Micronas, 1 Ltd unveil digital sound projector turnkey solution

Micronas and 1 Ltd announced the availability of a turnkey solution in software and hardware that for the first time provides the functionality of Digital Sound Projector integrated in a consumer audio system-on-chip. Digital Sound Projector technology produces real surround-sound without the need for multiple loudspeaker enclosures and wiring.

Digital Sound Projectors comprise of a single speaker enclosure containing an array of speakers. These speakers simultaneously produce multiple beams of sound, which are individually steered and projected within the room. The walls and ceiling are then used to reflect these beams producing real surround-sound for the TV viewer. The technology provides a complete surround-sound solution, which replaces an amplifier, unsightly cables and multiple speaker boxes.

Digital Sound Projector technology is implemented in the firmware of the QuadMAU audio DSP in Micronas' MAP-M and MSP-M family of audio processors. The MSP-M is designed for televisions receiving analog and digital broadcasts, the MAP-M is optimized for televisions focusing on digital TV as well as for home-audio applications such as integrated audio systems or Home-Theater-in-a-Box (HTiB). MSP-M and MAP-M provide multiple interfaces such as S/PDIF and IS for digital audio, line I/O and phono- and microphone-inputs for analog signals.

Stefan Hepp, director marketing consumer audio at Micronas, said, "We are delighted to offer 1 Ltd's advanced Digital Sound Projector technology in our IC family. Micronas has offered intelligent surround-sound solutions for several years. Now we can offer a breakthrough in system partitioning and cost with the Digital Sound Projector technology on our chip platform. We believe this combination will meet a strong need in the market."

Steve Collicott, business development manager of 1 Ltd, stated, "Implementing Digital Sound Projector IP into the leading range of Micronas SoC audio processors is the first step in gaining mass consumer take-up of the technology. Consumers will be able to purchase FPTV's with an integrated Digital Sound Projector exploiting its advanced beaming features whilst taking advantage of a real surround-sound system without the clutter of separate speakers and cables unlike psycho-acoustic offerings, the Micronas solutions allow all of the audio channels to be heard, even when moving around the room.�

Micronas
1 Ltd