DigiTimes:
Taiwan-based IC designer Realtek Semiconductor today announced the launch of the ALC850, claiming it to be the world?s first 8-channel AC?97 Rev 2.3 audio codec. Fully complying with the new AC?97 Rev 2.3 specification, the ALC850 provides a jack-sensing function (surround, center/LFE, front-mic, surround back), a PCBEEP generator, and interrupt capability, the company said. In addition, the ALC850 is embedded with Realtek?s proprietary UAJ (Universal Audio Jack) technology, providing three universal jacks (Line-out, Mic-in, Line-in), giving users plug and play convenience. The ALC850 also supports S/PDIF input and output, allowing digital connections with DVD systems or other audio/video multimedia. It is packaged in a 48-pin LQFP.
The 8-channel audio codec will enable higher-level audio applications and lead the PC industry into next-generation sound quality. The company launched its 6-channel AC?97 audio codec last year. ?This is an irresistible trend,? said Davis Kung, Realtek?s audio product manager, in a statement. ?The world?s leading audio format providers ? Dolby Laboratories (Dolby) and Digital Theatre Systems (DTS ? are promoting 7.1-channel audio systems and it is forecast that this application and market will be mainstream in early 2004. The Realtek 8-Channel ALC850 makes it possible for PC users to enjoy advanced 7.1-channel super surround sound audio entertainment?. Samples of the new chip are available now and mass production is scheduled for October 2003. A number of Taiwan?s motherboard manufacturers will showcase their products equipped with the Realtek ALC850, at Computex 2003, which will be held during September 22 ? 26.
Taiwan-based IC designer Realtek Semiconductor today announced the launch of the ALC850, claiming it to be the world?s first 8-channel AC?97 Rev 2.3 audio codec. Fully complying with the new AC?97 Rev 2.3 specification, the ALC850 provides a jack-sensing function (surround, center/LFE, front-mic, surround back), a PCBEEP generator, and interrupt capability, the company said. In addition, the ALC850 is embedded with Realtek?s proprietary UAJ (Universal Audio Jack) technology, providing three universal jacks (Line-out, Mic-in, Line-in), giving users plug and play convenience. The ALC850 also supports S/PDIF input and output, allowing digital connections with DVD systems or other audio/video multimedia. It is packaged in a 48-pin LQFP.
The 8-channel audio codec will enable higher-level audio applications and lead the PC industry into next-generation sound quality. The company launched its 6-channel AC?97 audio codec last year. ?This is an irresistible trend,? said Davis Kung, Realtek?s audio product manager, in a statement. ?The world?s leading audio format providers ? Dolby Laboratories (Dolby) and Digital Theatre Systems (DTS ? are promoting 7.1-channel audio systems and it is forecast that this application and market will be mainstream in early 2004. The Realtek 8-Channel ALC850 makes it possible for PC users to enjoy advanced 7.1-channel super surround sound audio entertainment?. Samples of the new chip are available now and mass production is scheduled for October 2003. A number of Taiwan?s motherboard manufacturers will showcase their products equipped with the Realtek ALC850, at Computex 2003, which will be held during September 22 ? 26.
