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WHITE PAPER: New PC Sound Requirements

Attacking MP3 File Compression and PC Fidelity Input/Output for

HOLISTIC Listening Improvement

December 9, 2002

Traditionally, sound in personal computers has not really been

about listening quality. Beeps, chirps and other simple tones

used in personal computers were originally created to

augment various commands, not to support an alternative

listening experience. Used primarily as audio cues, personal

computer sounds were tied to games, productivity applications

or used as a single element in a brand, as in the Microsoft®

“chord” that plays upon the opening of the Windows®

operating system.

Today, however, PC sound is going through a renaissance.

Because of the proliferation and increasing sophistication of

personal computers – and the continued migration of digital

media into the home in general – consumers now want to

listen to their computers in much the same way they listen to

their stereos or TVs. Now, consumers want to improve the

quality of entertainment experiences that are uniquely and

conveniently provided by their computers.

Manufacturers are responding. New computer introductions

are emerging onto the market that position the PC as the

staging area for home entertainment. In addition to enhanced

music capability, these PCs have TV tuner cards, Personal

Video Recorders (PVR), online program guide, etc.

Philips White Paper: New PC Sound Requirements

Page 1 of 9

Summary of content (9 pages)

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WHITE PAPER: New PC Sound Requirements Attacking MP3 File Compression and PC Fidelity Input/Output for HOLISTIC Listening Improvement December 9, 2002 Traditionally, sound in personal computers has not really been about listening quality. Beeps, chirps and other simple tones used in personal computers were originally created to augment various commands, not to support an alternative listening experience.
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Similarly, in the past the standalone sound card market was relegated to serving the needs of vertical segments like audiophiles and gamers (who were willing to pay quite a bit for additional sound capability). Today’s market is driven by mainstream consumers. The Importance of MP3. It should be noted that the PC entertainment trend has been greatly accelerated by the MP3 file format. In fact, MP3 files have revolutionized consumer music.
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returns, and this approach no longer improves sound quality in a meaningful way. Most surprisingly, this traditional view of sound card functionality has not attempted to address or compensate for the loss of data in MP3 files. Clearly, the MP3 format (including the new mp3Pro format) will continue to play a major (if not the central role) in digital music for years to come.
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powerful game-focused systems, a new way of thinking about PC sound was required. Managing a wide range of variables is called Holistic Sound Management. While MP3 is important, there is still a surprisingly large number of digital file formats, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. There are an infinite number of speaker and headphone combinations. And, whatever the speaker arrangement, the nature of the room plays an important role. Holistic Sound Management.
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Surround. Both cards include three governing feature sets for managing sound holistically: 1. Intelligent Media Processing (IMP): The Philips software foundation that constantly monitors the type of sound input and renders it according to output. 2. Compelling 3D virtualization: Technology developed by QSound Labs for Sound Agent 2 creates the absolute best 3D audio experience for any headphone, stereo speaker or multi-channel speaker system.
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3. Virtual 5.1 Channel Surround: From 5.1 channel sources such as multi-channel software DVD players, QSurround virtualizes each channel for dynamic reproduction through stereo speakers. In addition, QSurround enhances playback through multi-channel 5.1 speakers for a seamless and more immersive surround experience. Attacking MP3 Format Limitations. QSizzle and QRumble are audio frequency response modifiers. This technology is in the same general category as tone controls and equalizers (i.e. filters).
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enhancement. Furthermore, it permits greater levels of boost without objectionable side effects. Obviously, QSizzle and QRumble substantially reduce the need for user readjustment. QSizzle and QRumble are particularly effective in the treatment of digital audio content that has been encoded using data compression algorithms such as MP3.
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Joe also likes to interact with other people online. While the music is playing, he uses his PC microphone to talk with his online gaming friends via software that provides IP based Internet chat. His friends create mono voice streams that are processed by Sound Agent's QMSS 5.1 technology that is mixed with the other multi-channel streams and” localized”, so Joe feels like the voices of his friends are immersed in the actual soundtrack of his online adventures.
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Affordable pricing. Unlike vertical markets, mainstream consumer demand requires that the sound cards be less that $50 (less than 10% of the average PC price). As a result, the suggested retail price of the Sonic Edge 5.1 is well under $50 (the Dynamic Edge 4.1 is half that). Philips. Royal Philips Electronics has been marketing technology into the home for over 100 years.