization and enhancement. It is currently marketing its technology to the PC/multimedia and home entertainment and consumer electronics industries while continuing to develop superior 3D audio enhancements for future generations of audio products. The technology has been used by major recording artists, Sting, Madonna, Pink Floyd and Roger Waters and has been licensed by PC/multimedia, home entertainment and video arcade leaders Acer, Atari, Capcom, IBM, Intel, Mitsumi, and Sega.

CONTACT: QSound Labs, Inc.

Christine Anderson, (403) 291-2492

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS COMED REPEATS: New York 212-575-8822 or 800-221-2462; Boston 617-236-4266 or

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