Kenwood Selects Tripath Technology's Class-T Audio Amplifiers; TA2022 Powers 450 Watt All-In-One Home Theater System

Business Wire, August 27, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 27, 2002

Tripath Technology Inc. (Nasdaq:TRPH), creators of Digital Power Processing (DPP(R)), announced today that its Class-T(TM) advanced 1-bit digital audio amplifiers have been chosen by Kenwood for their latest DVT-8100 Powered DVD Home Theater System.

At the heart of Kenwood's newest home theater system are three Tripath Class-T TA2022 digital audio amplifiers which enable Kenwood's system to distribute an impressive total output power of 450 watts, 75W x 6 channels (6 ohm) in a very compact chassis. Kenwood's fully-integrated system will consist of a DVD player, AV receiver, MP3 decoder, built in DTS(TM)/Dolby(TM) Digital decoder and 5 satellite speakers with a passive subwoofer. Tripath's patented signal processing techniques are combined with a switching mode approach that generates high fidelity sound with significantly lower heat dissipation making it ideal for compact design applications. Tripath has already begun volume shipments and Kenwood's system will be available later this quarter.

Tripath's broad line of Class-T advanced 1-bit digital amplifiers are rapidly gaining market acceptance within high growth consumer electronics categories, such as powered DVD home theater systems, micro-component systems, set-top boxes, personal computers, aftermarket automotive electronics, LCD TVs and flat panel displays. These tightly integrated Class-T(TM) based designs set a new standard for high power, exceptional sound quality and high efficiency. Kenwood joins a list of other industry giants who have chosen Class-T as their digital amplifier technology such as Aiwa, Apex Digital, Denon, Fujitsu, JVC, Panasonic, Sony and Motorola.

"Our goal was to create one of the highest-quality home theater systems available in the market today. Tripath Technology allowed our engineers to design a very powerful integrated home theater system with exceptional sound quality and low heat dissipation," said Mr. Naoto Hiraga, Engineering leader of 1st System Design Team, Home Electronics Division of Kenwood.

"Kenwood is recognized as a leader in providing exceptional value for high quality home entertainment products," said Dr. Adya Tripathi, Chairman, President and CEO of Tripath. "We are pleased that Tripath's Class-T(TM) digital amplifier technology was selected to power this impressive line of home theater products."

About Advanced Class-T(TM) 1-bit Sigma Delta Digital Audio Amplifiers

Tripath's advanced Class-T(TM) 1-bit digital audio amplifiers rely on a fundamentally new approach to amplifier design utilizing semiconductor-based amplifiers that provide significant performance, power efficiency, size, weight and cost advantages over traditional amplifier technology. Instead of conventional pulse width modulation, Class-T(TM) employs multiple signal processing techniques, including adaptive/predicative processing, noise shaping, pre-distortion and sigma delta modulation.

About Tripath Technology

Based in Santa Clara, California, Tripath Technology Inc. owns the proprietary technology called Digital Power Processing (DPP) technology, which combines modern advances in digital signal processing and power processing. Tripath's current products target audio applications with sales to leading consumer electronic and computer companies such as Sony, Aiwa, Hitachi, Blaupunkt and Apple Computer; as well as DSL communications equipment providers, such as Alcatel, with Tripath's low power line drivers for central office applications. For more information please visit our web site at www.tripath.com.

About Kenwood

Kenwood Corporation has expanded its business operations to include audio products for home and automobile, wireless radio equipment and electronics equipment such as car navigation Systems. Kenwood is a name of high-quality sound in every context; especially the pure and rich sound created by its audio equipment fascinates audiophiles. To continue providing attractive products that meet users' needs in world markets and being recognized as a reliable brand that provide superior quality and value, Kenwood is working on advanced digital and networking technologies and actively developing new products and pioneering new businesses for the coming multimedia age. Further information can be obtained by visiting www.kenwood.com

Safe Harbor Statement - Certain matters discussed in this news release, including express or implied statements concerning consumer electronics manufacturers and the consumer electronics market, are forward-looking statements. The actual results may vary for those stated or implied from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, risks in product development plans and schedules, rapid technological change, changes and delays in product approval and introduction, customer acceptance of new products, the impact of competitive products and pricing, market acceptance of our customers' products, the lengthy sales cycle, proprietary rights of the Company and its competitors, dependence on third parties to manufacture products, general economic conditions and other risk factors detailed in the Company's United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings.