mp3 SURROUND Set for Launch

The mp3 SURROUND technology will enable 5.1 channels surround-quality sound for applications such as web-based music distribution, broadcasting systems, PC-related audiovisual or gaming applications, consumer electronics and automotive systems.

mp3 SURROUND supports high-quality multi-channel sound at bit rates comparable to those currently used to encode stereo mp3 material, resulting in files half the size of common compressed surround formats. At the same time, the new format offers complete backward compatibility to any existing mp3 software and hardware devices.

Attracting attention at several recent industry events, the new mp3 SURROUND format has become eagerly anticipated by the vast mp3 user community. The web site http://www.mp3surround-format.com now provides users immediate download access to free mp3 SURROUND evaluation software, demo samples and detailed technology information.

Thomson, which has partnered with Fraunhofer IIS since the codec's launch in 1992, is adding Fraunhofer Institute's new mp3 SURROUND technology to its licensing program.

The evaluation encoder enables the creation of mp3 SURROUND files out of 5 or 6-channel wav material. The Fraunhofer IIS mp3 SURROUND player is capable of decoding and playing back the surround format's files as well as stereo mp3 material. This software-only solution runs on any standard PC with multi-channel audio capabilities.

The evaluation period of the mp3 SURROUND encoder will expire on the 31st of December 2005, while the Fraunhofer IIS player will continue to remain fully functional. The use of the software is allowed for personal and non-commercial purposes only. Professionals can license mp3 SURROUND from Thomson at http://www.mp3licensing.com.

Source: press release

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