Cirrus Logic Helps SongPro Add Digital Audio Playback Capability to Nintendo Game Boy Devices; Cirrus Logic EP7312 Processor, CS43L43 Converter Power New SongPro Player

Business Wire, Oct 23, 2002

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 23, 2002

The first ever plug-in module that turns the estimated 125 million in-operation Nintendo(R) Game Boy(R) Color(R) and Advance(R) devices into affordable WMA/MP3 players launches next month, featuring two high-performance, low-power semiconductors from Cirrus Logic (Nasdaq:CRUS).

The SongPro Player from SongPro, Inc. is a compact, lightweight and easy-to-use digital audio and multimedia player that plugs into Game Boy(R) devices to provide audio functionality, connectivity and playback of WMA, MP3 or special SongPro Audio (SPA) files, which allow for graphics and text, such as album art, lyrics and pictures to be displayed on the Game Boy(R) high-resolution screen. It also allows for the enjoyment of digital storybooks, photographs, slide shows, digital stamp and card collecting and other pastimes.

Cirrus Logic's EP7312 processor handles all of the player's digital audio decoding duties and controls all system features and power management functionality. The SongPro Player also utilizes Cirrus' on-chip Maverick Key functionality to provide a complete hardware and software solution for securing digital content.

"Cirrus Logic's EP7312 processor helped us produce a compelling new product that delivers a high level of performance and supports multiple audio compression standards, all while keeping battery power consumption low," said Dr. Marc Hannah, chief technical officer, SongPro, Inc. "Cirrus' EP7312 part also helped enable the player's sleek form factor and 1.3 ounce weight due to its a small 204-pin TFBGA package and glueless connection to the Cirrus CS43L43 digital-to-audio converter."

The SongPro Player also utilizes the Cirrus Logic CS43L43 digital-to-analog output system that converts digital music rendered by the EP7312 into analog music that is then output to the user's headphones. The CS43L43 is ideal for portable playback systems that require extremely low power consumption.

"SongPro's new product provides compelling new functionality for the estimated 125 million worldwide Game Boy(R) user base," said Terry Leeder, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Cirrus Logic. "This design win provides yet another example of how Cirrus is enabling the creation of entirely new categories of digital entertainment products."

The SongPro Player is priced at $99 and will be distributed beginning in November throughout the United States via major retail outlets including Toys 'R' Us and Best Buy. The product will also be available online at Amazon.com and Songpro.com. International distribution is scheduled for 2003.

Cirrus Logic, Inc.

Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of high-performance analog and DSP chip solutions for consumer entertainment electronics that allow people to see, hear, connect, and enjoy digital entertainment. Building on its global market share leadership in audio integrated circuits and its rich mixed-signal patent portfolio, the company targets mainstream audio, video and Internet entertainment applications in the consumer entertainment market. Cirrus Logic operates from headquarters in Austin, Texas with offices in California, Colorado, Europe, Japan and Asia. More information about Cirrus Logic is available at www.cirrus.com.

SongPro, Inc.

SongPro is a digital multimedia device and content distribution company that enables the delivery of open and secure content to the consumer marketplace. SongPro's premier product is the first multimedia player plug-in module for the Nintendo(R) Game Boy(R) that bridges the ever-popular world of handheld video gaming with the tidal wave of digital music and audio content. The SongPro module turns the millions of Nintendo(R) Game Boys(R) in use into affordable WMA/MP3 players with the unique ability to simultaneously display scrolling visuals, such as album art and lyrics. SongPro utilizes RioPort's PulseOne Media Service(TM) and Direct-to-Device (d2d)(TM) technology, allowing its device users to easily access a large library of secure music from major recording artists using their SongPro player and any PC. SongPro is developing the SongPro Network, giving its device users access to thousands of SPA music and multimedia files through the company site, partner sites, and digital docking stations.

Safe Harbor Provision

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release are forward-looking statements that are dependent on certain risks and uncertainties including such factors, among others, as the ability of the EP7312 processor and CS43L43 converter to perform as expected, the risk factors listed in the company's Form 10-K for the year ended March 30, 2002, and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The foregoing information concerning Cirrus Logic's business outlook represents our outlook as of the date of this news release, and Cirrus Logic undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new developments or otherwise, except as required by law.